Meryl Streep to Highlight ‘Iron Lady’ Margaret Thatcher’s Softer Side

Two-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep is set to star as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in an upcoming biopic about her days in office preceding the Falklands War in the 1980s. The strong-willed Thatcher, who served the UK from 1979 to 1990, isn't particularly known for showing a sensitive side. But Streep's co-star, Jim Broadbent, says the role is quite "sympathetic."

"Of course it will be a sympathetic portrayal, that's what he was, he was very sympathetic. It'll be a sympathetic portrayal of Margaret as well," Broadbent told The Associated Press. The English actor has been cast as Thatcher's loyal husband, Denis.

"She'll be fantastic. She'll be as good as Renée Zellweger was playing Bridget Jones. For me it's a real treat," he added.

The Iron Lady, a title culled from Thatcher's infamous nickname given to her by the Soviets in 1976 due to her firm opposition to communism, will be directed by Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia!). It's slated for a 2011 release date.

In related Thatcher news, the 85-year-old political leader was admitted to a London hospital on Tuesday for an infection on set by a recent bout of the flu. Get well soon, Margaret! (The Daily Star)