Abraham Lincoln cultural depictions
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Since his death in 1865, Abraham Lincoln has been an iconic American figure depicted, usually favorably or heroically, in many forms. Lincoln has often been portrayed by Hollywood, almost always in a flattering light. He has been depicted in a wide range of forms including alternative timelines, animation, documentary, small cameos, and fictionalized interpretations.


Statues

Statues of Abraham Lincoln can be found in the United States and in other countries. In
Ciudad Juárez Ciudad Juárez ( ; ''Juarez City''. ) is the most populous city in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is commonly referred to as Juárez and was known as El Paso del Norte (''The Pass of the North'') until 1888. Juárez is the seat of the Juà ...
,
Chihuahua Chihuahua may refer to: Places *Chihuahua (state), a Mexican state **Chihuahua (dog), a breed of dog named after the state **Chihuahua cheese, a type of cheese originating in the state **Chihuahua City, the capital city of the state **Chihuahua Mun ...
, Mexico, is a 13-foot (4 m) high bronze statue, a gift from the United States, dedicated in 1966 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The U.S. received a statue of Benito Juárez in exchange, which is in Washington, D.C. Juárez and Lincoln exchanged friendly letters during the American Civil War. Mexico remembers Lincoln's opposition to the Mexican–American War. (For his part, Juárez refused to aid the Confederacy and jailed those Confederates who sought his help.) There is also a statue in Tijuana, Mexico, showing Lincoln standing and destroying the chains of slavery. There are at least three statues of Lincoln in the United Kingdom—one in Parliament Square in London by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one in Manchester by George Grey Barnard and another in Edinburgh by George Bissell. There is also a bust of the President at St Andrews Church in
Hingham, Norfolk Hingham is a market town and civil parish in mid-Norfolk, England. The civil parish covers an area of and had a population of 2,078 in 944 households at the time of the United Kingdom Census 2001, 2001 Census, increasing to 2,367 at the 2011 Cen ...
, where Lincoln's ancestors lived. In
Havana, Cuba Havana (; Spanish: ''La Habana'' ) is the capital and largest city of Cuba. The heart of the La Habana Province, Havana is the country's main port and commercial center.
, there is a bust of Abraham Lincoln in the Museum of the Revolution, a small statue of him in front of the Abraham Lincoln School, and a bust of him near the Capitolio. In Quito, Ecuador, a statue of Lincoln can be found in the Plaza Abraham Lincoln. Avenida Abraham Lincoln, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is one of the capital city's most important and trafficked streets. In the
Buenos Aires Province Buenos Aires (), officially the Buenos Aires Province (''Provincia de Buenos Aires'' ), is the largest and most populous Argentine province. It takes its name from the city of Buenos Aires, the capital of the country, which used to be part of th ...
, Argentina, there is a city named Lincoln.


Poetry

Shortly after Lincoln's death, hundreds of poems were written on the topic. The historian
Stephen B. Oates Stephen Baery Oates (January 5, 1936August 20, 2021) was a professor of history at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He specialized in the American Civil War era and authored numerous books. Early life and education Stephen Baery Oates wa ...
noted that "never had the nation mourned so over a fallen leader" while the professor
William Pannapacker William Pannapacker is a professor emeritus of English and a higher education journalist, consultant, administrator, and fundraiser. He is the author of ''Revised Lives: Walt Whitman and Nineteenth-Century Authorship'', and numerous articles on li ...
argued "Perhaps no event in American history produced so great an outpouring of verse." Describing Lincoln as a martyr became a "popular sub-genre." Walt Whitman was fascinated by Lincoln during the Civil War and wrote several poems about him after his death. Whitman's Lincoln poems are: * "
O Captain! My Captain! "O Captain! My Captain!" is an extended metaphor poem written by Walt Whitman in 1865 about Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the death of U.S. president Abraham Lincoln. Well received upon publication, the poem was Whitman's first to be Anth ...
", 1865 * " When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd", 1865 * "
Hush'd Be the Camps To-Day "Hush'd Be the Camps To-Day" is a poem by Walt Whitman dedicated to Abraham Lincoln. The poem was written on April 19, 1865, shortly after Lincoln's assassination. Whitman greatly admired Lincoln and went on to write additional poetry about hi ...
", 1865 * "
This Dust Was Once the Man "This Dust Was Once the Man" is a brief elegy written by Walt Whitman in 1871. It was dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, whom Whitman greatly admired. The poem was written six years after Lincoln's assassinati ...
", 1871 Other poems on Lincoln include: * "
Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight "Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight" is a 1914 poem by American poet Vachel Lindsay. It portrays Abraham Lincoln walking the streets of Springfield, Illinois, stirred from his eternal sleep, a man, who even in death, is burdened by the tragedies of ...
", Vachel Lindsay, 1914 * James Russell Lowell's "
Commemoration Ode The "Commemoration Ode" (also known as the "Ode Recited at the Harvard Commemoration") is an 1865 poem by James Russell Lowell. It was written for Harvard's Commemoration Day. Though the Ode received a lackluster reception when Lowell first deliver ...
" (sixth stanza)


