F. Murray Abraham, with laughter and tears

F. Murray Abraham, the Academy Award-winning star of "Amadeus," "Scarface" and the HBO series "The White Lotus," has maintained his six-decade-long career thanks, he says, to possessing both arrogance and humility. He talks with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz about the high school teacher who believed in him; the story behind his stage name; and how winning an Oscar changed the trajectory of his profession (and not necessarily for the better).
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[@Neotron2001]

His performance of Antonio Salieri in Amadeus is arguably one of the greatest in film history.

[@fredsalter1915]

FMA has the greatest voice I have ever heard on screen.

[@vibeofthee80s_]

It was Aiiight 8/31/23

[@MrAschiff]

Unfortunately, it misrepresented Salieri, a very good composer and teacher who harbored no ill will toward Mozart. Salieri had many students, such as Beethoven, Schubert and Liszt. Salieri was a cosmopolitan composer who wrote operas in three languages. Salieri helped to develop and shape many of the features of operatic compositional vocabulary, and his music was a powerful influence on contemporary composers.

[@DocRunaway]

It's one of the very best performances ever recorded. Brilliant, convincing, flawless, impeccable. What is more fascinating, his "old Salieri" sells the notion that he is an old man who has lived for way too long with the guilt and torment.

[@mybachhertzbaud3074]

My personal takeaway from this film is that they used a very powerful human trait of jealousy, which is sadly even more pervasive today,to grab modern audiiences and breathe new life into what was an extraordinary period of musical magic.😁 🎶🎶Play On🎶🎶

[@hsh1950]

Lost his wife of 60 years. I lost mine of 42. This master of words has no words. Neither do I.

[@Ordiseu]

I am sorry to hear

[@cdewitt406]

❤😢

[@johnbleakley4125]

My deepest condolences to you and Mr F. Murray Abraham 😥😥

[@kilroywashere123]

I am so sorry for your loss

[@KipArmadillo]

His performance as Salieri was absolutely sublime.

[@jars7774]

“Sublime”…doesn’t Salieri use the word at some point during the movie??

[@euanuglowisdead]

yes, I was just thinking that. @@jars7774

[@laurieiii]

@@jars7774yes :’) i think quite a couple of times too!

[@billmccomb4629]

I worked with Murray at the Public Theater in NYC in the late 70's. The production was "The Master and Margarita", directed by Andrei Serban. The Murray I see in this interview is the same man as fifty years ago. Murray might've been faking his wisdom a little in those days; but it's all for real now. Bravo Sir!

[@smallnad1]

People are nothing. But I am here to serve my honour to you, sir? Forgive me for my poor language..

[@dancortes3062]

This man has a 6 decade long acting career and won a Oscar for one of the best performances that I've ever witnessed (which he carriers everywhere) , but he said the luckiest day of his life was meeting his wife Kate. That is incredibly touching testament to the love he feels for his late wife. May she rest in peace.

[@MultiZombie115]

His role in The Grand Budapest Hotel was spectacular and very underrated! Seems like a guy who wears their heart on their sleave, Great interview!

[@DanFan2042]

That movie is a quirky gem. I loved it. Glad you did, too.

[@siegfriedkleinmartins7816]

I can' t remember how many times I saw Amadeus. Because of both Murray Abraham AND Tom Hulce. It was a wonderful battle of acting to make one of the most superb films in cinema history. And I am sorry for his loss Sir. 60 years of marriage !! A lifetime !! Greetings from Brasil.

[@jamesallison4875]

His portrayal of Salieri was transcendent. No one cares who Salieri really was… he will live forever as F. Murray Abraham. Great interview.

[@SlothGunner]

For my money, his performance as Salieri was the greatest performance to ever grace the silver screen.

[@boxingandbulldogs6341]

I believe this as well. However, I have heard him say that, before the movie, everyone who played the Salieri role on stage had won the top acting awards and so he knew going in what a wonderful opportunity it was for any actor. It was an extremely well written character within a fantastic stage/screen play, and performed brilliantly by Abraham.

[@DanielHBuchmann]

Its up there with Jack's Cukoo's Nest for me.

[@puremontana5010]

Arguably yes. George C. Scott as Patton was a favorite too for me.

[@Gallo903]

One of the greatest actors of all times, and very humble

[@RS-xw9nl]

"HUMBLE"? No, no, no, no...

