F. Murray Abraham Hides His Oscar On Stage in Every Production He Does

Beloved actor F. Murray Abraham blows Stephen’s mind with the revelation that his Academy Award statue has joined him on stage everywhere he’s performed since 1985. His new film, “The Magic Flute,” opens in select theaters this Friday.
#Colbert #FMurrayAbraham #TheMagicFlute #TheWhiteLotus
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Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.

[@alexlazzerly3677]

Amadeus is still one of the greatest films of all time, and his performance as Salieri is a masterclass in acting.

[@mistressmozart]

agreed! it's my all time favourite movie

[@alberton.1601]

Though it is historically NOT ACCURATE and TOTALLY UNFAIR to the REAL Salieri. Is okay if your into fantasy like many "historic" Hollywood movies.

[@user-sv9nb8ky2t]

​@@alberton.1601 it's a movie, only republicans have difficulty separating fiction from fact.

[@kateuhler7803]

Truly

[@kashmir6672]

Hear, hear!

[@gpeddino]

His performance in Amadeus is simply one of the very best ever. Outstanding actor.

[@gabecollett]

...he was good in scarface too...

[@wizardsuth]

@@gabecollett _Star Trek: Insurrection_ , _The Name of the Rose_ ...

[@StiftungMozarteum]

It was a great honour and pleasure to show him the Mozart residence in Salzburg. The film is fantastic, and we are very pleased that it was partly shot at the Mozarteum Foundation.

[@susieusmaximus5330]

Oh, it's lovely that you commented. What a treat it must have been to be his guide!

[@veebee854]

I imagine he was as jovial and gracious of a guest to the museum, as he was on Colbert's show!

[@MariaBareiss]

Salzburg is beautiful! Do be sure to visit this gem of a city!

[@Wouter197110]

It is beautiful, summer or winter, and the Mozarthaus is a treat. Took a train to Salzburg when on ski holidays in the Alps, with my teenage daughters. The city was covered in snow. One of the most beautiful sceneries ever. And the best thing was my pop and rock loving daughters got intrigued by the story of Mozart and got to love his music.

[@FacheChanteDeux]

The Mozarteum is one of the best places I have ever visited. Salzburg is a beautiful town.

[@fredflintstone243]

I've never seen an interview with him. What a charming, joyous person. His personality is infectious. He deserved his Oscar

[@Suite_annamite]

He does *constant interviews* as well as *ZOOM chats!* Look him up or *you're missing out!*

[@zerocoolcat]

I love that he doesn't do the fake humble thing. He earned that oscar and is proud of it as he should be!

[@offgrid-bound]

Much better than just putting it on a shelf!

[@SKRUBL0RD]

took him 25 years to get it

[@talking8877]

I absolutely LOVED him in Amadeus! He is an outstanding actor, what a talent!!!

[@LurenaDisney]

Did anyone else catch F. Murray saying, "that's what she said," after Stephen said, "I've never held one before." Omg!!! Lmao

[@veebee854]

I thought I was the only one! I had to replay it a few times. 😂😂😂 I wanna see outtakes and additional footage from this interview now, tbh!

[@LizaFan]

Incredible lol 9:56

[@supermahmoud]

Yes he did !! now who is "She" ??!!

[@Literal32]

The man looks to be doing amazing for his age, fully of life!

[@s.t.martin7939]

Yes!! He looks great for For Any age!

[@nancycarroll9501]

This is the BEST segment ever!!! F Murray is so generous and open in sharing his Oscar and Stephen is adorable!! Beautiful piece!!

[@phr3dmcc0y]

i LOVED his energy! he was an actual DELIGHT to have on the show. not just "good" but "WONDERFUL!"

[@william5159]

F. Murray Abraham… a genuine inspiration, so much vitality, love of life and the experiences so treasured, obviously a young man who is young at heart, vibrant and whole-ly remarkable. Just forever filled with radiance. Well done, Mr. Abraham!!!