Songs

Over 1000 pieces of music spanning every generation since his presidency have been written about Lincoln. * ''
Abraham, Martin and John "Abraham, Martin and John" is a 1968 song written by Dick Holler. It was first recorded by Dion, in a version that was a substantial North American chart hit in 1968–1969. Near-simultaneous cover versions by Smokey Robinson and the Mira ...
'', written by
Dick Holler Richard Louis Holler (born October 16, 1934 in Indianapolis, IndianaBiography
LMHOF website; acce ...
, recorded by Dion (1968). This popular song first appeared under a sheet music cover picturing Mount Rushmore.


Classical music

* ''
A Lincoln Portrait ''Lincoln Portrait'' (also known as ''A Lincoln Portrait'') is a classical orchestral work written by the American composer Aaron Copland. The work involves a full orchestra, with particular emphasis on the brass section at climactic moments. The ...
'', by Aaron Copland, for narrator and orchestra. The subject is Lincoln's words. Contains excerpts from his 1862 annual address to Congress, the Lincoln-Douglas Debates, and the Gettysburg Address. The narrator is usually a distinguished person the orchestra wishes to honor; among them have been Bill Clinton,
Al Gore Albert Arnold Gore Jr. (born March 31, 1948) is an American politician, businessman, and environmentalist who served as the 45th vice president of the United States from 1993 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton. Gore was the Democratic Part ...
, and Barack Obama.


Film, drama, and fiction

Lincoln has been portrayed in many films and television shows since 1908.


1846

Lincoln himself wrote poetry and at least one piece of fiction loosely based upon one of the murder cases he defended as a young lawyer. In April 1846, ''The Quincy Whig'' published Lincoln's short story under the title "A Remarkable Case of Arrest for Murder". The story was republished in March 1952 by ''Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine'' and retitled "The Trailor Murder Mystery." Lincoln refers to his own unnamed character as "the defense" and "the writer of this".


Late 1800s

* In
Jules Verne Jules Gabriel Verne (;''Longman Pronunciation Dictionary''. ; 8 February 1828 – 24 March 1905) was a French novelist, poet, and playwright. His collaboration with the publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel led to the creation of the ''Voyages extraor ...
's 1870 novel, '' Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea'', a fictitious steam frigate, the ''Abraham Lincoln'', is sent to hunt down the "monster" that has been attacking ships at sea, and is attacked itself.
Captain Nemo Captain Nemo (; later identified as an Indian, Prince Dakkar) is a fictional character created by the French novelist Jules Verne (1828–1905). Nemo appears in two of Verne's science-fiction classics, ''Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas'' ( ...
also has a portrait of Lincoln hanging in his study on board the '' Nautilus''. In the sequel '' The Mysterious Island'', the five shipwrecked Union prisoners name the island which they discover, "Lincoln Island". * The German writer Karl May wrote two stories about Canada Bill Jones: ''Ein Self-man'' (1878) and ''Three carde monte'' (1879). The narrator meets several times with the young Abraham Lincoln and together they oppose "Kanada-Bill". Both stories have in common the first meeting of the heroes: The narrator finds Lincoln in a forest training to orate.


