Spielberg casts Sally Field as Abe Lincoln's wife

[April 14, 2011]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Sally Field has signed on to play the wife of Abraham Lincoln in Steven Spielberg's film biography of the 16th president.

The casting announcement Wednesday gives "Lincoln" a pair of two-time Academy Award winners in lead roles.

Daniel Day-Lewis was a best-actor winner for "My Left Foot" and "There Will Be Blood." He will star as Lincoln.

Field is a best-actress recipient for "Norma Rae" and "Places in the Heart." She is playing Mary Todd Lincoln.

Spielberg says Field was his first choice to portray the "fragility and complexity" of Lincoln's wife.

The film is based on Doris Kearns Goodwin's book, "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln," which examines the president's relationship with key advisers.

Shooting begins this fall, with the film due out in 2012.

[Associated Press]

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