[@garymickelson7279]

As someone who has been fortunate enough to have stage managed TWO shows with F. Murray Abraham, I can confirm that, yes, I have hidden Murray's Oscar on stage (and on more than a few occasions during the under-appreciated TRIUMPH OF LOVE). Hiding the Oscar on the Ed Sullivan stage was a great bit, but I don't think that was Murray's actual Oscar because Stephen read the engraving as "...in a lead performance." Murray won for best supporting actor. Still, though ~ Murray is a truly gifted performer and dearly generous man. One night, he had a spare ticket to see Frank Langella's CYRANO and he offered it to me. I have no recollection if the show was any good because I was just a kid in his twenties and I was there with a legend. Thank you Murray.

[@marcarvermeulen]

Very cool!

[@DodderingOldMan]

Unless I'm going insane and everything I remember about Amadeus is wrong, and Wikipedia is also wrong, Abraham did in fact win the Oscar for best actor, not best supporting actor. He was famously nominated with Tom Hulce for the same award.

[@Ceelle2]

​@@DodderingOldManYou are correct. Mr. Abraham won for Best Actor.

[@garymickelson7279]

I'm sorry ~ I was wrong. Murray did indeed win Best Actor, not Supporting Actor.

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

@@garymickelson7279 seems like a reasonable mistake since the film is called Amadeus so you would think the guy playing the title role was the lead

[@christophermerlot3366]

Amadeus is easily in my top 10 films. F. Murray, Tom Hulce and a script by Peter Shaffer. Bloody brilliant.

[@YouGuessIGuess]

Recently rewatched Amadeus and his performance is one of the greatest of all time. The brimming, subcutaneous emotion of his character propels the whole film. Also, it's nice to see an actor have fun with their Oscar.

[@sshza2143]

🏆fun🕵‍♀fun🥳fun🍻🙋‍♂😁✌😎

[@myguitardetective5961]

His subtle use of the eyes and facial expression.....and that amazing sonorous voice. Truly one of the top 5 Oscar performances in Film History.

[@veebee854]

Yes!!! His cadence and voice inflections at the right moments are so enthralling! Could you imagine him reading a fairy tale, or recounting a basic boring story in a daily life? 😍

[@brendammit]

What a delightful interview. I smiled the whole way through.

[@lisaspikes4291]

When Amadeus came out, it was before everyone had VCRs, and you couldn’t just go and buy a copy. So I went to the theater 6 times to see it! I couldn’t get enough of it! Absolutely one of the best films of all time!

[@EricaGamet]

It's my favorite movie of all time... and I only went to see it because my brother and I were too late to get into Terminator and it was sold out! I waited a year or two until it came out on VHS... I paid something ridiculous like $50 for a tape... worth it. Then I bought the DVD when it came out and right after that my friend let me know there was a director's cut DVD... had to buy that too. F. Murray Abraham was amazing in it (as was Tom Hulce). The whole thing is superb.

[@luishumbertovega3900]

From the moment that man entered the room I have been smiling all the time, he's a sun, what a happy, charming personality !!! 😊

[@jooleebilly]

I was especially impressed, surprisingly, by his voice acting as Khonshu in Moon Night. One of those great actors with such vocal range that he could read a dictionary and leave me spellbound. And of course, I saw Amadeus in the theater at least 3 times. Soooo great!

[@viakhnine]

I hope at 83 I look half as good.

[@itsgoodforyou4235]

It's like time stood still since Amadeus.

[@emilgilels]

Me too - I wish I still looked like I was 41-and-a-half. 😃

[@HyperactiveNeuron]

I hope I live that long LOL

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

​@@HyperactiveNeuronHighly unlikely for me. Clearly he has lived healthy. It's often shocking when some of these people we have seen for decades say how old they are now. 😮

[@sebastiannemeth-ramirez2160]

He looks younger here than when he was in old Salieri makeup.

[@NancyPower33]

What a beautiful chemistry with those two! An absolute delight to see them together.

[@manuelacassuto]

This was such an enjoyable interview to watch. Love when Stephen just lets the guest speak and go on without necessarily chiming in.

