Michelle Obama Rallies Hollywood for the Troops

J.J. Abrams moderated the panel at the Writers Guild Theater, which kicked off a series of events for the First Lady

First Lady Michelle Obama urged Hollywood’s creative community to keep shining a light on military families Monday at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills.

“Super 8” director J. J. Abrams moderated the panel, which also featured “Army Wives” creator Katherine Fugate. The event, part of an initiative called Joining Forces, was designed to encourage the creative community to incorporate military stories in movies, TV and digital programming.

“I want to ensure that these families feel support on the ground,” the First Lady told the crowd, which approached 500. “This isn’t about politics. This isn’t about red or blue.”

Military personnel and family members shared their stories with the First Lady at the event. 

Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, and Steven Spielberg have also signed on for a series of public service announcements for the Joining Forces initiative, backed by AFTRA, DGA, PGA , SAG and WGA. Hanks’ PSA was written by Damon Lindelof; Spielberg’s PSA was written by Katherine Fugate; Winfrey’s PSA will be directed by Tom Shadyac.

Dianne Warren has donated an original, unreleased song, entitled “Compass,” which will be performed by Rascal Flatts for the campaign.

After the guild event, Obama taped an appearance on “iCarly.” The show’s star, Miranda Cosgrove, is the daughter of an American service member currently stationed overseas.

Photo: Michael Jones

Comments