Frank Gorshin's James Cagney Impression at the AFI Life Achievement Award

Frank Gorshin does his impression of James Cagney at the 2nd AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To James Cagney (1974).
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[@paulnewman4624]

He looks like and acts like Richard widmark and James Cagney without even trying

[@Chuckles..]

When I was a little kid growing up watching Carson, Gorshin was my favorite comedian. Absolutely brilliant entertainer.

[@jeffreymclaughlin6143]

FRANK GORSHIN WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST IMPRESSIONIST'S THAT EVER LIVED IF NOT THE GREATEST RIP FRANK GORSHIN

[@raymondsteen5316]

Well said as I agree with you on that one!!!

[@Wheels8504]

Rich Little

[@shoichleach74callum7]

yeah he was. Always loved and marveled at him. I got to see him live fortunately and without a doubt the funniest night I ever experienced. He shook my hand as he left the stage. Dunno why he shook my hand but it was memorable for me.

[@joedellaselva1251]

Rich Little?......Jimmy Stewart, Richard Nixon, George Burns, etc., etc., etc....

[@jeffreymclaughlin6143]

@@shoichleach74callum7 YEA I GOT A CHANCE TO FINALLY MEET HIM AT THE FAIRMOUNT HOTEL IN SAN FRANCISCO CA BACK IN NOVEMBER 1980 HE WAS APPEARING AT THE VENETIAN ROOM AT THE FAIRMOUNT HOTEL I GOT A CHANCE TO TALK TO HIM FACE TO FACE I GOT AN AUTOGRAPH PICTURE FROM HIM IT WAS LIKE A DREAM COME TRUE MEETING HIM LIKE I WAS IN A DREAM TALKING TO HIM MY ALL TIME FAVORITE VILLIAN ON BATMAN THE RIDDLER HIMSELF FACE TO FACE RIDDLE ME THAT BATMAN

[@atiboyful]

I loved the Riddler in the Batman series as a youth in the late 60's, early 70's

[@nagone11]

He was critically funny in that role, a real master.

[@larrysmith1696]

@@nagone11 to

[@davidsomerset8411]

We ALL did

[@Archer335]

“Riddle me this!” Classic. (Quote from decades-old memory)

[@gregchildress3183]

I thought he was the best villain

[@timothycarley7348]

I Knew him fairly well back in the Early 80's,he was a great guy.

[@stevenfrasier5718]

Frank Gorshin knew how to "gift-wrap" his impressions, which put him above all other impressionists.

[@AK-Drakoin]

How do you mean? I’ve never heard it put like that

[@arthurathanassiou3948]

One of the best entertainers ever ..

[@GentlemanAmerican]

Frank Gorshin was one of the great talents. I also loved his impersonation of Kirk Douglas.

[@raymondsteen5316]

Though Cagney never said the line "You dirty rat " in any films, but in "Taxi" he did actually say " C'mon out and take it ya yellow bellied rat or I'll give it to ya right through the door!!!". Other Cagney famous lines from movies: 1)Made it Ma, top of the world!!! 2)I told you to keep away from that radio!! And if that battery is dead, it'll have company!!! 3)Come out with your hands up, the man says!!! How do yuh like that, Ma?? 4)Whadda ya hear? Whadda ya say? 5)So's your thick skull, copper! 6)And no slip ups or you're gonna need a doctor! 7)My mother thanks you! My father thanks you! My sister thanks you! And I thank you! 8)ALL RIGHT!!!!...WHOOOO DID IT??!!!... WHOOOO DID IT???!!!

[@jockellis]

I often steal a quip I heard in one of his stand up routines, “I don’t know how much money you need, but I need all I can get.”

[@flaggerify]

Not only an impersonation, a clever caricature.

[@Jamminmotorking]

One of the most diabolical underhanded completely mad criminals of all time...THE RIDDLER!

[@TenderTrap86]

Amazing.

[@MMMM-sm2rm]

*Cinemassacre* brought me here.

[@alexbowman749]

M MMM me too

[@mlaprarie]

A lot of Gorshin in Jim Carrey, especially his facial expressions.

[@jorgenovack7791]

Un genio

[@monsta64]

@rael8 Comissioner Biel of the planet Charon in the episode: "Let that be your last battlefield" CLASSIC!

