Anjelica Huston Set to Deliver Another TV Female President

Anjelica Huston plays the president of the United States in CBS's April 9 and 16 miniseries adaptation of Robert Ludlum's "Covert One: The Hades Factor." Taking on the role -- which was written for a man -- was her idea, she reveals.
 
"I thought it was such a great thing when Geena Davis started 'Commander in Chief.' I think these things can influence people. I'm coming in to sort of fortify that idea," says the Academy Award-winning actress/director.
 
According to Huston, "I play it straight to the script. There was very little change." However, "I think one of the more important things was not to defeminize her. There's a sort of public perception that if a woman is feminine, she isn't strong, but that's not true. There are many examples of women who are able to conduct their business in such a way that it's not a strident thing. It comes naturally to them -- Barbara Boxer, Dianne Feinstein, Hilary Clinton, Angela Merkel (the first female chancellor of Germany). Look back on Margaret Thatcher, a very steely personality, but at the same time, I don't think anyone spoke in more mellifluous tones. She never sacrificed her femininity, and I believe it was to her advantage, actually."
 
The miniseries -- about an undercover team racing to locate the source of a deadly manmade virus with the potential to wipe out millions -- also stars Stephen Dorff, Mira Sorvino, Blair Underwood, Colm Meaney and Danny Huston. It's the first time these two offspring of late legendary filmmaker John Huston have acted together. So, how did Danny like having his sister as president? "He said it was terrifying," Anjelica laughs.
 
TELLER SPEAKS:

With "Penn & Teller: Bull----!" entering its fourth season tonight (4/3), the often mute Teller tells us that more and more fans are trying to get him to speak. "I was walking through Times Square in New York after the first episode aired and a cop came up and suddenly put his nightstick out right in front of my chest to stop me. He said, 'Name?' And I said, 'Teller.' He turned to his partner and said, 'I knew I could make him talk!'" He normally exercises his right to remain silent -- at least on stage -- because, "Years ago, I was experimenting with different ways of working, and I found that there was a certain chemistry that happened between me and an audience when I shut up."
 
Teller says he much prefers the physical stunts, which are in full effect on their Showtime series, which confronts many of society's sacred institutions. 'One of my great pleasures in life is exploiting the fact that I have no phobias about anything. There is one episode where I am stark naked on the studio floor lying with honey and ants. I think that will be my Christmas card next year," he says with a laugh. However, Teller does use some restraint. "I don't even mind painful stuff just as long as it doesn't do damage," he notes. "I have a crew that has to, at times, hold me back from doing things that are too stupid."
 
STEPPING UP:

Antonio Banderas' "Take the Lead" -- based on the story of ballroom dancer Pierre Dulane -- hits theatres Friday (4/7), and Banderas' young costar Rob Brown hopes the picture will inspire more teachers, and youth, to make the most of the terpsichorean art. "'Pierre's program is something that we need more of. He brings these kids into another world," notes Brown, who is a psychology major at Amherst College when not busy acting. "It's another avenue to steer them away from all the bad things that kids can get into at that impressionable stage." Having never been much of a dancer himself, Brown got to experience Pierre's program first hand. "Before filming began, I went and rehearsed with Pierre for a week straight every day." Still, Brown says he still couldn't keep up with his famous Spanish co-star. "Antonio had preparation. He already knew what he was doing. He was way ahead of us."
 
HAPPY TAILS TO YOU:

When not busy filming her hit Sci-Fi show 'Stargate: Atlantis," which is currently in production for its third season, star Torri Higginson tries to find time to do charity work with her rescue dog, who serves as a therapy pet. 'We go to Alzheimer's or old-age homes or abused kids' resource centers. It's something so simple, but the reaction that you get is extraordinary," she notes. 'I first got involved in volunteer work when I moved to Los Angeles because it's a hard city to move to. It's very lonely and isolated," claims Higginson. 'I felt pretty sad the first year I was here, and I started feeling a little sorry for myself. I thought, 'I need to get out of the house and remind myself that I'm lucky.' It made me feel good about myself. It got me out of my rut. So my impulse was extremely selfish, but I think it's important for everyone to give back. There's no difference in human beings. We all need the same things."

(With reports by Stephanie DuBois and Emily Feimster)