F. Murray Abraham Biography

Fast Facts

• Awarded the "Premio per gli Italiani nel Mondo" by the Marzio Tremaglia foundation and the Italian government at a ceremony in Rome in 2004 for distinguishing himself abroad
• Won the John H․ Finley Award for his service to New York City in 2009 from The Alumni Association of The College of New York City
• Debuted on stage in a Los Angeles production of Ray Bradbury's "The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit," which sparked a friendship with the writer that lasted until Bradbury's death
• Quote: "If I could do only 'Star Trek' movies for the rest of my career, I would․ That's how strongly I feel about this organization․ I do not say that lightly․"
• Quote: "Even though I won the Oscar, I can still take the subway in New York, and nobody recognizes me․ Some actors might find that disconcerting, but I find it refreshing․"
• Quote: "It's true when I stepped on the stage, I knew exactly where I belonged․ I saw the truth in the theatre․ I don't know where you can go for the truth except in art․"
• Has a penchant for playing untrustworthy characters acting out unscrupulous schemes
• Has focused much of his energy on classical theatre, starring in Shakespearean productions including Othello and Richard III
• Added an "F" at the beginning of his stage name in honor of his father, Frederick
• Had to take four round trip flights between Los Angeles and Prague while simultaneously filming "Scarface" and "Amadeus․"
• Traded blows with a thief who snuck into the actors' dressing rooms during a reading of "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Classic Stage Company