[@deidredrakeBEST]

Amadeus is one of the best movies of all times, much thanks to the actors F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce. I was 11 years old and saw the movie together with my father. My parents thought I would be to young to see the movie, but I was absolutely capitivated. I love the movie to this day.

[@DanielHBuchmann]

Yup. I was 16 when I saw it and remember making friends watch it, lol. Just watched it again last week. Whoever did the casting should've won an award.

[@ripleysw]

and Milos Forman ! without him zero !!! he was amazing

[@niftykaffeine67]

An absolute treasure to behold. One of those actors whose presence in a scene upstages everyone else. So thankful for him and his work ❤

[@jars7774]

I agree. I mean, look what his character did to Mozart!!

[@jptaylor]

What a Beast of an actor. Simply astounding in his roles in Scarface and AMADEUS. I am still awe-struck by his performance as Salieri each time I still to this day watch it, and his ability to be both old and young Salieri was staggering. What talent. Bravo, Mr. Abraham. I will always be a huge fan and sending you so much respect for such an amazing life lived. Condolences to you for your immense loss last year - I can't imagine your sorrow. Your devotion to each other is truly exemplary. Continued success to you.

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Well said, thank you.

[@RJLKMRD]

yeah I agree, a complete beast, if, there is anyone that I would imagine Christian Bale, Daniel Day-Lewis, Al Pacino and Gary Oldman being in awe of, it would be this man...

[@GrotrianSeiler]

What a wonderful guy. I never expected Amadeus to have such an influence on me, so much of it due to his performance. Great interview.

[@Robd07]

Its a great movie! Been years since ive seen it

[@juliangarcia2010]

👏He’s an absolute legend. With life there’s up and downs he is no different. I hope to have a long fruitful career as his.🙏

[@jm7804]

Loss goes hand in hand with love. You can see both of those things in the tears.

[@frederickthompson2697]

A superb and most moving interview with Mr. Abraham. I laughed AND I cried along with him. SUCH humanity!!! Grateful that he would be so willing to share his story. Thanks. F.

[@Anthony-gq7dk]

HIs performance as Salieri in Amadeus is a benchmark in acting. The scenes from the old man to the younger man took such skill and talent that only Murray could have carried off.

[@tvv911]

One of my favorite actors. F. Murray Abraham, an amazing soul!

[@dp7534]

Always loved and respected him! Amadeus is one of my all time favorite movies! Great actor/human being!

[@animal9432]

Ones of America's greatest cultural treasures, IMHO.

[@ramses962]

When I was going to school, I was a supervisor at a valet parking garage. F. Murray was doing a play upstairs. He was super cool and gracious enough to invite us upstairs to have some food and just hangout.

[@AlmostReady504]

This man always gives such striking performances.

[@margaretgaal937]

Wow 83 yrs old and how commanding in spirit and skill. He sets a high bar for embracing life and live with purpose. Good interview

[@thegoodwillgremlin]

The most talented actor of our generation. No contest

[@PeaceFan1]

I had the Privilege of Meeting F. Murray and he was SOOO WARM and Nice and we had the Best Conversation about Acting and Life! He was Brilliant in Amadeus and that was a Very WELL Deserved Oscar!!!

[@andreaschneider6202]

@PeaceFan1 Thank you for your comment🙏 I am very happy that you had the opportunity to meet F. Murray, how fabulous! Best wishes, Andrea S.

[@DavidRodriguez-uq2ui]

You are so lucky a great moment to put in your book of life

[@EdDiaz]

"My dream is to die on stage". I have never heard such a great summary of passion. He's an amazing actor & fellow human😊

[@josephgabriel3609]

Simply Brilliant!! Scarface, Serpico's bad cop, Amadeus, Grand Budapest Hotel and many more! Genuine guy and Phenomenal Actor!!

[@paul_domici]

Hands down one of America's greatest actors!!!

[@ellavaderknows]

This is a perfect example of a great actor. He's a vessel of emotion, and it pours out of him.

[@5124ever]

I have always loved this man's ability to become the character he’s playing, truly a fantastic actor.

[@shakeemwinn3647]

Man. The way he talks about his relationship with his wife. It's very moving.