[@princejohn6560]

The guy looks like Kirk Douglas

[@Schwetti_Bohlz]

If they ever have to make a movie about Frank gorshin they can use Tom Hiddleston because they are eerily similar

[@tomallen5837]

Gosh thanks to all the computer aided cookies and digital trawling for my interests from what, only last night I was for the first time in my life, typing in "James Cagney", only as a result of watching the ending of one of the episodes of The Sopranos in which Tony is watching, and crying too, of him watching the end scene of 'Public Enemy'. It's good to know that we're watched so closely in this modern society by our corporate control, to what avail I don't know, I'm old enough to know not to react when I'm in a tight corner, against what on a daily basis reaffirms my identity of what the bad guys are on our planet. I would certainly want to be the first one, or maybe the 2nd right behind Mr. Cagney himself, I mean his equivalent in these modern times, with a double fisted choice of armor, blazing away at the boardroom meetings across the country, in their hideous scheme to control our thoughts in mind. ....A completely worthwhile endeavor, you dirty rats.

[@robertthompson3941]

I have had

[@michaelstrunk6058]

Poor man was only known as the Riddler in the Batman series in the 60's.

[@stevenslovinski6311]

A comedic genius and all around nice guy. Got the pleasure to talk to him when I worked in Atlantic City in the 1990's. Always took the time to say hello to his fans.

[@djkrueger]

Hilarious, James Cagney was a class act..As was Frank Gorshin.. Such fine talent, doesnt exist these days..

[@ronaldrayner5049]

I'll second that ,check out Hope and Cagney hoofing it together at the friars ,a scene from a movie , I think it was "The seven little Foys."

[@scorpius6667]

He only said three words ....."You Dirty Rat"............but the facial expressions were all Cagney! It was hilarious! Gorshin was one of the best imitators of his time!🦂

[@jamesfeldman4234]

I wouldn't call what the great Frank Gorshin did an "imitation." I would call him a caricaturist and his take on James Cagney a characterization, like a live Al Hirschfeld cartoon. In this great clip, Frank does his amazing characterization of Burt Lancaster, with legends of show-biz and sports having a great time with his performance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ_VhYCYeM90jbM

[@michaelfontanelli2450]

RIP to TWO legends, Cagney and Gorshin. I’ve never seen Frank’s Allen Jenkins or Frank McHugh impressions. Wish I could.

[@drumsport]

Nobody will ever touch Frank Gorshin. First of all, there are no younger stars today worth emulating, and second, the kids today will never put down their cell phones and Play Stations to practice anything worth while. RIP Frank...you were superb!

[@ricardocantoral7672]

You're absolutely right. I put today's stars in three categories: Boring, mumbling theater students, popstars, and stunt men. I won't say there are no talents: Adam Driver and Tom Hardy are excellent. However, nobody, NOBODY around has Star quality anymore.

[@danicegewiss862]

Old quote... opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one.

[@turkishjanitor3666]

Ironic, beacuse you're commenting this under a video of Gorshin doing *Cagney* . You know, an actor who basically nobody does an impression of

[@MOGGS1942]

When I look at Gorshin,I can actually see Cagney,Lancaster and Douglas,so he's half way home when doing his impressions.Magnificent.

[@photomanwilliams4147]

Totally true, in fact Kirks son Mike Douglas looks so similar.

[@francesvandeburgt4173]

I liked Frank Gorshin. He was one of my favorites when he played the Riddler on Batman and another guestarring role on Star Trek the orignal series.

[@haroldtrotter1140]

Spent time with Frank while we were both stationed at Seventh Army Hdqrs., Stuttgart, Germany in 1954-55. He was with a Special Unit that did shows for the troops in Europe and I was with the Public Information Office of 7th Army and worked with AFN. Maybe a couple of times a month eight or ten of us from Patch Barracks would gather at the Kleiner Bar in downtown Stuttgart and Frank, after a few beers would give us a free show. I knew he would be great when we got back to the state. And, sure enough, I wasn't surprised when he appeared on the Ed Sulliven Show on CBS. Missed seeing him much later in Laughlin, NV. Great talent....RIP Frank.

[@dorothyaguilar5639]

James Cagney was my hero growing up when I was young! I truly appreciate all his movies. RIP💔

[@Kelly-nm4kw]

Hello Dorothy, How are you doing?

[@smackinbaits6693]

Gorshin is one of the most underrated comedians...

[@johncase2408]

Gorshin is one of the most fascinating talents. As to why he wasn't more prominent in film roles especially film noire, is beyond me.