[@loisjohnson7272]

That’s because Stephen knew he had a real special guest and was enjoying the man’s presence,❤

[@dgrancastillo]

Listen to this man is great, his talent for telling stories and transmitting emotion for what he says. I loved his performance in Amadeus, which is a masterpiece.

[@glennmcgee1729]

His acting is superb and narrations for nature docs greatly enhanced the programs. Love the back story, great segment.

[@pamevans8001]

wonderful actor, his back story is inspiring!

[@LollieVox]

I love that he is so excited about introducing opera to new generations! ❤

[@HyperactiveNeuron]

Always loved Mr. Abraham. Such a fantastic actor

[@gabecollett]

he was good in Scarface omar

[@maxruedy951]

Stashing the Oscar like that was really good,he actually got Steve excited.

[@susieusmaximus5330]

83? Unbelievable. Man, this gives me hope about getting older -- not merely that he's healthy and energetic, but that he's clearly having so much fun.

[@sshza2143]

being as happy as he is keeps him ageless, keeps me on that path, even more so now 👏😤🍻🙋‍♂😁✌😎

[@mariacaicedo3627]

What a beautiful story! I bet all of us can remember that one teacher who really made a difference in our lives

[@infoblack4455]

Salzburg is one of my favourite cities in Europe. The people are divine, incredibly welcoming, and the Alps are magical. Much like F. Murray Abraham.

[@christianzafiroglu6705]

Abraham is one of the great unsung actors and artrists of our time. Yes, he has an Oscar, but he should have more accolades. Equally adept at comedy, tragedy, melodrama, historical pieces and stage work, he’s proven a temperature changing presence in everything he shows up in.

[@atomthegreat541]

I love when actors who one hasn't seen in a long time and get back into the spotlight, glad you're working buddy 🥇

[@sebastiannemeth-ramirez2160]

The scene looking for the Oscar had me almost fall out of my chair laughing. THAT is an Emmy winning moment right there.

[@nyerineu3388]

F. Murray Abraham as Bernardo Gui, 'Name of the Rose'

[@ecbst6]

That movie don't get enough love.

[@swetasorab]

Such a gorgeous picture!

[@barrythatcher9349]

It's my favourite Middle Ages movie. He and Connery just made this movie.

[@nrgltwrkr2225]

How fun was that? 🤩 I love how he is so authentic and genuinely laughed at Stephen's jokes. 🤣

[@natalieclark5819]

What an incredible story and a delightful man!! Super-fun twist with Oscar, too!

[@toobasaurus23]

A wonderful stage actor. Not enough people have seen his magnificent work.

[@BryanLee]

Love F. Murray Abraham! Incredible in everything he does. And I was waiting for Stephen to give an "acceptance" speech. 😂 Glad he did!

[@SopranoBriarRose]

Oh wow, that’s awesome to hear that he’s performing the poems again! I went to visit a friend in Pittsburgh back in 2012, who was singing with the Mendelssohn Singers and the PSO. They performed Mozart’s Requiem and F. Murray Abraham recited a poem in between each of the movements. It was quite magical and a full circle moment for me. How lovely to think that a new audience will experience that!

[@LollieVox]

Omg I love that his teacher turned him around! Wow She changed his destiny!

[@douglasspaltro2697]

I was in college in '84 and saw Amadeus 3x in the theater - loved it! This was one of my fave Colbert interviews! Look how joyful FMA is! He reminds me of ALL my amazing and beautiful Italian uncles all wrapped into one...then just read his mother was an Italian-American! Nailed it!

[@LollieVox]

That’s so cool! I love that you mentioned your Italian uncles- I have one too, I can totally see that! It’s cool that his mother is Italian American. 🇮🇹

[@birkleyvalks9375]

In all the years I've been watching, this is one of the best interviews ever!

[@rafaelguetta1139]

What a charming man amd a captivating actor.

[@jurgenbund5498]

As an Austrian, I was surprised to see, how big the "sound of music" is over the sea.

