History's Texas Revolution Miniseries Nabs Leading Lady

At last, after nearly a dozen men were cast in the latest epic miniseries by History, ‘Texas Rising’ is finally getting its first starring actress.

Cynthia Addai-Robinson, who currently has a recurring role on CW’s ‘Arrow,’ has been cast as the female lead in the eight-hour miniseries that chronicles the Texas Revolution against Mexico and the rise of the famed Texas Rangers.

Addai-Robinson will portray Emily West, a mythic historical figure who would later become known as “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” A mixed-race indentured servant, she is caught in the middle of a fiery, passionate love triangle between warring men Sam Houston, as played by Bill Paxton, and General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, portrayed by Olivier Martinez.

In legend, West seduced Santa Anna to help Houston and the Texan forces rapidly secure victory at the Battle of San Jacinto. History though (the thing, not the network), doesn’t quite back up this lofty tale, allowing for History (the network) to take some creative licenses.

In addition to joining those leading men, Addai-Robinson will add to a cast that includes Brendan Fraser, Ray Liotta, Thomas Jane, and Chad Michael Murray, among others. ‘Texas Rising’ will be directed by Roland Joffe and comes from creator Leslie Greif, who led History’s award-winning miniseries ‘Hatfield & McCoys.’

The London-born Addai-Robinson has previously had a recurring role on ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ and also starred in the TV series ‘Spartacus: War of the Damned.’

'Texas Rising' is slated to premiere in 2015.