F. Murray Abraham

Few actors can claim a career as rich and varied as F. Murray Abraham. From his classical theater roots to his unforgettable Oscar-winning turn as Salieri in Amadeus, from Tony-nominated Broadway music history performances to his recent scene-stealing work in The White Lotus, Homeland, and Star Trek: Discovery—Abraham has mastered the art of reinvention without ever compromising his craft. In this intimate conversation, the 85-year-old legend opens up about the highs and lows of a six-decade journey through American entertainment. He reveals why winning an Academy Award didn’t guarantee stardom, how he’s chosen challenging roles over commercial success, and what it means to still be delivering career-best performances in his ninth decade—including his current starring role in the new Broadway production of The Queen of Versailles. Abraham discusses what drew him back to live theater at this stage of his career and the unique electricity of performing before an audience eight times a week. He shares insights from working with the Coen Brothers on Inside Llewyn Davis, reflects on his rigorous classical training, and explains the discipline required to sustain a working actor’s life across film, television, and stage. He offers behind-the-scenes stories from iconic productions spanning Amadeus to The Grand Budapest Hotel, discusses the art of playing complex villains and antiheroes, and provides hard-won wisdom about longevity, artistry, and staying relevant across generations. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a film buff, or simply a fan of great storytelling, this episode offers a masterclass in dedication, versatility, and the power of choosing substance over flash. F. Murray Abraham proves that the best careers aren’t built overnight—they’re crafted one brilliant performance at a time. Listen now to hear from one of the most respected character actors of our time. Takin’ A Walk: In-depth music interviews exploring the stories and music history behind the songs. Check out our other shows Music Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson Part of IHeartpodcasts Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.