[@LindaC616]

For my age group (Stephen's), it's one of those films that you knew everyone had seen. And it's likely on the list of 10-20 most likely choices for high school musical theater productions

[@jimcarlson6157]

I just wish all the men didn't want to "write" on my daughter

[@marygracebuckley9367]

The Sound of Music was my first favorite film, and I’m only in my 30s. I watched it a ton on VHS, and I think it started airing on TV near the holidays in the past decade or so. I’ve also heard about movie theaters holding sing-along screenings of The Sound of Music. It’s just an amazing film.

[@veebee854]

This was easily in my top 3 favorite interviews on the show! I laughed, cried with glee, and clapped at my TV. The battle of the wits was like an intense tennis match. And the Oscar statue bit was 🎉🎉🎉.

[@danandkiko]

Love. That. Man. I have seen so many of his roles and have NEVER been disappointed.

[@zizinnnn]

he has a very unique cadence

[@charley15z]

He's 83?? I thought he was in his 60s.

[@evettabush3435]

Doesn't he look and move great? I loved Amadeus and look forward to seeing the Magic Flute.

[@65g4]

Dont you know imdb if you know that website you would know all actors ages

[@adamlane6453]

I thought he wasn't even alive.

[@ericminch]

Wow, he's 83? Looks and acts 20 or more years younger than that.

[@jenniferbruce2303]

That was a great appearance & interview. Love 😍him & his work!

[@MorganaDarkgoddess]

What a great interview! The hiding of the Oscar was a terrific thing to do, and you could feel almost as excited as Stephen to look for it!

[@johnnolan5579]

What a completely charming man! I want to be that energetic at 83!

[@Fred.pSonic]

F. Murray Abraham is so likeable and such a breezy interview, this is how all talk shows should be.

[@davidpeterralston8454]

I spent 11 days, only meant to be 1, in Salzburg in 1989 Christmas time. Love that place to this day

[@mariekastler5391]

How much do I love that he riffs Norma Desmond for a second while talking about how "Speech & Drama" changed his life❣️

[@Hollowsmith]

He's the type of 83 that looks like he could easily live to be 100+. Physically spry and more mentally sharp than most men half his age.

[@rev.rachel]

Wow his origin story is so fascinating! I’ve always been a big fan of this guy. Amadeus remains my favourite movie, and his performance is such a masterpiece.

[@tbmofoulprinceromero]

So nice to see him still going strong at 83

[@Hopster1]

His portrayal of Salieri in Amadeus and Emma Thompson's in Wit are IMHO the greatest acting performances ever.

[@loisjohnson7272]

My , favorite actor,,❤hin, F, Murray,

[@saltywench]

Best move I've ever seen to intimidate castmates. I would expect no less from the man!

[@rdgist]

Powerful actor and master of drama! I will never make it to 83...he sure makes 83 look like 38! Amazing energy!👏🏼

[@amyarzola5338]

Lol amazing ❤ I love when there is a little whimsy. So fun lol

[@AnnieWarbux]

That is an Old Original Oscar! Casted in Chicago! The newer ones, no longer are. They are also plated with an alloy. Oscars are insured by the Academy but, any replacements would be nothing like the Original...😉

[@greyclaa]

Such deep joy especially powerful after learning he lost his wife of sixty years less than four months ago. May I live like that in the aftermath of loss.

[@chartaiwan]

He never takes himself seriously. Reason why everyone else takes him seriously. Great talented man

[@maximusaugustus6823]

I just loved the movie, Amadeus, I can never forget that movie, Murray was amazing in it.

[@amusicment4829]

Lovely man, and wonderful, wonderful actor :) As classical musician, it’s awesome hearing the name Mozart spoke about on such a popular show like this ❤ And HA! the finding Oscar bit was fabulous, LOL!

[@Meir-m6o]

Best acting in a single movie ever!

[@patsylvest]

I remember Murray at El Paso High. He was a couple of years ahead of me but he was memorable even then.

