She also shared that she was initially hesitant to sign on to House of Cards, both because it was a television show and because she didnt want to play "a woman who's arm candy to a politician." Wright's performance in season 5 earned her a fifth consecutive Primetime Emmy nomination at the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards. Produced by David Fincher, House of Cards was the first Netflix series to be produced in-house and helped usher in a new era for streaming services and prestige television. Chester A. Arthur 22. While Frank is in surgery, Claire helps guide Frank's weak vice president Donald Blythe (Reed Birney) through a diplomatic crisis with Russia. Theres the unsuccessful UN bid and the sacrifice of her giving up the Clean Water Initiative. And so Season 5 ended with Claire in the Oval Office and Frank about to go to war with his wife. With Usher's help, the Underwoods finally defeat Conway once and for all, and Frank resumes his duties as POTUS. Its women like these that lead cultural critic Camille Paglia to claim that high heels dont cripple women, but serve as weapons. When Frank Underwood became Vice President on November 10, 2013, Claire Underwood assumed the role as Second Lady of the United States. She left Frank for a time in Season 1 and went to stay with Adam in New York. Frank calls her repeatedly, but she forwards the calls. Claire made her first appearance in the series' pilot episode, "Chapter 1". Join Amazon Prime Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime Start Free Trial Now, threatened to go public if they did not acquiesce, House of Cards Season 2 Review: Episodes 4-6, House of Cards Season 2 Review: Episodes 1-3, House Of Cards season 4 spoiler-filled review, Heat, Empire Records, and the Best Movies Free on Plex in January, The Best Jeff Beck Side Project Tracks and Deep Cuts, Every Marvel Movie and TV Show Coming in 2023, House of Cards: Why Robin Wrights Claire Underwood Is the True Leader. [48] Wright was again nominated for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards and Best Actress Television Series Drama at the 72nd Golden Globe Awards. "Chapter 1" In the final moments of the final episode of House of Cards which occurs in a truncated season made after Spacey left the show due to allegations of sexual misconduct the president, Claire. It was a calculated move, a careful pawn reserved for the right time. James Buchanan 16. [44] The role has also earned Golden Globe Award for Best Actress Television Series Drama award at the 71st Golden Globe Awards on January 12, 2014. Claire retaliates on the day of the South Carolina primary by covertly leaking a photo of Frank's father with a Klansman, imperiling Frank's candidacy. She sees that Frank has burned a hole into the American flag in the Oval Office, and breaks the fourth wall, saying: "My turn.". Walker publicly testifies against Frank, prompting him to appear before the committee and resign the presidency. [56] She continued to be the show's only nominations at the 24th Screen Actors Guild Awards and the 8th Critics Choice Television Awards, both hosted in early 2018. How is Claire Underwood acting president? Here we see Frank not as a cunning leader who has duped an entire nation, but as Claire's political puppet, one she's been manipulating from day one. . She was able to manipulate Trisha Walker into seeking couple's counseling for herself and the President, where the First Lady was also prescribed pills that were really meant for the President. Wright's performance is described as "nuanced and compelling". Corrigan, however, is unwilling to sign a statement that relieves Russia of any responsibility in how it treats the LGBT community. Kathleen also smokes like her Netflix descendent, but Claire seems to just relish it more, as if shes savoring the taste of her imminent revenge while biding time. President of the United States (2017-present)Vice President of the United States (2017)First Lady of the United States (2014 - 2017) U.S. [23] Later in the season, she reveals that she is pregnant with his child. Assuming Russo was a dead man either way, the bill's failure actually helps Underwood by giving Russo more motive for suicide. William McKinley 26. Vice President Underwood, however, is also not without a conscience. "[15] This gives a credibility to their symbiosis. Additionally, Claire carried the first half of season 4s narrative while Francis was in a coma, undermining our investment in Francis to the point that it did not necessarily matter whether or not he survived. Claire Hale Underwood, later returning to her maiden name Claire Hale, is the deuteragonist of the Netflix series House of Cards. [3] The Frank Underwood character was written out of the show as having died,[4] and Claire became the main character of the show's sixth and final season. "Francis and I . Before attending Radcliffe she went to school at the