It’s no surpise that the handsome Blair Underwood and the beautiful Lisa Vidal, both talented veteran actors, would be chosen to play the character roles of the president of the United States of America (Elias Martinez) and the first lady (Christina Martinez).
Smart, funny, and humble, the two actors sat down with rolling out on the Sunset-Gower studio lot in sunny Los Angeles to discuss their new television series and the real president and first lady, Barack and Michelle Obama. Underwood and Vidal took a break from shooting the all-important season finale.
The new show, “The Event,” premiered on NBC on Sept. 10, 2010. The weekly plot revolves around a group of extraterrestrials, some of whom have been detained by the government for the 66 years since their ship crashed in Alaska. Others have secretly assimilated among the general populace.
Because of their current roles, many may wonder if Underwood and Vidal have any connection with the real-life president and first lady. Underwood said he actually met Obama 20 years ago when Obama was a student at Harvard and saw him again just before his presidential campaign.
“What I felt, from college to the beginning of the campaign and seeing him through the context of the White House, was an incredible sense of weight on his shoulders, just being attacked from all corners,” he said.
Vidal said she has not met Michelle Obama, but did sit right across from her while dining at one of her favorite L.A. restaurants.
“I got to watch her with her daughters and some friends, and she was graceful, beautiful and bright,” shared Vidal, who says she feels fortunate to be a part of “The Event.” She said jokingly, “At least I haven’t played a maid in a long time.” –michael marks contributed reporting to this story
Be sure to check out the season finale of The Event on NBC Monday, May 23, 2011