[@dougbrowne9890]

@@johncase2408 Might be due to there being so many great actors around at the same time. Today, his talent would be at the top of the mountain.

[@Smashlee114]

i saw frank gorshin in las vegas several years ago, he had us laughing so hard i thought i was going to have a heart attack. i have seen a lot of comedy shows but he was by far the funniest.

[@mikemoffitt7500]

Dana singer just tell him that I said hello

[@moncorp1]

@@mikemoffitt7500 ~ That would be kinda hard to do...

[@tawpgk]

I saw Gorshen out in Vegas in 72 or 73. As a kid, much more interesting to me than Bob Goulet and Edie Adams doing their lounge act. He was always my favorite impressionist, plus as a kid of course, as the Riddler.

[@stevensummers9002]

Just love how Frank Takes a very simple scene and makes it hilarious you can just see the transformation simply genius

[@darylperrins820]

That is mind blowingly good- 'talented' just doesn't even come close- this guy was a gift sent from the almighty.

[@russocomedy]

A gentleman off stage and on.Always friendly as well as helpful to other artists. He was booked among the stars on May 17, 2005 at age 72.

[@themersh4064]

I, even as a little kid, always loved Frank. Batman, Star Trek, and several specials got me hooked for life. Thx Frank, thx for the memories.

[@ronaldrayner5049]

Gorshin worked our club ,one night I passed the green room and there was Gorshin ,looking totally in the dumps ,a broken funnyman , but as soon as he hit the stage ,it was as if all the lights went on and a way he went ,kapow ,a master at work ,a true pro.

[@raymondsteen5316]

James Cagney - One of the best actors in Hollywood of all time! Frank Gorshin - One of the best talented voice impersonators of all time, when it comes to doing Mr. Cagney! ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ James Cagney R.I.P Frank Gorshin R.I.P ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

[@robharding5345]

I will always remember this guy as the Riddler, But He was much more than that, A very clever impersonator.

[@mjwhiteglove2723]

Guys... Don't smoke, ok? This guy reduced a whole pack to ash every day, and he died of lung cancer... If you're smoking, quit for his sake...

[@scottprendergast3143]

world.lost a.genius...(who was rich little again)??!

[@christineplymouth3271]

He smoked five packs a day.

[@unowen334]

What a cool and humble man. A great and under-estimated talent. Do you see how calm hear takes the stage in front of the Hollywood Elite?

[@elvicare35]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@gerardhenstock9404]

Bob hope

[@davidr3789]

@@elvicare35 no you weren't

[@davidlimo1685]

I had the Great Honor & Pleasure to have met this man and will NEVER forget him. May he rest in peace😄

[@steevrawjers]

wow what an honor truly RIP Frank Gorshin

[@lawrencelewis8105]

there was no one like Cagney and no one like Gorshin, either! one of his last pictures was "Man of the Century" check it out if you can. Bobby Short, the piano player at the Carlyle Hotel in NYC is in it too.

[@RCGoetzke]

Gorshin was a very talented guy who could act and sing as well as do many humorous impressions.

[@bayareabusinesses]

A natural at comedic body language as well as facial gestures...a gem!

[@steevrawjers]

yes all time classic

[@djs3484]

I really loved watching. Frank, he was great, his facial expressions added to the impression, how he made his face look like the person he was imitating was what made him the best. His cagney, and his bert lancaster were so good if you closed your eyes and listen to Bert then to Frank you couldn't tell one from the other. Rich Little is good but Frank Gorshin was the best, his brando was exceptional as well, RIP Frank and thanks for the laughs even to this day. A great talent.

[@portorico2319]

His bert lancaster impression was not very good, cause nobody new who bert was lol

[@steveperry1344]

like the real person.

[@charleskuckel3173]

Many younger fans know Frank Gorshin ONLY as the Riddler from BATMAN the TV show. Gorshin was a very talented actor and he could do impressions with the best of them.

[@johnhardman3]

He was born to play the Riddler character.

[@franksanta-teresa971]

I saw Frank Gorshin at the Improv in Santa Monica, in 1992. I walked up and said "Mr Gorshin...." and before I could finish, he said to me, "You want to hear the laugh, right?" and I said "Yes, please" and he did the Riddler laugh....what a great guy!!!

[@barrygioportmorien1]

Excellent, Gorshin was one of the best....His talent is missed these days, of course there are no real distinctive celebritys's anymore to imitate.