1900–1909

*'' The Clansman: A Historical Romance of the Ku Klux Klan'' (1905), a best-selling novel by
Thomas Dixon Jr. Thomas Frederick Dixon Jr. (January 11, 1864 – April 3, 1946) was an American white supremacist, Baptist minister, politician, lawyer, lecturer, novelist, playwright, and filmmaker. Referred to as a "professional racist", Dixon wrote two best ...
, which portrays Lincoln as sympathetic to the South. The book was adapted by
D.W. Griffith David Wark Griffith (January 22, 1875 – July 23, 1948) was an American film director. Considered one of the most influential figures in the history of the motion picture, he pioneered many aspects of film editing and expanded the art of the na ...
into the 1915 film '' The Birth of a Nation''
(Text of ''The Clansman''.
*The first motion picture based on Lincoln was 1908 film '' The Reprieve: An Episode in the Life of Abraham Lincoln''. Directed by Van Dyke Brooke, the film shows Lincoln pardoning a sentry who fell asleep on duty, a theme that would be depicted repeatedly in other silent era shorts. This era is also when the first Abraham Lincoln impersonators originated, and the modern idea of what he sounded like is derived from these.


1910–1919

* '' Abraham Lincoln's Clemency'' (1910), played by
Leopold Wharton Leopold Wharton (September 1, 1870 – September 27, 1927) was an American film director, producer and writer. He directed 37 films between 1911 and 1922, including the 1915 film ''The New Adventures of J. Rufus Wallingford'', which featur ...

''The Southerner: A Romance of the Real Lincoln''
(1913), novel by
Thomas Dixon Jr. Thomas Frederick Dixon Jr. (January 11, 1864 – April 3, 1946) was an American white supremacist, Baptist minister, politician, lawyer, lecturer, novelist, playwright, and filmmaker. Referred to as a "professional racist", Dixon wrote two best ...
* '' When Lincoln Paid'' (1913), played by Francis Ford * ''
The Battle of Gettysburg The Battle of Gettysburg () was fought July 1–3, 1863, in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, by Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War. In the battle, Union Major General George Meade's Army of the Pot ...
'' (1913), played by Willard Mack * ''
The Sleeping Sentinel ''The Sleeping Sentinel'' is a 1914 American black-and-white silent film that depicted President Abraham Lincoln pardoning a military sentry who had been sentenced to die for sleeping while on duty. In the actual incident during the American Civ ...
'' (1914), played by George Steele * '' The Birth of a Nation'' (1915), played by
Joseph Henabery Joseph Henabery (January 15, 1888 – February 18, 1976) of Omaha, Nebraska, was a film actor, screenplay writer, and director in the United States. He is best known for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in D.W. Griffith's controversial 1915 sile ...
. Lincoln's assassination is the central event of the movie, dividing it into two halves (with an intermission). * '' The Crisis'' (1916), played by Sam D. Drane * '' Abraham Lincoln (play)'' (1918), a John Drinkwater play


1920–1929

* ''
The Copperhead ''The Copperhead'' is a 1920 American silent film, silent historical drama film based on a novel by Frederick Landis and a 1918 play by Augustus Thomas. The star of this film is Lionel Barrymore who won acclaim in the play version on Broadway, a ...
'' (1920), played by Nicholas Schroell * ''
In the Days of Buffalo Bill ''In the Days of Buffalo Bill'' is a 1922 American silent Western film serial directed by Edward Laemmle. The film, which consisted of 18 episodes, is currently classified as lost. Cast * Art Acord as Art Taylor * Duke R. Lee as Buffalo Bil ...
'' (1922), played by Joel Day * ''
The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln ''The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln'' is a 1924 American feature film directed by Phil Rosen and written by Frances Marion. By the date of release, the film's title was shortened to ''Abraham Lincoln'', since the previous title was regarded ...
'' (1924), played by
George A. Billings George A. Billings (November 22, 1870 – April 15, 1934) was an American actor noted for his portrayals of Abraham Lincoln in films of the 1920s. Biography Born in Preston, Minnesota in 1870, he the son of Henry Orville Billings and Amanda Mel ...
* '' Abaraham Lincoln'' (1924), played by
Frank McGlynn Sr. Frank McGlynn Sr. (October 26, 1866 – May 18, 1951) was an American stage and screen actor who, in a career that spanned more than half a century, is best known for his convincing impersonations and performances as Abraham Lincoln in both ...
; short film adaptation of the Drinkwater play * '' The Iron Horse'' (1924), played by Charles Edward Bull * '' Hands Up!'' (1926), played by George A. Billings


