Alan Rickman

Credit: Pacific Coast News; Inset: Getty

Robin Williams Plays President Eisenhower (No Joke)

Originally posted 08/27/2012 11:15AM

Heroic World War II general and president of Columbia University – and one of the best-liked American presidents – Dwight D. Eisenhower wasn't particularly known for his sense of humor, but that may change now that he is being played by Robin Williams.

As seen in this photo, Williams, 61, is made up to play Eisenhower during his White House years. Ike was 62 when first sworn in, and 71 when he handed over the reins to the 43-year-old JFK in 1961.

And the role is for The Butler, an adaptation of a Washington Post article about the real-life Eugene Allen, a White House domestic-staff member who served under eight First Families. Forest Whitaker plays Allen and Oprah Winfrey will play his wife.