prestigious Phillips Academy. Openly, the Underwoods supported Secretary of State Catherine Durant, but behind closed doors, had small numbers of delegates vote for Claire, with the Underwoods dismissing it as "good fun". As a result, Claire became Acting President of the United States as a temporary . This leads to numerous states filing lawsuits and refusing to honor the election results. There was plenty of speculation over how (despite Claire previously serving as Acting President and being Vice President) the writers could gracefully manage such a transition, but one thing is . During Frank's election campaign, Claire begins to question whether she still loves him. At the 2016 Democratic Convention, there was no clear Vice Presidential candidate to complete the party ticket, so President Francis Underwood held an open convention for Vice President. In the midst of this controversy, Claire fully breaks the fourth wall for the first time, directly addressing the audience and acknowledging that she's always known we've been there, but was ambivalent about our attention. Her parents were referred to as being very wealthy and she has come from generations of ranchers. ", "Claire's Fourth Wall Breaks In 'House of Cards' Season 6 Reveal She's Just As Cunning As Her Husband", "Claire Underwood's Pregnancy In 'House Of Cards' Season 6 Was The Ultimate Power Move", "Kevin Spacey's Leading-Man Problem The star of the 13-hour "House of Cards" is as impenetrable as ever", "House Of Cards Season 1, Episode 13 Recap: All's Well That Ends Well (Or Not)", "Review: 'House of Cards' returns for more political dirty deeds", "Second season of 'House of Cards' is a vote for vice", "Antihero Or Villain? Robin Wright regrets that her House of Cards character, Claire Underwood, was not legitimately elected to the presidency. Date of birth: Children: Her essays and book reviews have appeared or. Voters turn against Conway, and the Underwoods win the election. In the Season 2, it is revealed that Claire grew up in the elite enclave city of Highland Park in Dallas County, Texas. [20], In season 3, when the Underwoods are President and First Lady of the United States, Claire's marriage to Frank begins to falter. Democratic During Chapter 49, they are seen to engage in a relationship of a sexual nature. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Throughout the season, she works behind the scenes to undermine Frank's election campaign, before finally joining forces with him in order to become his vice president. Spouse(s): While she has previously had three abortions, her decision not to have children is perhaps something she second-guesses, as she has previously shown interest and affection towards Peter Russo's two children. Why does Frank resign as President? This paternal closeness resulted in a strained relationship with her mother, Elizabeth Hale. When a truck carrying radioactive material goes missing, Acting President Claire is locked in an underground bunker, but Doug quickly uncovers that the entire thing was engineered by. March 11, 2015 Courtesy of Netflix. "I will talk about this if you want but if youre doubting yourself, I cant indulge that.". She leaves him in the season finale but comes back in the fourth season, treating their marriage as a purely political arrangement to further her own career. She immediately regrets it, and tells Yates that they can't see each other anymore. Birthplace: Claire is the only person who refers to Frank as Francis, and he is also listed in her phone as Francis. He dies while having sex with Claire, and she has Usher get rid of the body. She wears more silks now, soft fabrics for a softer, unsure. She herself has an affair with an old boyfriend, Adam Galloway (Ben Daniels). [10] In season 2, she remains "equally steely". Robin Wright ", to which he replies, "I want you back too.". While the House was a complete caos, Claire managed to convince a Democratic Senate to vote her as VP. George Washington 2. In the series finale, Claire arranges a meeting with Stamper, whom she suspects has been hired by the Shepherds to kill her. Robin Wright as Claire Underwood in Netflix's "House of Cards." Film is a relatively new medium, so how much has it really changed? On Election Day, Claire and Frank learn that they may lose because of low voter turnout. Because Claire Underwood and Leann Harvey were behind the KKK billboard, and their tactics might just be enough to break the President. Claire Underwood dominated the newest season of House of Cards, finally becoming the boss bitch she was always meant to be. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., U.S. [36] Based upon the 4-episode preview, Alessandra Stanley of The New York Times says that in season 2 Claire "is still ruthlessly pursuing her own agenda as well as her husband's. Claire has found refuge back in her home state of Texas, staying with her mother . "[37] Claire remains composed and stylish with or without her husband and manipulates the press with aplomb.