1930–1939

* '' Abraham Lincoln'' (1930), played by Walter Huston * '' The Phantom President'' (1932), played by Charles Middleton * ''
The Littlest Rebel ''The Littlest Rebel'' is a 1935 American musical drama film directed by David Butler. The screenplay by Edwin J. Burke was adapted from a play of the same name by Edward Peple. Cast * Shirley Temple as Virgie Cary * John Boles as Herbert Ca ...
'' (1935), played by
Frank McGlynn Sr. Frank McGlynn Sr. (October 26, 1866 – May 18, 1951) was an American stage and screen actor who, in a career that spanned more than half a century, is best known for his convincing impersonations and performances as Abraham Lincoln in both ...
* ''
The Prisoner of Shark Island ''The Prisoner of Shark Island'' is a 1936 American drama film loosely based on the life of Maryland physician Samuel Mudd, who treated the injured presidential assassin John Wilkes Booth and later spent time in prison after his controversial co ...
'' (1936), played again by Frank McGlynn Sr. * '' Victoria the Great'' (1937), played by
Percy Parsons Edward Percy Parsons (1878–1944) was an American actor and singer who worked largely in the British film industry. Selected filmography * ''Suspense (1930 film), Suspense'' (1930) * ''Beyond the Cities'' (1930) * ''Creeping Shadows'' (1931) * ' ...
* ''
Of Human Hearts ''Of Human Hearts'' is a 1938 American drama film directed by Clarence Brown and starring Walter Huston, James Stewart and Beulah Bondi. Stewart plays a proud and ungrateful son who rebels against his preacher father and (after his father's de ...
'' (1938), played by John Carradine * ''Abraham Lincoln'' (1938), played by Orson Welles; radio adaptation of the Drinkwater play, aired as the sixth episode of '' The Mercury Theatre on the Air'' * ''
Lincoln in the White House ''Lincoln in the White House '' is a 1939 American biographical short or historical " special" about United States President Abraham Lincoln, highlighting events during his first term of office, from his inaugural speech in 1861 to his delivery ...
'' (1939), played again by Frank McGlynn Sr. * '' Young Mr. Lincoln'' (1939), played by Henry Fonda


1940–1949

* '' Abe Lincoln in Illinois'' (1940), played by
Raymond Massey Raymond Hart Massey (August 30, 1896 – July 29, 1983) was a Canadian actor, known for his commanding, stage-trained voice. For his lead role in '' Abe Lincoln in Illinois'' (1940), Massey was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor. Amo ...
* '' Virginia City'' (1940), played by Victor Kilian


1950–1959

* '' The Tall Target'' (1951), played by Leslie Kimmell * ''Abraham Lincoln'' (1952), played by
Robert Pastene Robert Pastene (January 29, 1918 – October 15, 1991) was an American actor who appeared films, television and on stage. He acted in a variety of television dramas during what is known as the Golden Age of Television throughout the 1950s and ...
with
James Dean James Byron Dean (February 8, 1931September 30, 1955) was an American actor. He is remembered as a cultural icon of teenage disillusionment and social estrangement, as expressed in the title of his most celebrated film, ''Rebel Without a Cause' ...
playing the court-martialed William Scott; CBS adaptation of the Drinkwater play * '' Prince of Players'' (1955), played by Stanley Hall * ''Black Friday'', a 1955 episode of '' Medic'', played by Austin Green * ''The Stepmother'', a 1956 episode of '' Telephone Time'', played by Ronnie Lee * ''
The Story of Mankind ''The Story of Mankind'' is a book written and illustrated by Dutch-American journalist, professor, and author Hendrik Willem van Loon. It was published in 1921. In 1922, it was awarded the Newbery Medal for an outstanding contribution to children ...
'' (1957), played again by Austin Green