[@DeanLisi]

Very true .. they all blend together

[@DeanLisi]

Wagner PD WTF

[@moncorp1]

@@DeanLisi ~ What don't you get???

[@DeanLisi]

moncorp1 Inc what ..? I didn’t say I don’t get it.

[@courtneyzietzke3938]

Frank Gorshin was also a very good actor....his appearance on the original star trek series almost won him an emmy award as commissioner beil of the planet sharron. He was a great talant....

[@GentlemanAmerican]

I agree. He was excellent in Star Trek.

[@LRS905]

Ha haaa, the gradual transformation on Cagney´s face is awesome.

[@MacPherson100000]

This guy was a little "Ball of Dynamite"!!! Possibly one of the MOST UNDERATED COMDEDIAN/ACTORS OF ALL TIME!!! Watch him in the movie, "The Bells Are Ringing", starring Judy Holliday and Dean Martin. They were Brilliant, but I've got to say he STEALS every scene he's in!!!!!

[@adhc8560]

He was a good serious actor as well. Catch him on "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour", episode "The Second Verdict", where he is kind of a frightening psycho.

[@Ivette263592]

Hilarious. Gorshin was actually funny w/o cursing and w/o shoving some crusade or political agenda down our throats. I wonder if a guy like Chris Rock could understand even the basic premise of Gorshin's humor? Probably not.

[@Kelly-nm4kw]

Hello Ivette, How are you doing?

[@cookw100]

One of the most admired, respected and yes loved actors ever. Mister Cagney was from everything I've ever heard about him a true Gentleman, he was married to the same woman, [ Francis Vernon] from 19222- 1986 which was also the year of his death.

[@robertmuller9132]

Did the great Kirk better than Kirk could do himself. The great Gorshin.

[@maxmason6053]

Frank Gorshin was priceless. * Not much to laugh at since these old-school comic genius's and dead on impressionist have passed on. May they rest in peace.

[@TheValeyard92]

What we can learn from this and Jim Carrey: if you need a tribute, get the Riddler to do it.

[@stabbification]

One of the most naturally talented comics to ever perform.To bad kids today don't know who these guys are.

[@12121149]

Jim Carry stole his material,but was never close to being as good,just sayin'

[@dougkelly3720]

He couldn't carry Gorshin's jock strap.

[@andrewsciberras7795]

Pete Smith v4689

[@Solarof928]

Literaly they were both the riddler

[@micheledoage8623]

Jim Carrey is an idiot.

[@charlesroberts3650]

I was just thinking that, so were many more I see, I like them both equally, just my opinion.

[@t18amgr]

Fantastic and gifted entertainer and a gifted impressionist.

[@lizzyallan9665]

Comedians these days are so rude and they think that makes them funny.

[@ellierfromthebronx4531]

And filthy...they think talking thst way is how to get laughs. They don't know how to get them any other way of talking.

[@jeffreymclaughlin6143]

FRANK GORSHIN HE DID A COMEDY VARIETY SERIES BACK IN 1972 IT WAS PART OF THE ABC COMEDY HOUR THE SHOW WAS CALLED THE KOPYKATS I WISHED THEY WOULD PLEASE COMMERCIALLY RELEASE ALL 9 SHOWS ON DVD I DON'T KNOW WHAT THERE WAITING ON.

[@dbass9767]

He was also cast as an alien in Star Trek the original one, Commissioner Biel, excellent role

[@jackrenglish]

ONE OF THE NICEST GUYS I EVER KNEW...JACK ENGLISH HOLLYWOOD..7/2018

[@crankbv1]

Watching Frank Gorshin again for the first time in too many years,I was reminded of a line he once came up with where he recalled arriving home one afternoon to find his young son playing in the garden. As soon as the little boy spotted his father he turned and shouted...'MOM..they're home!

[@ProjectFlashlight612]

Frank never gave a fuck. LEGEND. May he rest in peace.

[@PosiP]

I miss calling you house looking for Mitch and getting you on the phone and doing impressions for me. Thank you so much for making me grown as a person and making life fun as a kid. RIP. Scott from BH

[@nycinstyle]

Gorshin did a guest role on the TV series Star Trek. He was a hateful, prejudiced lunatic. Best acting ever done on that series. Watch it online.

[@shanke300]

Comedian of the gold class period. Now it's all vulgarity every 2 seconds.

[@runbambirun]

Always a joy watching Frank. A real entertainer.