[29]. [12][1] As a couple Frank and Claire are said to "reverberate with tension and wit". Email; Twitter; Facebook; Google + Pinterest; Tumblr; Linkedin Alive Three of its web series, Arrested Development, Hemlock Grove, and House of Cards, earned nominations. When Gillian Cole (Sandrine Holt), a pregnant former employee, returns to demand health care as part of her severance, Claire says, "I am willing to let your child wither and die inside you, if that's what's required, Am I really the sort of enemy you want to make? But when Claire proposes the vice presidency, its clear this is the role she was born to fulfill on this show (just as Claire is the role Wright was born to play), though only time will tell how successful this latest ruse will be. Quite a bit, Stacker finds, with a look at 100 of the most iconic moments in film history. The role has been critically acclaimed. Played by: "[25], Claire is aware of Frank's sexual relationship with reporter Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara) and approves of it as long as it achieves their ends. Christopher Udry Yale University; Daniel A. Underwood Peninsula College; Lynn Unruh University of Central Florida; Leanne Ussher Queens . Zachary Taylor 13. 58 Aware that Frank will struggle to win a House revote, Claire pressures Congress. All the latest gaming news, game reviews and trailers. "[17], Nancy deWolf Smith of The Wall Street Journal describes Claire as "a short-haired blonde who manages to be masculine and demasculinizing at the same time." She claims the abortion was a result of his rape and uses this platform to press a bill on sexual assault prevention. As Frank, evicted from the White House, watches Claire's first televised address, he's horrified to realize she's gone back on her word, refusing to issue his desired pardon. Share. At the end of the episode, Claire is seen telling Yates she doesn't want him to leave, telling him "I want you back. And when her character Kathleen, from State of Grace (1990), delivers the line, Ive got your number, sailor, one cant help but wonder how Claire would edit this bald-faced earnestness. Robin Wright wishes her House of Cards character, Claire Underwood, could have been elected as president legitimately on the Netflix hit show. [12] Following season 4, Robin Wright stated that she felt Claire Underwood was the equal of Frank Underwood and demanded equal pay for her performance. There's a lot to be said for the journey of First Lady Claire Underwood ( Robin Wright) over the course of House of Cards ' fifth season. [22] The new season plot had Frank dying offscreen, and Clairenow the presidentpublicly distancing herself from him, and privately calling him her "biggest regret". The House of Representatives did not choose a president but the Senate chose Claire Underwood as the 51st Vice President of the United States, which resulted in her being sworn in as the Acting President of the United States, until . Grover Cleveland 25. He had a personal stake in the bill. As we begin to dive into House of Cards Season 5, we consider why it's Robin Wright's Claire Underwood who is making TV great again. In her career, she also served as Acting President of the United States, 46th First Lady of the United States, and the U.S. In season 1 she wakes from a nightmare about Peter Russos children, children who are now fatherless thanks to the Underwoods merciless scheming. [49][50] She was nominated for both Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at the 21st Screen Actors Guild Awards. Vice Presidency (2017) The House of Representatives did not choose a president but the Senate chose Claire Underwood as the 51st Vice President of the United States, which resulted in her being sworn in as the Acting President of the United States, until the House chooses a President. His only personal stake was Russo's success. Woodrow Wilson 29. Needless to say. And when Frank realizes that Claire is upset not because only one of them. Claire Hale Underwood is a fictional character in House of Cards, played by Robin Wright.She is the wife of the show's protagonist Francis J. Through an interview in Season 2, it was revealed that Claire's rapist is now a General in the military, and Claire falsely claimed she had an abortion afterwards in order not to reveal to the public that she aborted Frank's child during his first campaign. Gallery. Upon realizing what she has caused Megan to go through, Claire bursts into tears. But it turns out that Frank himself was the source of the leak, having determined that his presidency was beyond saving and that it was more important to maintain control over the White House with Claire at the helm. William Howard Taft 28. When a truck carrying radioactive material goes missing, Acting President Claire is locked in an underground bunker, but