1960–1969

* ''
The Passersby "The Passersby" is the 69th episode of the American television anthology series ''The Twilight Zone''. It was written by series creator and showrunner Rod Serling. Opening narration As the episode starts, a group of Civil War soldiers are walkin ...
'', a 1961 episode of '' The Twilight Zone'', played again by Austin Green * '' How the West Was Won'' (1962), played again by
Raymond Massey Raymond Hart Massey (August 30, 1896 – July 29, 1983) was a Canadian actor, known for his commanding, stage-trained voice. For his lead role in '' Abe Lincoln in Illinois'' (1940), Massey was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor. Amo ...
* Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (
1964 World's Fair The 1964–1965 New York World's Fair was a world's fair that held over 140 pavilions and 110 restaurants, representing 80 nations (hosted by 37), 24 US states, and over 45 corporations with the goal and the final result of building exhibits or ...
1965 Disneyland Park), which featured an audio-animatronic voiced by Royal Dano * '' The Chase'', a 1965 episode of ''
Doctor Who ''Doctor Who'' is a British science fiction television series broadcast by the BBC since 1963. The series depicts the adventures of a Time Lord called the Doctor, an extraterrestrial being who appears to be human. The Doctor explores the u ...
'', played by
Robert Marsden Robert Marsden ( – ) was an English actor, director, dramatic recitalist and teacher of drama at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and elsewhere. He was also one of the earliest (and latest surviving) wartime members of the BBC Radio Drama ...
* ''Death Trap'', a 1966 episode of ''
The Time Tunnel ''The Time Tunnel'' is an American color science fiction TV series written around a theme of time travel adventure starring James Darren and Robert Colbert. The show was creator-producer Irwin Allen's third science-fiction television series and ...
'', played by
Ford Rainey Ford Rainey (August 8, 1908 – July 25, 2005) was an American film, stage, and television actor.Myrna Oliver"Ford Rainey, 96; Performed Shakespeare, Shepard and Variety of Film, TV Roles" ''Los Angeles Times'', July 26, 2005. Early life Rainey ...
* '' The Savage Curtain'', a 1969 episode of '' Star Trek: The Original Series'', a clone of Lincoln made in the year 2269, played by Lee Bergere * ''
We Can Build You ''We Can Build You'' is a 1972 science fiction novel by American writer Philip K. Dick. Written in 1962 as ''The First in Our Family'', it remained unpublished until appearing in serial form as ''A. Lincoln, Simulacrum'' in the November 1969 an ...
'', a
Philip K. Dick Philip Kindred Dick (December 16, 1928March 2, 1982), often referred to by his initials PKD, was an American science fiction writer. He wrote 44 novels and about 121 short stories, most of which appeared in science fiction magazines during his l ...
novel first serialised as 'A. Lincoln, Simulacrum' in 1969, & a direct prequel to '' Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?''