[@PM2024-]

83? Impressive AF. Loved him in Homeland 🕵️‍♀️ and I love how he cracks up at Colbert’s jokes with such enthusiasm 👏 would love a longer interview to learn about his life (like how he went from Pittsburgh to El Paso 🌵

[@Scott3843]

F. Murray Abraham fans should check out THE RITZ from 1976 if they haven't already. He's hysterically funny as a VERY flamboyant "regular" at a gay bathhouse in NY. A dated, but still laugh-out-loud funny, comedy featuring Jack Weston, Rita Moreno (in the role that helped make her an EGOT winner), Treat Williams and Jerry Stiller. Recommended.

[@leonardodemelo3711]

He was actually in the original off Broadway/ Broadway production… and yes he is hysterical! And quite buff…

[@electricurinal]

Delightful fellow. Master craftsman.

[@hla5560650]

Amadeus is widely considered including myself is the greatest movie ever made, and this man's performance is the greatest performance in the history of cinema

[@feebeedoc78]

That was fun. What a cool old man!

[@vapalaca]

He’s a delight

[@winkydink2162]

Nice! That's the band playing the very end of "Water No Get Enemy". What a great tune. :)

[@joannejohnson7006]

Oscar the Grouch 😂 Idk, just fabulous talent and humor thanks for sharing this episode, a beautiful blend in comedy 🎭 Mr Abrams travels where he wants, I think! Bravo 👏

[@andrewmacdonald4833]

He really doesn't look 83...great actor...just love him.

[@HerrEngels]

I went to the same college in El Paso then he did. Nice to see him bring up the Sun City twice here.

[@margaretpeabody243]

What fun Oscar play 😁 with Stephen and Murray today!!

[@stonerdormroom]

no statue or trophy does this man justice

[@E32DJ-Baby]

F Murray Abraham is a magnificent actor

[@Amethyst1919]

Amadeus is where I fell in love with F Murray... Such an amazing actor...

[@ZelbeQahi]

If I remember correctly, before Scarface, Abraham did another film in 1973 with Al Pacino called Serpico!

[@lisaspikes4291]

And also The French Connection!

[@ZelbeQahi]

@@lisaspikes4291 cool’ send more sanity! These country fuxx are too much!

[@jdj830]

I’m sad that Stephen never explained why the Magic Flute was significant for him.

[@DodderingOldMan]

Yes! I was waiting to hear that!

[@veebee854]

Same here!

[@poopsonastick13]

Agreed, but that is one of the reasons we love him, he makes the interview about the guest

[@jdj830]

@@poopsonastick13 But it wasn't really about the guest. It was mostly about that stupid bit about the hidden Oscar, which wasn't particularly funny or about much of anything. I would have rather heard them talk about Mozart.

[@BooBuKittyPhuk]

I'm from El Paso, TX. I had no idea he was from there. Crazy. I now live about 45 outside of Pittsburgh lol.

[@FacheChanteDeux]

Amadeus is a masterpiece, everybody should see that movie at least once.

[@rtfmpeople]

SC: "I've never held one before" FMA: "That's what she said!"

[@kashmir6672]

I love the way F. Murray talks.

[@tylerboyce4081]

Am I just hearing things, or did the Late Show band play on F. Murray Abraham with a rendition of Salieri's welcome march from Amadeus?!

[@veebee854]

That band RULES!!! I love how they do sneaky versions/renditions of music closely associated with the people walking out on stage to be interviewed. Or play some piece of music that means a lot to the guest (see Cate Blanchett interview, for instance).

[@craigjohnson6423]

The great revelation of this whole thing is that there are working cabinets on Colbert's set.

[@stephenkruse8899]

even an oscar winner can't resist a "that's what she said"

[@mickylawless1941]

Holy hell, F. Murray is 83? He is ageless!

[@MrSunlander]

That was delightful!

[@markw4263]

A charming fellow!

[@jcjc4569]

The movie Amadeus should be shown to kids in Elementary. It has art, drama, reality, fashion and Music! It will stay in the kids' minds the rest of their lives 🎼🎻✨ I saw this movie for the first time when I was 5 years old during the 90's

[@mbizozo6271]

Dude was a menace in White Lotus. Looks like he really enjoys his job.

[@mikekim1219]

Salieri role was epic. He was so good in that movie.