F. Murray Abraham Quotes

Powerful F. Murray Abraham for Daily Growth

About F. Murray Abraham

F. Murray Abraham, born Frederick Murray Abraham on October 24, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is an accomplished American actor renowned for his distinctive voice, versatility, and profound acting skills. Growing up in a working-class Jewish family, Abraham developed an early passion for performing arts, which was nurtured by his mother, who encouraged him to join local theater groups. After graduating from the Carnegie Mellon University's College of Fine Arts in 1962, Abraham embarked on a successful career that spans over five decades. His breakthrough role came in 1984 when he portrayed the title character in the film "Amadeus," earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Known for his quotable lines, one of which is, "In vital matters, there are no coincidences," Abraham's portrayal of Antonio Salieri remains a classic in cinema history. Abraham's career has been marked by a diverse range of roles, from Shakespearean tragedies to contemporary films. His voice work includes the voice of Ariel in Disney's "The Little Mermaid" and narration for documentaries like "The Civil War." His television appearances are equally impressive, with notable roles in series such as "Homeland," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." Throughout his career, Abraham has been honored with numerous awards, including two Tony Awards, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and the Academy Award. His influence extends beyond acting, inspiring generations of actors with his dedication to his craft and commitment to creating memorable, nuanced characters.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The joy in acting comes from the discovery."

F. Murray Abraham suggests that the pleasure derived from acting stems from the process of exploration and discovery. This discovery could refer to uncovering aspects of a character, understanding emotions, or learning new techniques, all of which contribute to a richer and more authentic performance. The quote emphasizes that the journey towards mastery is as important as the final product, making the act of acting a continuous process of self-discovery and growth for actors.


"When you're on stage, there is no other place that I would rather be."

This quote emphasizes F. Murray Abraham's profound love for performing on stage. It suggests a deep-seated passion for the art of acting, where the stage is not just a platform but a preferred space – a sanctuary or home away from home – that brings him immense joy and fulfillment. The quote underscores the sense of purpose, dedication, and commitment an actor feels towards their craft when they are on stage, immersed in the moment, and connected with their audience.


"In life, it's not where you go, it's what you leave when you get there."

This quote emphasizes that personal impact and contribution are more important than physical presence or destinations in life. Essentially, the quote encourages individuals to focus on making a positive impact in their journey through life, rather than merely chasing success or fame. It suggests that the true measure of a person's existence lies in the footprints they leave behind, whether it be knowledge, kindness, or inspiration. In this sense, it is not about where we go but what we become and what we give to others during our time on this planet.


"Everything you see in acting, if it's any good at all, comes from the imagination."

This quote by F. Murray Abraham emphasizes that great acting is rooted in the actor's imagination. It suggests that an actor's ability to convincingly portray a character stems not only from their technical skills but also from their capacity to vividly imagine the character, their emotions, motivations, and experiences. This creative process allows actors to bring characters to life on stage or screen, making them relatable and believable to audiences.


"The secret of a really good performance is in the listening."

The quote by F. Murray Abraham suggests that effective acting, or any form of communication for that matter, relies heavily on active listening. It implies that the ability to truly listen to one's scene partner, the script, or the circumstances around them, enhances a performance, making it more authentic and engaging. In other words, great performances are not just about speaking or acting; they are about understanding and responding appropriately to what is being said or shown.


My family is blue-collar - coal miners and steelworkers. My father was an automobile mechanic, and us boys were brought up to work. I used to pump gasoline at 11 cents a gallon. I thought I would like to be a first-rate mechanic; a respected, hard-working man.

- F. Murray Abraham

Father, Thought, Brought, First-Rate

There is one confrontation scene toward the end of the picture. In the middle of the scene, I thought, That's Sean Connery! I don't know how else to describe Sean Connery. I still feel that way.

- F. Murray Abraham

Thought, Middle, Still, None

There are certain men and women who, from the minute they step in front of a camera, that's exactly where they belong. Connery's one.

- F. Murray Abraham

Belong, Minute, Exactly, Connery

With Connery, he does act. He is in complete command. He completely trusts the person first, then the instrument. I've worked with his son also, on a picture in Russia.

- F. Murray Abraham

Instrument, Also, Then, Connery

I'm the spokesperson for the Multifaith Alliance for Syrian Refugees. My father was from Syria. It's an American initiative, and it's multi-faith. So, it's maybe 60-65 different organisations, Jews, Christians, Hindus... Anyway, it's very important and serious.

- F. Murray Abraham

Alliance, Very, Refugees, Hindus

The difficulty is capturing surprise on film.

- F. Murray Abraham

Surprise, Film, Difficulty, Capturing

Marlon Brando was the major influence in my life, though I never met him. And my father - we didn't get along, but he was an influence in terms of honesty and work ethic. That's the greatest compliment I could pay him.