1970–1979

*
The Hall of Presidents The Hall of Presidents is an attraction located in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The attraction is a multi-media presentation featuring Audio-Animatronic figures of all 45 individuals who have served as President ...
opens at Walt Disney World featuring all 36 presidents to date, including Lincoln (1971) * George MacDonald Fraser's 1971 novel ''
Flash for Freedom! Flash, flashes, or FLASH may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Fictional aliases * Flash (DC Comics character), several DC Comics superheroes with super speed: ** Flash (Barry Allen) ** Flash (Jay Garrick) ** Wally West, the first Kid ...
'' features a young Abraham Lincoln at the time that he was a Congressman. Anti-hero narrator and self-confessed cad
Harry Flashman Sir Harry Paget Flashman is a fictional character created by Thomas Hughes (1822–1896) in the semi-autobiographical ''Tom Brown's School Days'' (1857) and later developed by George MacDonald Fraser (1925–2008). Harry Flashman appears in a ...
describes him as having "the makings of as big a scoundrel as I am myself". * In '' The Great Man's Whiskers'' (1972), Dennis Weaver portrays Lincoln. * In ''Sandburg's Lincoln'' (1974),
Hal Holbrook Harold Rowe Holbrook Jr. (February 17, 1925 – January 23, 2021) was an American actor, television director, and screenwriter. He first received critical acclaim in 1954 for a one-man stage show that he developed called ''Mark Twain Tonight!'' ...
plays the title character. * In "Sex and Violence", a 1975 pilot for '' The Muppet Show'', an Abraham Lincoln Muppet (performed by
John Lovelady John Lovelady is an American puppeteer who worked with the Muppets, including on the PBS series ''Sesame Street''. Lovelady is originally from Oxford, Mississippi. He was one of the puppeteer troupe in the first season of ''The Muppet Show'' (1 ...
) appears as part of the Muppet version of Mount Rushmore. * '' The Adams Chronicles'' (1976), played by
Stephen D. Newman Stephen D. Newman (born January 20, 1943) is an American actor. In 1983, he appeared opposite Brian Bedford in a Broadway production of Molière's ''The Misanthrope''. For his performance in ''The Misanthrope'', in which he played Philinte, Ne ...
. * Lincoln is among the historical figures depicted in '' Our Nation's 200th Birthday, The Telephone's 100th Birthday'' by
Stanley Meltzoff Stanley Meltzoff (March 27, 1917 - November 9, 2006) was an American painter most known for his marine paintings. Early life and career Born in New York City to father Nathan, a cantor at a Manhattan synagogue, Stanley Meltzoff graduated from ...
for
Bell System The Bell System was a system of telecommunication companies, led by the Bell Telephone Company and later by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T), that dominated the telephone services industry in North America for over one hundr ...
. * '' The Lincoln Conspiracy'' (1977), played by
John Anderson John Anderson may refer to: Business *John Anderson (Scottish businessman) (1747–1820), Scottish merchant and founder of Fermoy, Ireland * John Byers Anderson (1817–1897), American educator, military officer and railroad executive, mentor of ...
. * In the Belgian comic series '' Lucky Luke'', Abraham Lincoln appears in a cameo as the president of the United States in the album "
Le Fil qui chante ''Le Fil qui chante'' is a ''Lucky Luke'' adventure written by Goscinny and illustrated by Morris. It is the forty sixth book in the series and was originally published in French in 1977 by Dargaud and in English by Cinebook in 2012. The story ...
" released in 1977 by Morris (artist) and Rene Goscinny (writer). He commissions the construction of the First Transcontinental Telegraph and Lucky Luke volunteers to help. Lincoln re-appears in the comic "Lucky Luke contre Pinkerton" released in 2010 by Achde (artist) and Daniel Pennac and Tonino Benacquista (writers), where he assigns Allan Pinkerton to be his personal guard.