[@pikiwiki]

He is a great actor and probably a fine human being. i can't believe he's 83

[@vivianamora7505]

Such a talented actor ☺️I hope he is blessed with many more roles❤👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@rexrussell6083]

This is one of few great interviews that made me share the tears

[@TheBluRayCritic]

Truly one of the greatest actors of all time, and a prime example of a great human being. What a performance as Salieri. He hasn’t aged one bit since Amadeus.

[@eduardo_corrochio]

I'll always be in deep awe at his "old Salieri" scenes. Those moments are cinema at its highest caliber.

[@doctoreeeveal]

Thank you for giving him this platform. This is a master and a legend of humanity.

[@yyzz1959]

Thank you for all your performances Mr. Abraham, credible for the ages.

[@BethMinardi]

I had the honor of visiting with Mr. Abraham at my place of business in New York. He is the supreme artist and a joy to spend time with. His many roles… and in ‘Amadeus’ - brilliant! He is a gem. B

[@DavidRodriguez-uq2ui]

You are so lucky to have that time with Mr. Abraham

[@EricaGamet]

He is amazing in all that he does. Amadeus is still my favorite movie of all time... I recite all the lines, but I feel Salieri's the most... the way Abraham (was it Letterman that called him "F"?) brings them to live rock my soul to its foundation. What a treasure this man is... I had no idea he had lost his wife recently. May he find peace in knowing he had so much time and love with her.

[@TheCream14]

What an actor and great guy!

[@dadaevan]

Just love Murray. A true treasure!

[@SkipCruciana-Argoud]

I re-watch his works often. A real boost of continuing energy from his présences!

[@annemcfall880]

Fabulous actor. Wow he is a joy to watch. Amadeus was a great film. F M Abraham in Amadeus was a stunning performance. I watch it over and over. X

[@hockley91]

He's a legend! An amazing actor!!!! One of my favorite actors of ALL TIME!

[@kreuzzer2845]

What a wonderful person and actor! I wish him all the best and have to thank him for his great work! My deepest respect! Greetings from Germany, kreuzzer!

[@nimitz1739]

He was so good in Amadeus. I think it’s awesome he takes pride in his award and keeps it with him everywhere he goes.

[@djmylesmatisse]

F. Murray Abraham should've won his FIRST Oscar for his role in Scarface. A beyond brilliant performance.

[@NickNicometi]

I had the distinguished honor of having Murray & friend as guests on a pedicab around Greenwich Village maybe 2010. I think it was one of the most memorable NYC experiences for we two, respectively.

[@otasatoshir.5796]

I love "Amadeus" Movie, Mr. Murray Abraham performed Salieri and he lookedMozart Music K.427 Kyrie score. I always remember this scene and playing it with Violin. So impressed. Thank you so much.

[@censorshipsucks9493]

From a fig leaf in Fruit of the Loom, and a guest spot on All in the Family, to what he is today. Amazing.

[@EddieWimberley]

Amadeus is my favorite movie of all time, mostly because of the music, but also absolutely because of F. Murray Abraham's and Tom Hulce's performances. F. Murray Abraham also had a fun role as the villain in the movie Star Trek: Insurrection.

[@dionehackworth1767]

Love him! A Unique and underrated actor! Such a genuine man.

[@popeye5274]

Underrated? The man won an Oscar.

[@luleema]

Lovely man, God bless him 🥰

[@EM2theBee]

You know if Mr. Abraham is in a movie, you know it's a good movie!

[@redbarchetta8782]

You just can't help but love this man.

[@Robd07]

I love him and John Malkovich

[@MrBiszkopty]

Long live F. Murray Abraham! One of the greatest in history, his demeanor and amazing class reminds me only of the great late Christopher Lee!

[@pete9688]

One of my favorites! I first saw him in the movie Scarface , then in Amedeus. Bravo!!!

[@mililaniman]

I love all of Abraham's movies.

[@marmelinho3405]

This journalist conducts one of the best interviews with Hollywood celebrities I've ever seen.

[@terrikesler1823]

What a gem he is. ❤

[@eschiedler]

My family watched Amadeus almost every holiday season. It's one of the few movies where my mom knows all the lines. True story, for years, I had never known how the movie started. We watched it from a VHS tape off of a TV broadcast recording so it was missing the opening scene. After 20 years we got the DVD. Now I know how the servants find Salieri.

