TV Guide
May 17-23, 1997

by Annabel Vered
 

Having acted opposite Kevin Costner in Wyatt Earp and played Mrs Rhett Butler in Scarlett, Annabeth Gish once again dons period petticoats in the CBS miniseries True Women (May 18 and 20). "I should just take my own corset with me for movies," the 26-year-old jokes.

Based on the best-selling novel by Janice Woods Windle, the fact-based, five-decade saga stars Gish, Dana Delaney, and Angelina Jolie as three women settling the American West in the 1800s. "It's not about making these women heroes," says Gish. "It's about showing their strength of spirit and not commenting on it." The actress, who visited the actual homesite and grave of Euphemia Ashby King in preparation for playing her, adds, "What I really responded to about Euphemia is the optimism she maintained despite all the hardship. I really wish I had some of her fiery spirit."

Gish's next spirited role comes in the feature film Steel, in which she's female counterpart to the title superhero, played by Shaquille O'Neal. "What was so much fun about Steel was that I really got to tap into a little comic flair," says Gish. "I would like to explore that more, but my tendency as an actor is [to be] drawn to drama. I am the drama queen in my family."