F. Murray Abraham and Kate Hannan | Source: Getty Images
F. Murray Abraham was married to his wife, Kate Hannan for over six decades. Since losing the only woman in his life, Abraham's perspective on his career has changed drastically.
Kate Hannan witnessed her famous husband, actor F. Murray Abraham, earn massive success in Hollywood's glamorous yet challenging world after years of hard work.
Abraham viewed Hannan as the most supportive woman who adjusted to the ups and downs of his career. Now, he has taken time to adjust to life without her.
F. Murray Abraham attends the Broadway opening night of "Race" at The Ethel Barrymore Theatre on December 6, 2009, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Abraham is an actor who won the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a leading role for his portrayal of the spiteful composer Antonio Salieri in the 1984 film "Amadeus."
While his primary focus was theater, the Pittsburgh-born actor began his film career in the 1971 film "They Might Be Giants." Three years later, he co-starred with actor Al Pacino in "Serpico." Abraham later achieved even greater success in the industry.
F. Murray Abraham and Kate Hannan attend the Academy Awards on March 25, 1985, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Abraham reunited with Al Pacino in the 1983 film "Scarface." He also appeared alongside another renowned actor, Sean Connery, in the 1985 flick "The Name of the Rose."
In addition to his successful career in the entertainment industry, Abraham is a father of two children. The Oscar winner's love for his kids reflects his love and respect for his late wife, Hannan.
F. Murray Abraham and Kate Hannan attend the New York premiere of "Cafe Society" hosted by Amazon & Lionsgate with The Cinema Society at Paris Theatre on July 13, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Who Was F. Murray Abraham's Wife Kate Hannan?
Abraham married Hannan on April 7, 1962, after fate brought them together in Los Angeles, where they first met. Abraham had come to seek his fortune as an actor at that time.
They welcomed two children, a daughter named Jamili and a son named Mick. However, Abraham's life turned upside down when Hannan lost her battle with multiple sclerosis in November 2022 at their New York City residence. She was 82.
Abraham's wife was highly regarded by those who knew her well for her remarkable bravery, steadfast loyalty, and unwavering sincerity.
F. Murray Abraham and Kate Hannan attend the 'Mimic' New York City Premiere at Ziegfeld Theater on August 19, 1997, in New York City, New York. | Source: Getty Images
F. Murray Abraham Speaks with Warmth about His Wife
Abraham had spoken about how his late wife made his fluctuating fortune easier to bear during their marriage. In a May 2021 interview, he expressed his high regard for her and how she had supported him throughout their time together. He said:
"She's been a rock to me. She put up with my tirades and my anger and my...All that crap we put ourselves through."
In a January 2023 NPR interview, Abraham reflected on the early days of his acting career in L.A. and spoke about the challenges he faced in the movie industry. He revealed that he struggled with meeting people.
F. Murray Abraham arrives to the opening night of "The Constant Wife" June 16, 2005, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Despite doing plays and class work, his fear of auditioning held him back. However, he eventually mustered up the courage to audition and landed a role in Ray Bradbury's play, "Wonderful Ice Cream Suit," which was a hit.
Rather than indulging in drama, Abraham is focused on delivering performances beyond mere emotional acting.
F. Murray Abraham bows at the curtain call during the press night performance of "The Mentor" at The Vaudeville Theatre on July 4, 2017, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his success, Abraham was unsatisfied with the way actors in L.A. viewed themselves. He felt his ideas aligned more with classical theater, prompting him to move to New York.
Hannan, a very patient woman, relocated with her husband to the Big Apple. After some time, Abraham participated in Uta Hagen's audition, and she eventually became his only teacher.
F. Murray Abraham attends the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 10, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
They Were Together for 62 Years
Hannan and Abraham were together for an extraordinary 62 years, a feat rarely achieved in the world of entertainment. The actor has undergone drastic changes and is still adjusting since his wife's death.
In a recent NPR interview, he revealed that he had planned to participate in a theater production called "The Chairs" but ultimately did not pursue it.
According to Abraham, the play, which starred a husband and wife, had a tragic end, leading him to cancel the project. He was supposed to play the role of the husband. He said it affected his life.
F. Murray Abraham attends the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 26, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Rather than indulging in drama, Abraham is focused on delivering performances beyond mere emotional acting. "I've decided the only thing I can do now is to do comedy just to keep myself off the ground," he said.
The veteran actor is among celebrities who have lost their longtime spouses. Renowned singer Celine Dion lost her husband, René Angélil, to cancer in 2016, while actor John Travolta's wife, actress Kelly Preston, died in 2020 after battling breast cancer.
ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jm1nbGtganq4tM5mrpqrXZt6rsHRq5iyZZGXv6K0wKaqZq%2BZm7Jut8CtnGegpKK5