In the Madam Secretary episode “Mitya,” Americans are reminded that they are no longer allowed to adopt children from Russia. In real life, in 2012 Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill that bans the adoption of Russian children by American citizens. On Madam Secretary, when (fictional) Vice President Theresa Hurst feels threatened that Secretary McCord (Tea Leoni) might vie for the presidency, Hurst promises Americans that they’ll be able to adopt Russian orphans despite the ban. McCord is told by her staff, “She’s [Hurst] trying to take you out.”
Vice President Hurst is portrayed by Jayne Atkinson. The English-born actress is known for her roles on House of Cards (Secretary of State! Catherine Durant), American Odyssey (Harrison’s mother), Criminal Minds (Erin Strauss), Gossip Girl (Dean Reuther), 24 (Karen Hayes), and Parenthood (Karen Buckman), among others. Atkinson is also recognized for her roles in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village (Tabitha) and Free Willy (Annie). Madam Secretary airs Sundays at 10pm on CBS.
Love this man of mine ❤️?❤️?@michelgill @HouseofCards pic.twitter.com/OF4c9Can5W
— Jayne Atkinson (@MeJaag59) September 18, 2017
