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The Most Hated Woman in America one-on-one interview

TV Toni
Mar 23, 2017
2 min read

She was called "The Most Hated Woman in America," and from the Netflix movie of the same name, she certainly was a contender. Melissa Leo is Madalyn Murray O'Hair in the film available March 24th. She is the woman who would take serious issue of separation of church and state. As a mother of two boys she was not having any prayer in school. She would take her fight all the way to the Supreme Court, and as we all know - she won.

But, that is only half of this incredible true story. Madalyn would both suffer personally and benefit to a huge degree in the years that followed. Going from the east coast to Austin, Texas she would start the organization called American Atheists. It was there that a huge cash flow would find its way to her and the organization. It would also come to get her an enemy or two.

In 1995 O'Hair along with her first born son and granddaughter (from her other son) were kidnapped and extorted. The kidnappers would later be revealed as an ex-employee who had an axe to grind. But, in a turn of what must be karmic justice, the kidnappers not only were unable to get their asking amount, they are stolen from themselves.

Photo Courtesy: Netflix

That, my friends, are where the spoilers are going to end. Although if you are at all familiar with the story you know what happened from there.

Melissa Leo is - as always - glorious in this role. She is feisty, fierce, and, full of nuanced performances. She continues to act every character without over-acting a character.

Photo Courtesy: Netflix

Michael Chernus plays O'Hair's son and is right in sync with O'Hair on screen. He is a delight to watch.

Vincent Kartheiser is seen very little and he represents the estranged son.

The movie is a must see. Even more so when you consider the fact that it was shot in 18 days! Yes, you read that right, 18 days. The film was screened at SXSW where the cast was throwing a lot of love towards Netflix.

Viewers will be amazed, as were the stars, that this incredible story is part of our country's history. Particularly at this present time.