AUSTIN, Texas -- Veteran Texas film and television actress Libby Villari said her career wouldn’t be what it is today without the help of Gov. Ann Richards.

“As an actress here in Texas, I was just beginning to move from stage to screen when she became the governor. And she schmoozed all those Hollywood people and said ‘you should come to Texas and make movies and television. We have everything you need and more,’” Villari said of the state’s 45th governor.

Villari said she went on to appear in at least 10 films shot in Texas during the course of Richards’ governorship.

“She was responsible for my film and television career,” said Villari.

Villari played Mayor Rodell in NBC's Friday Night Lights and the Grandmother in Boyhoood.

Now, she’s starring as Richards in Holland Taylor’s Broadway hit Ann. The play runs through September 8 at the Zach Theatre in Austin.

Click the video link above to watch our full interview with Villari, including her take on playing Texas’ larger than life former governor.