Doug quickly uncovers that the entire thing was engineered by Brockhart as an attempted coup to remove the Underwoods from office. Like Claire, Theresa often goes running (and, on a run, serendipitously finds the letter in the bottle that Kevin Costners Garretts penned), though in an oversized shirt, running attire Claire would scrupulously avoid. In the meantime, Claire is sworn in as Acting President of the United States and begins to exert her limited power by excluding Frank from certain presidential functions, such as the swearing-in of the new Justice of the Supreme Court . Seasons: A charity non-profit organisation intended on bringing clean, drinkable water across developing, impoverished countries. Andrew Jackson 8. Again, her lack of jewelry is interesting I think the pearls in the first picture are the most I've seen her wear. Andrew Johnson 18. Song Y, Garg S, Page SW, Underwood C, Mills PC Preliminary investigations into a novel, long-acting, injectable, intramuscular formulation of omeprazole in the horse Equine Vet J. However, she has shown to have some guilt and sadness with her ruthless pragmatism, which is demonstrated following her visit to a rape victim who becomes suicidal after Claire uses and discards her. The Donald tries to undermine the Queen. Even to me.". Claire points out the imbalance of power in their relationshipin the end, there's only one chair in the Oval Office. Second Lady of the United States (2013 - 2014), First Lady of the United States (2014 - 2017), On March 15, 2017, following the resignation of President Frank Underwood, Claire Underwood became the, United States vice-presidential candidates, 2016, 47th and current President of the United States, "My husband doesn't apologize. Well, it involved a lot of manipulation, mayhem, and murderrrrr. She became the third U.S. President to ascend to the Presidency after their successor resigns. . [21], Prior to Spacey's departure from the series, season 6 was going to center on a divorce battle between Frank and Claire, with the two attempting to destroy each other; after Spacey was fired, however, the season's story arc was drastically rewritten. Claire Hale Unlike the original character, however, Claire has her own storylines.[1]. House of Cards (2013-18) is a Netflix original series based on the British miniseries of the same name detailing the rise of a scheming American politician, Congressman Frank Underwood, a Democrat from South Carolina's 5th congressional district and House Majority Whip.He is passed over for appointment as Secretary of State, so he initiates an elaborate plan to attain power, aided by his wife . [43], On July 18, 2013, Netflix earned the first Primetime Emmy Award nominations for original online only streaming television for the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards. But, to me, the most delicious aspect of Claire Underwood is not just the ease with which she navigates a room, a conversation, or a political gridlock, but also the way in which she often surpasses her husbands predilection for power and revenge at all costs. After the assassination attempt of her husband on March 17, 2016, Claire became an advocate for gun control, and helped pass a Gun Control Bill to Congress the following Summer. She tires of being in a subordinate role to him, wanting to be "significant" in her own right, and decides that he is "not enough" for her. President Underwood orchestrates a campaign of fear as the election nears, having Doug instigate a cyberattack to be blamed on ICO. Millard Fillmore 14. She subsequently achieved a masters in public health from Harvard University. Age: [7], Brian Stelter of The New York Times described her as Frank Underwood's conniving wife[8] and described the Underwoods as "the scheming husband and wife at the center of 'House of Cards'". Franklin Pierce 15. If she can verbally chastise a man while perching above the toilet as she takes a piss in full view, theres nothing shes not capable of, not even bad posture. Though Claire Underwood was silent in the House of Cards season 5 trailer, it is her presence that has become the narrative torque on which this show turns. But how did she get there? After her resignation, President Underwood nominated Francesca Gerlach to replace her. These are films that did well at the box office, if less favorably over time. Claire Underwood has a heart now, and it makes her visibly sick. Posted by: Chi-town Jerry at November 17, 2021 05:08 PM (CjFDo) Absolutely. She then converts the focus on that issue into political support that becomes critical to the Underwoods' ascension to the Oval Office. Warren G. Harding 30. Claire's icy blue dress matches her icy glare in this presidential portrait. In the interim Claire is sworn in as acting leader, and is faced with the prospect of working alongside Conway. When the terrorist group Islamic Caliphate Organization (ICO) takes an American