[@JohnnyCashFanatic]

Frank was an amazing impressionist, but he was just as good at serious acting

[@jerryblair61]

Frank was great as the Riddler on the Batman Show

[@steevrawjers]

Frank Gorshin's The Riddler is the gold standard for The Riddler

[@mmmbad]

@TJSanson I really miss '60's and '70's TV. My favorite shows of all time were during those years. WTF has happened to entertainment?? Bring back the good old days!

[@robbiechandler7858]

Great entertainer...reminds me of my youth watching those great old movies

[@mikeford7921]

Frank gorshin was great great talent great guy rest in peace

[@philiphalpenny9761]

Check out Bobby Darin's Cagney impression on youtube. Gorshin was great at the physical mannerisms but Darin caught the nasal , hoarseness of the voice spot on.

[@Lavandahead]

Is it just me but he has a look of Kirk Douglas ??

[@steevrawjers]

yes

[@elikess3961]

Little doesn’t even come close to Gorshin

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

Everything about Frank was showbiz, he was such a pro and his impressions were something completely different to all others, my own favorites are Burt and Kirk but everything was amazing

[@Raptorman0909]

The acting in this one little bit is impressive. The way he, slowly, morphs into character as the match burns. Each second revealing more and more. Amazing.

[@Tony7840]

@penske13 With Frank, what you saw was what you got!!! The greatest human being and friend that anyone could ask for........

[@tylsimys67]

Don't know about Cagney but his Burt Lancaster was uncanny! That he looked like a Kirk Douglas's and Richard Widmark's illegitimate son didn't hurt any... what...?

[@dannyhill8797]

Rich Little's best impression, IMHO, is Johnny Carson; while Frank Gorshin's gotta be Bert Lancaster.......

[@dh2838]

def frank 100%, they say rich little was the best, but listen to them back to back and there is no comparison, frank had the greatest ability along with incredible timing and his twist on each character makes it even funnier, without a doubt probably the most underated greatest allround entertainer of all time, pls everyone dig deep and most more on this incredible guy, bravo!

[@steelers6titles]

Gorshin's best impersonations were his Burt Lancaster and Richard Burton.

[@dancer6971]

Riddle me this Batman...

[@grawakendream8980]

I wonder if anyone alive ever does a Cagney impression today. He's not in the public consciousness so I'd assume not

[@steelers6titles]

Gorshin did an excellent Richard Burton. He did it on one of the Dean Martin roasts on here.

[@stevekimme5647]

Very talented man, comedian and actor. One of the best impersonators of 60s, 70s on. Back then there were Real stars to impersonate unlike the liberal moonbat untalented stars of today.

[@stevekimme5647]

@warren3427 Awe...did I upset you so sorry now my whole day is shot...lmfao!

[@colinp2238]

I think that Gorshin's impersonations became the stock for many young up and coming impersonators in the late 50s early 60s. Most impersonators tend to do impersonations of other performers than of the actual subjects.

[@magprob]

I saw Frank Gorshin in a one man show, many years ago. He was AMAZING! A real entertainer.

[@steevrawjers]

jim carrey never stood a chance playing The Riddler after Frank Gorshin

[@tornmask1]

their will never be another "Frank (The Riddler) Gorshin" cause he can mimick anyone for sure!

[@vxenon67]

I wanna do a James Cagney during a traffic stop: You got nuthin on me coppa, see! Nuthin! You cant prove a thing see, cant prove a thing!

[@SM-gl8yo]

Mr. Gorshin did a 1961 guest shot on 'The Defenders'. Mind blowing amazing performance.

[@jeffreymclaughlin6143]

RIGHT I REMEMBER THAT EPISODE OF THE DEFENDERS HE DID FROM 1961 HE SHOULD HAVE WON AN EMEMY FOR THAT EPISODE PERFORMANCE IT WAS REALLY REALLY GREAT THE HUNDRED LIVES OF HARRY SIMS IS THE TITLE OF THE EPISODE

[@kevinjudy7218]

This is the funniest stand alone impression I have ever seen.

[@jeffreymclaughlin6143]

FRANK GORSHIN HE'S GOT ALL THE PHYSICAL MANNERISMS DOWN OF JIMMY CAGNEY BUT THE VOICE IMPRESSION IS ONLY MEDEOAKER.

[@richardwalker9826]

nobody did em better than the Frank - love it!

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

Everything about Frank was showbiz, he was such a pro and his impressions were something completely different to all others, my own favorites are Burt and Kirk but everything was amazing