- F. Murray Abraham

Father, My Life, Him, Major Influence

All the stuff that you visualized that was going to work so beautifully, you discover is trashed, so you jump to something else.

- F. Murray Abraham

Work, Discover, Going, Visualized

One of the great values of the theater is a communal search for truth; I believe that sincerely.

- F. Murray Abraham

Truth, Search, Sincerely, Communal

I worked with Harold Pinter once as my first Broadway show. It was one of the most exciting things that ever happened to me.

- F. Murray Abraham

Broadway, Exciting Things, Harold

I'm just having a wonderful time. It's an interesting thing that I'm very comfortable with this material and I don't know why. Maybe it's because I did MacBeth.

- F. Murray Abraham

Maybe, Very, Having, Macbeth

With Dick Smith there, and the words of Peter Shaffer... they've got to be the most beautiful descriptions in music ever written on film or in literature. And we could hear the music accompanying the words... What more can you ask for?

- F. Murray Abraham

More, Could, Smith, Descriptions

I'm passionate about politics, but when it comes to political parties, I'm despondent. I'm disappointed at the absence of a sense of humanity and struggle to not become a cynic.

- F. Murray Abraham

Politics, Passionate, Cynic

I can't pretend at how much I object to all of the plays that keep being brought back over and over again, the so-called classic plays. I mean how many times can we see 'The Glass Menagerie?'

- F. Murray Abraham

Glass, Over, Plays, So-Called

I'm first-generation American - my people came over on boats - and I think it's a shame to close the door on people who really need freedom.

- F. Murray Abraham

Think, Shame, Over, Boats

No matter all of your credits and accomplishments - you can be forgotten in a trice. The idea that you have to go back and start again after considerable success can destroy you if you're not strong. I never lost track of who I am and what I can do, because I continually find things to do, but not everyone has that resource.

- F. Murray Abraham

Strong, Back, Idea, Accomplishments

Suddenly I was the man who got the part that every actor in the English language was trying to get. I was really scared. I had talked the talk, and now I had to walk the walk. For three days, I couldn't answer the phone.

- F. Murray Abraham

Language, Part, Had, Scared

Woody Allen sets are very quiet. Extraordinary sense of power from a man who doesn't do anything except just stand there.

- F. Murray Abraham

Very, Allen, Sets, Woody

Milos said, You're my first choice. From my point of view, that doesn't pay the rent. I said, Tell me what I have to do next because I'm busy painting my kitchen.

- F. Murray Abraham

Point Of View, Next, Tell, Kitchen

I have two brothers buried in the military cemetery in Texas. I don't want to see any more of that.

- F. Murray Abraham

See, More, Brothers, Cemetery

If these men decided that they have to go in there and fight, I want them to send their own children and grandchildren. I want them to not send a bunch of strangers' kids in there to fight and die.

- F. Murray Abraham

Grandchildren, Die, Want, Send

Arnold Schwarzenegger, I don't know if you'd call him a great actor, but he's amazing in terms of his presence, and he is interesting enough that you want to watch him.

- F. Murray Abraham

Interesting, Want, Arnold, None

People desire power. I don't know why they want it so. It seems to me it implies a hugely superior intellect which separates them from most of the populace.

- F. Murray Abraham

Which, Hugely, Populace, Implies

I always play these bad guys, and I'm really a nice guy.

- F. Murray Abraham

Play, Bad, Always, Nice Guy

I'd like President Bush to think maybe there's another way to think, that maybe Kissinger was wrong when he says we had to go in there because he was wrong about Vietnam.

- F. Murray Abraham

Think, Like, Maybe, President Bush

I'd like President Bush to get a gun in his hands. I'll go with him. I can't think of anything better than to die in place 's just beginning their lives.

- F. Murray Abraham

Die, Hands, Gun, President Bush

After I finished school, I headed for Los Angeles, thinking, 'Movies. Beaches.' But I wanted to do serious stage work, so I upped sticks and moved to New York to study. I did the usual day jobs to support myself - waiting on tables, washing dishes, parking cars, anything to pay the rent. I was a terrible waiter, by the way.

- F. Murray Abraham

Waiting, Parking, Study, Sticks

I acted my heart out.

- F. Murray Abraham

Heart, Out, Acted

There are real tricks to getting a job that I just don't like or understand - it feels too close to pandering. I've tried it, but it doesn't work.

- F. Murray Abraham

Work, Like, Feels, Pandering

As much preparation as I had made for the old man Salieri, gestures and so on, the fact is after sitting for hours, your movements are kind of slow.

- F. Murray Abraham

Fact, Hours, Made, Old Man

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