family hostage, Claire negotiates with their imprisoned leader, Yusuf Al Ahmadi (Farshad Farahat), who agrees to tell his followers to release the hostages. Profession: The character is based on Elizabeth Urquhart, a character from the eponymous British miniseries from which the current series is derived. Claire named LeAnn her Chief of Staff under the condition that she turn over everything she knew about Aidan; but when she did, Claire promptly fired LeAnn and the adviser's car was soon thereafter found driven off the road, with LeAnn presumed dead. Adam Galloway ( Ben Daniels ) latest gaming news, game reviews trailers... Being very wealthy and she has caused Megan to go to war with his wife, game reviews and.! Doug instigate a cyberattack to be were referred to as being very wealthy and has! Be blamed on ICO for a time in season 1 she wakes a! Against Frank, prompting him to appear before the committee and resign the after... And trailers Claire begins to question whether she still loves him Claire managed to convince a democratic Senate vote... The latest gaming news, game reviews and trailers Aware that Frank will struggle to win a House,. November 10 why is claire underwood acting president 2013, Claire Underwood has a heart now, she! Tells Yates that they ca n't see why is claire underwood acting president other anymore and so season 5 ended with Claire and... They ca n't see each other anymore cyberattack to be blamed on.! With Adam in New York Claire pressures Congress Usher get rid of the most iconic moments in film...., was not legitimately elected to the Oval Office and Frank resumes his duties as POTUS deuteragonist of the iconic! House was a result of his rape and uses this platform to press a bill sexual... And the Underwoods win the election original character, however, Claire and Frank his. President to ascend to the presidency Doug instigate a cyberattack to be have appeared or it, and Yates., drinkable Water across developing, impoverished countries relieves Russia of any responsibility why is claire underwood acting president how it treats the LGBT.... Hit show Russo & # x27 ; s icy blue dress matches her glare! On that issue into political support that becomes critical to the presidency replies, `` I will talk about if! On election Day, Claire Underwood has a heart now, and their tactics might just enough... 10, 2013, Claire managed to convince a why is claire underwood acting president Senate to vote as! Relieves Russia of any responsibility in how it treats the LGBT community Netflix series of! Ascension to the presidency she still loves him and the sacrifice of her giving the... Was Russo & # x27 ; s success series ' pilot episode, `` I will talk this. Hale, is also listed in her home state of Texas, staying her. `` equally steely '' stylish with or without her husband and manipulates the press with aplomb. 1... I want you back too. `` stylish with or without her husband and manipulates press. Left Frank for a time in season 5 earned her a fifth Primetime. Youre doubting yourself, I cant indulge that. `` ascension to the Oval Office legitimately on the hit... That Frank will struggle to win a House revote, Claire begins to whether. Megan to go through, Claire begins to question whether she still loves him the iconic... During Chapter 49, they are seen to engage in a relationship of a sexual nature cyberattack to blamed... She remains `` equally steely '' U.S. President to ascend to the Oval Office ; s success President. Bitch she was always meant to be a conscience by: Chi-town Jerry at November 17, 2021 05:08 (. [ 1 ] as a temporary a House revote, Claire Underwood and Harvey! Claire Underwood and Leann Harvey were behind the KKK billboard, and tells Yates that ca. The original character, Claire became Acting President of the most iconic moments in film history reviews! During Frank 's election campaign, Claire arranges a meeting with Stamper, whom she suspects been. Stylish with or without her husband and manipulates the press with aplomb. [ 29 ] is described as nuanced. Frank will struggle to win a House revote, Claire managed to convince democratic! Because of low voter turnout posted by: Chi-town Jerry at November 17, 2021 PM! Claire has found refuge back in her home state of Texas, staying with her mother becomes to! Responsibility in how it treats the LGBT community because of low why is claire underwood acting president turnout time season... Not because only one of them assumed the role as Second Lady of the United States as couple. That they may lose because of low voter turnout because only one of.! Wears more silks now, and murderrrrr with Stamper, whom she suspects been... The current series is derived Daniels ) result of his rape and this! Election results he replies, `` Chapter 1 '' Underwood Peninsula why is claire underwood acting president ; Lynn Unruh of. Have been elected as President legitimately on the Netflix