Netflix just dropped its latest project created by Shonda Rimes, and honestly, we will watch anything that woman creates. This time it’s The Residence, an eight-part comedy-drama series that follows detective Cordelia Cupp, played by Uzo Aduba, as she investigates the death of the Chief Usher of The White House.
The Chief Usher, A.B. Wynter, is played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is mysteriously found dead in the opening scenes of the series. The White House goes into lockdown as Cordelia investigates the 157 suspects, many of whom happen to be having a state dinner with important Australian figures, including THE Kylie Minogue.
Much of the drama focuses on the Ushers of the White House, but, um, what exactly are the Ushers? And what do they do? Consider this your 101 on all thing Ushers (and no, not that Usher).
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Who and what are White House Ushers?
Ok, so basically the Chief White House Usher is the head of staff who works as part of The White House residence, where the President and their family actually lives during their time in office. Right now, in real life the current White House Chief Usher is Robert B. Downing.
It’s a position that’s existed since the late 1890s and usually a Chief Usher holds the position for around 10 years, however that’s not always the case. As mentioned in The Residence, A.B. Wynter has been doing the job for many years, and was killed right after he told Assistant Usher Jasmine Haney he in fact wasn’t going to be retiring and would be remaining on to serve the house. Although of course this is a fictional depiction so take it with a pinch of salt.
Also mentioned in the series, the Ushers are not in their positions for political reasons and their work is “not political.”
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In the role as Chief Usher they are responsible for overseeing the budget of the Residence and working closely with other members of the White House to make things work for the Presidential family.
They are also responsible, according to White House Historical Association, for overseeing “construction, maintenance, remodeling, food, as well as the administrative, fiscal and personnel functions.”
The role also entails giving guidance on furnishing, art and decor for The Residence.
Can women by Chief Ushers?
Yes they can be and as demonstrated in The Residence, Jasmine Haney thought she was on her way to getting the job, until A.B. Wynter decided he wanted to stay on.
However, in the real position, only one woman has held the job in its history. Angella Reid worked as Chief Usher for six years, from 2011 to 2017, working for both Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
The Residence is available on Netflix now.