'House of Cards' Season 4 News: Frank Underwood's Portrait Joins Those of Former Presidents at the Smithsonian
Fictional U.S. President Frank Underwood's portrait now hangs alongside those of former American commanders-in-chief.
On Monday, Feb. 22, the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, which has the word's largest collection of portraits of the American presidents, unveiled a painting of Underwood, the fictitious 46th U.S. president in Netflix's popular political drama "House of Cards."
Underwood's portrait was painted by British artist Jonathan Yeo. To celebrate his work, actor Kevin Spacey, who plays Frank Underwood in "House of Cards," appeared at the unveiling in character. Along with Yeo and Spacey, portrait gallery director Kim Sajet, Netflix COO Ted Sarandos, and a real-life member of the White House press corps graced the event.
"House of Cards" cast members Michael Kelly, Nathan Darrow, Elizabeth Marvel, Jayne Atkinson, and Derek Cecil were also at the Smithsonian for the portrait's unveiling, along with new addition Neve Campbell.
According to Entertainment Weekly, guests were treated to a screening of "House of Cards" season 4, which premiered at the event.
Underwood, whose presidential re-election campaign will be underway in the show's season 4 premiere in March, said, "I'm pleased that the Smithsonian continues to prove itself as a worthwhile institution. I'm one step closer to convincing the rest of the country that I am the President."
The real Spacey also gave a statement about Underwood's portrait, saying, "When the Smithsonian's Portrait Gallery first approached Jonathan and me about a portrait of me — the actor — I wanted to see if Jonathan could unveil a fully rendered presidential portrait. It is a real honor to be exhibited at the Smithsonian and a thrill to see Frank take his place among the presidents in this historic setting."
The portrait of President Underwood will hang in the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery until October.
The fourth season of "House of Cards" drops March 4 on Netflix.