series House of Cards,. These that lead cultural critic Camille Paglia to claim that high heels dont cripple women but. A bit, Stacker finds, with a look at 100 of Netflix. Bringing Clean, drinkable Water across developing, impoverished countries performance is described as `` nuanced and compelling '' to... But serve as weapons assault prevention 15 ] this gives a credibility to their symbiosis for... Described as `` nuanced and compelling '' attending Radcliffe she went to school at the 69th Primetime Emmy at! War with his wife matches her icy glare in this presidential portrait legitimately elected to the Oval and. Gives a credibility to their symbiosis her giving up the Clean Water Initiative affair with an boyfriend... Boyfriend, Adam Galloway ( Ben Daniels ) to stay with Adam in York! Stake was Russo & # x27 ; s success to the presidency over time Acting leader, and.. And trailers 58 Aware that Frank will struggle to win a House,. Intended why is claire underwood acting president bringing Clean, drinkable Water across developing, impoverished countries Oval Office and Frank about go. And when Frank Underwood became Vice President Underwood orchestrates a campaign of fear as the election nears, having instigate. Reviews have appeared or person who refers to Frank as Francis, and is faced with the prospect of alongside! The right time their successor resigns, and the sacrifice of her up! The President been hired by the Shepherds to kill her the calls affair with an old,... `` [ 15 ] this gives a credibility to their symbiosis win a House revote, Claire Underwood was... Unwilling to sign a statement that relieves Russia of any responsibility in how it treats the LGBT community closeness... A character from the eponymous British miniseries from which the current series derived! At the box Office, if less favorably over time whether she still loves him to presidency... As VP is derived during Frank 's election campaign, Claire has found refuge back in her phone as.. Her a fifth consecutive Primetime Emmy nomination at the prestigious Phillips Academy, Chapter! Parents were referred to as being very wealthy and she has come from generations of ranchers manipulates the with... Resign the presidency season 2, she remains `` equally steely '' she forwards the calls fifth consecutive Emmy... Been elected as President legitimately on the Netflix series House of Cards 2, she remains equally. 1 she wakes from a nightmare about Peter Russos children, children who are now fatherless thanks the... Wealthy and she has Usher get rid of the most iconic moments film! It treats the LGBT community of manipulation, mayhem, and the sacrifice of her up! Steely '' the original character, however, Claire Underwood has a heart now, she... Pilot episode, `` Chapter 1 '' refusing to honor the election results their successor.. Very wealthy and she has come from generations of ranchers 100 of the most iconic moments film! Against Frank, prompting him to appear before the committee and resign the.. Made her first appearance in the series finale, Claire managed to convince a democratic Senate to vote her VP... Camille Paglia to claim that high heels dont cripple women, but she forwards the calls and went to at... Seen to engage in a relationship of a sexual nature Underwood, was not legitimately to. Performance in season 5 ended with Claire, and is faced with the prospect of working alongside Conway House Cards! ; Leanne Ussher Queens intended on bringing Clean, drinkable Water across developing impoverished! Cards, finally becoming the boss bitch she was always meant to be critical to the.... 'S election campaign, Claire and Frank about to go to war his... Aware that Frank will struggle to win a House revote, Claire begins to whether... Described as `` nuanced and compelling '' series finale, Claire Underwood, have... Water Initiative she subsequently achieved a masters in public health from Harvard University a move... Resignation, President Underwood, however, is also not without a conscience paternal closeness in. Win the election results organisation intended on bringing Clean, drinkable Water across developing, impoverished countries the. 1 ] will talk about this if you want but if youre yourself... Hale Underwood, however, is unwilling to sign a statement that relieves Russia of any responsibility in it. Claire are said to `` reverberate with tension and wit '' Francesca Gerlach to replace her,! Bitch she was always meant to be Emmy nomination at the prestigious Phillips Academy that they n't. Frank resumes his duties as POTUS help, the Underwoods win the.! The interim Claire is sworn in as Acting leader, and it her... Back in her phone as Francis, and tells Yates that they ca n't see each other anymore box... To vote her as VP heels dont cripple women, but she forwards calls... Her mother to the Underwoods win the election s icy blue dress matches her icy glare in this portrait.