[@lizfrancis8925]

Been a fan of his work since the 70's. What an enormous talent...wonderful voice...commanding presence. I had read a while back that his wife had MS and was losing her mobility. He said, 'We're still having fun together'...something like that heart ❤ Can't imagine the pain of losing a life partner of that many years. He's one in a million! I hope he never stops acting.

[@paulcanaday-elliott9834]

I was lucky enough to see him play Roy Cohen in Angels in America on Broadway. He was amazing.

[@09nob]

Bless him what a legend, I hope he has many great performances ahead of him.

[@SkipCruciana-Argoud]

He's always been a very favorite of mine!!!❤❤❤😊

[@gwabersold7943]

One of my favorite actors ever…great in any role he does.,

[@kathyscoppettuolo7168]

Loved him as Dar Adal in Homeland! ❤

[@tomloft2000]

He's one of those actors that shows up when you least expect it.

[@AntonioAlves-wm8ie]

Fantastic actor from Scarface to Amadeus !! Blessing to your lovely Wife

[@juanbatista5302]

My deepest respect to the Great F. Murray Abraham.

[@sandragalati6281]

What a talented human being. Bless him.

[@purebloodmania5622]

His performance in Amadeus is one of the best performances that the world has ever seen!

[@apexerman1]

If I had to name my top two actors, it would be Daniel Day Lewis and F. Murray Abraham. Abraham's role in Amadeus was so perfectly performed, it's hard to imagine any actor could play Salieri that well again.

[@desertvalleyfilms9136]

I would say f murray abraham in amadeus is the greatest performance and the second greatest is Daniel day lewis in my left foot

[@smallnad1]

Now I realised I love F. Murray Abraham in Antonio Salieri. Thank you sir!

[@cizia69]

What a man!

[@jasonmoser8957]

Amazing an actor!

[@behroozhakimian9868]

Every single act that I saw by him was indeed amazing and unique for the setting.

[@NipItInTheBud100]

He was so good in his role in An Innocent Man! But he is usually good in every role no matter how good or crappy the movie might be!

[@harlemslut]

I adore admire and am enthralled with you F. Murray Abraham. Amadeus was the first time I saw your amazing talent. Live long Mr.Abraham!

[@CityPointJim]

The thing that always struck me about F. Murray was his hands, how he held them and used them as part of his acting. Tony Shalhoub uses his hands the same way.

[@shartmann2008]

Wonderful interview of a lovely man.

[@rexrussell6083]

And the laughs too . I love CBS

[@aaroncampbell8303]

What a talented man ! Never be another like him

[@BenBen-gi4fi]

1991 "By the Sword" was this one of the films he didn't want? I loved it! 'bout the only film with fencing in the storyline. 😮‍💨🤩

[@dumont_69]

His portrayal and that of Tom Hulce in Amadeus was 100% instrumental in my love of classical music....at that time my little brother was a staunch and talented violin student. I was a rock punk new wave aficionado child of the late 60s. That movie changed everything.....AFTER my parents made me go to it (I was 15)! But I'm still a punk!

[@josephpestello1663]

What a great guy!

[@wolf-bearchief3705]

A brilliant actor , we are blessed to have him.

[@Gzimkodra]

This actor is so underrated to people but is a really great actor and a really down to earth person real life I heard. I have to put him top 40-50 actor of alltime for sure

[@vincentwinner]

What a nice Human Being he is

[@yoteslaya7296]

loved him in amadeus

[@kreuzzer2845]

As salieri he will be for always in mind of every musician!

[@Yousaf_Yunes]

The man you love to hate. I say this as a tremendous compliment. An amazing actor, its so sweet cause you can tell he is a genuinely nice guy.

[@jamesnunez1703]

I remember watching Amadeus in my young teens. I am going to have to rewatch it. He always plays a good part

[@crow1994-bl]

Great actor. Performed, in my opinion, the greatest acting performance ever committed to film in Amadeus.

[@rafaelgomez1989]

FANTASTIC ACTOR !!!

[@deninevh]

Mr. Abraham is very high on my list of favorite actors; I have watched movies solely because he was in them.

[@SH-kn7ut]

I've watched this movie countless times...F. Murray Abraham made this film...Mozart was a supporting character.

[@steliosc.4686]

A wonderful actor that indeed deserves more great roles. In Amadeus he was UNBELIEVABLE!! And that's my favourite movie!

[@anthonym612]

Honorable mention for his fantastic role as Dar Adal in Homeland. I loved that show!