Oscar-winning actress Geena Davis, known for her iconic roles in films like Thelma & Louise and A League of Their Own, is making a significant leap into children's literature with her debut book, The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page. This venture is not just a career shift; it is deeply personal, inspired by her own experiences growing up tall.
Davis, whose film career began to wane in the early 2000s, embraced television as a means to revitalize her presence in the entertainment industry. She starred in the sitcom The Geena Davis Show and later appeared in popular series like Coma, Grey’s Anatomy, and the TV adaptation of The Exorcist. However, it was her role in the political drama Commander in Chief that remains particularly memorable. The show, which aired on ABC, followed the story of America’s first female president, played by Davis as President Mackenzie Allen.
When writer and director Rod Lurie pitched Commander in Chief to ABC, he aimed to challenge the status quo by normalizing the idea of a female president. He believed that by doing their jobs well, they could change perceptions about women in leadership roles. Lurie shared with The Hollywood Reporter, "If we all do our jobs, we’re going to change the world. Because what we’re going to do is get the whole world to become comfortable with the term ‘Madam President.'" Davis's portrayal of Allen received critical acclaim, earning her a Golden Globe nomination and capturing the attention of viewers, even drawing praise from former President Bill Clinton, who remarked that it was his and Hillary Clinton’s favorite show.
Despite its promising start, Commander in Chief faced significant behind-the-scenes turmoil. After just seven episodes, Lurie was replaced as showrunner, a move he attributed to network pressures regarding script delivery. His successor, Stephen Bochco, who had a remarkable track record with shows like Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue, lasted only four episodes before leaving, citing a drastic shift in the show's tone. Bochco described his experience as "horrible," while Lurie lamented that the program had shifted from advocating for a female president to questioning the very idea of one. By the time Dee Johnson was brought in as the third showrunner, the damage was done, and the series was ultimately canceled after just 17 episodes.
Reflecting on the cancellation, Davis expressed her disappointment, stating, "I don’t enjoy having my ass canceled. I was so bummed when ABC’s Commander in Chief went off the air. As President Allen, I had a very short administration." The abrupt end to her role as a groundbreaking female president marked a poignant moment in her career.
Fast forward to today, Davis is channeling her experiences into her new book, The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page. In an interview on CBS Mornings, she shared how her height influenced her childhood, saying, "All I wanted to do was fit in and not stand out. I was always the tallest kid in class, not just girl. And all I wanted to do was be smaller and shrink and not be noticed as much." This personal struggle is reflected in the character of Sheila, who grapples with her height and the fear of being too big for the page.
Davis not only authored the book but also illustrated it, tapping into a long-standing passion for art. She explained, "I've always been very interested in drawing, always have drawn. But I didn't ever consider myself like an artist. I knew exactly how I wanted the character to look." The narrative is ultimately one of self-acceptance, as Sheila learns to embrace her uniqueness. Davis noted, "It wasn't until I was an adult and I stopped growing that I realized, you know, that it's okay to take up this much space. And so that's kind of the message of the book."
The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page is now available for purchase, offering a heartfelt message to children about self-acceptance and the importance of embracing one’s individuality. Davis’s journey from a celebrated film actress to a children's author illustrates her resilience and commitment to sharing meaningful stories.
As she reflects on her career and the evolution of her roles, Davis continues to inspire audiences both young and old. Her transition into children's literature not only showcases her multifaceted talent but also reinforces the importance of representation and the power of storytelling in shaping young minds.
