How the Cast of Atlantic Crossing Compares to Their Real-Life Counterparts

Masterpiece PBS's new series Atlantic Crossing may be a World War II story, but it's unlike most programs about the conflict. The period drama tells the story of Crown Princess Martha of Norway, her relationship with American President FDR, and how she used her friendship to help her country in crisis. But while the series is based on a true story, it's far from a documentary.

"It was really hard for us to find information on Martha and what she was up to during her period in America, which lasted for the whole length of the war," Alexander Eik, the writer and creator of the series said in an interview with the Television Critics Association.

"We found lots of information on the Norwegian king and Martha's husband, the crown prince, but to really find enough material on her, we really had to search high and low. And that's one of the reasons why it took us so long to piece this story together. It was kind of a detective work, I would say."

He's very clear to say that the show is "inspired by true events," but that it's a fictional dramatization.

"That's how we labeled this show, 'inspired by true events.' But the overall story of Atlantic Crossing is true: That Crown Princess Martha had more access to President Roosevelt than any other person, say for his advisers, up until his death, and that she made a significant effort to help Norway during the war."

With all that in mind, here's how the cast compares to the historical people they play on screen.

Sofia Helin, a Swedish actress known for her role in the crime drama The Bridge, stars in Atlantic Crossing as Crown Princess Märtha of Norway. Prior to taking on this role, she didn't know much about the real-life woman she's playing. "I had never heard of her," Helin revealed during this year's virtual TCA Press Tour. "When [creator Alexander Eik] pitched this to me, I knew instantly that I needed to tell this story about this woman. You know, heroes who don't take on any credit for what they do, it's the most interesting heroes. So, the character just instantly came to me and I wanted to do it."

Perhaps the most recognizable member of the cast (at least to American audiences) thanks to his roles in Twin Peaks and Sex and the City, Kyle Maclachlan used deep historical research to transform into the wartime American president on screen.

"The research, for me, was really one of the greatest joys, I've got to say. And I relied heavily on the Ken Burns documentary, and also on the Doris Kearns Goodwin's book about the Roosevelts," he told journalists at this year's TCA press tour.

"I think the challenge of course is to get inside the person and figure out the psychology and the 'Why?' you know. And that was for me really illuminated by both of those sources really well. Even as simple as just having footage of Roosevelt moving through space, you know, not walking, of course, but just how he carried himself in front of a crowd and in the situations that he was filmed told me a lot about who he was as a person."

Tobias Santelmann, who plays Norwegian heir to the throne Crown Prince Olav in the series, has been in numerous European films and TV projects, but he's a relative unknown in the States (though The Last Kingdom fans will recognize him as Ragnar.)

Eleanor Roosevelt has been portrayed on screen many times since she left the White House, but in Atlantic Crossing, Tony Award-winner Harriet Sansom Harris (she won in 2002 for her performance in Thoroughly Modern Millie) takes on the role of the iconic First Lady.

Oscar-nominated Danish actor Søren Pilmark gives a commanding performance in Atlantic Crossing as King Haakon, a royal forced to flee his beloved country as the Nazis invaded.

Town & Country readers may recognize actress Lucy Russell from recent roles in Judy, Rebecca, and The Irregulars, but in Atlantic Crossing, she plays Marguerite Alice "Missy" LeHand, private secretary to President Roosevelt. But LeHand did more than manage FDR's schedule. According to her biographer Kathryn Smith, "In everything but name she was FDR's chief of staff—for the job title was not used by a president until Dwight Eisenhower adopted it to suit his sense of military structure. FDR himself identified an even more significant role for her in his administration and life, saying often, 'Missy is my conscience.'"

The real life Prince Harald, who was featured in the series as a youngster,played by Justýna Brozková, is now all grown up and the current monarch of Norway, King Harald V.

Leonora and Amathea Eik, who play Princesses Ragnhild and Astrid on-screen are sisters in real life, too. The young actresses are the daughters of Atlantic Crossing creator, director, writer and executive producer, Alexander Eik.

While Princess Ragnhild passed away in 2012, Princess Astrid is still alive, and continues to represent her brother the King and the royal family several times a year.