The actress weighs in on playing Ava Gardner, how she became a playwright and why the cast was 'frightened' to film 'Downton ...

McGovern says Gardner was caught in the impossibility of women's expectations at the time — be sexy but not sleep around. She had many lovers but also felt the shame society imposed.

The actress wrote and stars in a new play based on the never-quite-released memoir of Hollywood legend Ava Gardner.

It’s very liberating to take off that psychological corset,” the actress said of portraying the rambunctious Hollywood star ...

Elizabeth McGovern must have felt the same way as a lovely, ambitious, aspiring newcomer eager to make her own mark on the ...

McGovern says Gardner was caught in the impossibility of women's expectations at the time — be sexy but not sleep around. She had many lovers but also felt the shame society imposed.

Elizabeth McGovern, known for her role in "Downton Abbey," has written a play about Ava Gardner. The play, titled "Ava: The Secret Conversations," explores Gardner's relationship with journalist ...

Elizabeth McGovern poses during a photo call for the off-Broadway play "Ava: The Secret Conversations" in New York on June 30, 2025. Credit: AP/Evan Agostini ...

Elizabeth McGovern, known for her role in "Downton Abbey," has written a play about Ava Gardner.

Theater-Elizabeth McGovern FILE - Elizabeth McGovern poses during a photo call for the off-Broadway play "Ava: The Secret Conversations" in New York on June 30, 2025.

Elizabeth McGovern, known for her role in "Downton Abbey," has written a play about Ava Gardner By Associated Press | July 30, 2025, at 4:41 p.m.