1980–1989

* Lincoln impersonator Rex Hamilton was introduced in the opening credits of each episode of '' Police Squad!'' shooting back at John Wilkes Booth, though he would not further appear in any episodes. *
Gregory Peck Eldred Gregory Peck (April 5, 1916 – June 12, 2003) was an American actor and one of the most popular film stars from the 1940s to the 1970s. In 1999, the American Film Institute named Peck the 12th-greatest male star of Classic Hollywood ...
portrayed Lincoln in the 1982 television movie, '' The Blue and the Gray''. * In the miniseries ''
North and South North and South may refer to: Literature * ''North and South'' (Gaskell novel), an 1854 novel by Elizabeth Gaskell * ''North and South'' (trilogy), a series of novels by John Jakes (1982–1987) ** ''North and South'' (Jakes novel), first novel ...
'',
Hal Holbrook Harold Rowe Holbrook Jr. (February 17, 1925 – January 23, 2021) was an American actor, television director, and screenwriter. He first received critical acclaim in 1954 for a one-man stage show that he developed called ''Mark Twain Tonight!'' ...
played Lincoln (once again) in Books I and II * In the 1986 miniseries ''
Dream West ''Dream West'' is a 1986 American television miniseries starring Richard Chamberlain and directed by Dick Lowry. Development The seven-hour miniseries was broken into three parts (2 hours, 2 hours, and 3 hours). Part 1 aired on Sunday, April 13 ...
'', Lincoln was played by
F. Murray Abraham F. Murray Abraham (born Murray Abraham; October 24, 1939) is an American actor. Known for his roles on stage and screen, he came to prominence for his acclaimed leading role as Antonio Salieri in the drama film ''Amadeus (film), Amadeus'' (1984) ...
* The 1987 American TV series '' Amerika'' displays an America occupied by Soviet troops. Lincoln's image is displayed along Marx's and Lenin's in parades, exemplifying the re-interpretation of American symbols by the new state. * He appeared in the 1987 film '' The Garbage Pail Kids Movie'' inside the State Home of the Ugly for being "too skinny", along with
Mohandas Gandhi Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (; ; 2 October 1869 â€“ 30 January 1948), popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist Quote: "... marks Gandhi as a hybrid cosmopolitan figure who transformed ... anti- ...
for being "too bald" and
Santa Claus Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa, is a Legend, legendary figure originating in Western Christianity, Western Christian culture who is said to Christmas gift-bringer, bring ...
for being "too fat." * In the sketch comedy series '' SCTV'',
Joe Flaherty Joseph Flaherty (born June 21, 1941) is an American actor, writer, and comedian. He is best known for his work on the Canadian sketch comedy '' SCTV'' from 1976 to 1984 (on which he also served as a writer), and as Harold Weir on ''Freaks and G ...
plays a time-traveler Lincoln going to the past to chase the child John Wilkes Booth through time with a gun to prevent his assassination, repeatedly failing attempts to kill Booth.
Catherine O'Hara Catherine Anne O'Hara (born March 4, 1954) is a Canadian-American actress. She is known for her comedy work on ''Second City Television'' (1976–84) and ''Schitt's Creek'' (2015–2020) and in films such as '' After Hours'' (1985), ''Beetleju ...
plays Mrs. Lincoln who asks her time traveler husband where her future is to lead her. When he casually responds "in an insane asylum", she proclaims her foresight ability, responding "I knew it!" * Based on a novel by Gore Vidal, the 1988 telefilm '' Lincoln'' starred Sam Waterston in the title role, and Mary Tyler Moore as his wife. *
Robert V. Barron Robert V. Barron (December 26, 1932 – December 1, 2000) was an American TV and film director, producer, screenwriter and actor. He was best known for his role as the voice of Admiral Donald Hayes in 1980s animated TV series ''Robotech'', of ...
appeared as Lincoln in ''
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure ''Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure'' is a 1989 American science fiction film, science fiction comedy film directed by Stephen Herek and written by Chris Matheson (screenwriter), Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon. The first installment of the Bill & T ...
'' (1989), and in episodes of '' Out of This World'' (#2.15, 1988). * Appears as Joshua Speed in
Parke Godwin Parke Godwin (January 28, 1929 – June 19, 2013) was an American writer. He won the World Fantasy Award for Best Novella in 1982 for his story "The Fire When It Comes". He was a native of New York City, where he was born in 1929. He was the g ...
's sci-fi novel ''The Snake Oil Wars''. * Appears in a '' This Is America, Charlie Brown'' episode titled "The Smithsonian and the Presidency", with his segment focusing on the Gettysburg Address. He is voiced by
Frank Welker Franklin Wendell Welker (born March 12, 1946) is an American voice actor. He began his career in the 1960s, and holds over 860 film, television, and video game credits as of 2022, making him one of the most prolific voice actors of all time. With ...
.


1990–1999

* '' The Civil War'' (1990) Sam Waterston played Lincoln * In the ''
Red Dwarf ''Red Dwarf'' is a British science fiction comedy franchise created by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor, which primarily consists of a television sitcom that aired on BBC Two between 1988 and 1999, and on Dave since 2009, gaining a cult following. T ...
'' episode "
Meltdown Meltdown may refer to: Science and technology * Nuclear meltdown, a severe nuclear reactor accident * Meltdown (security vulnerability), affecting computer processors * Mutational meltdown, in population genetics Arts and entertainment Music * Me ...
", Lincoln (played by
Jack Klaff Jack Klaff is a South African-born actor, writer and academic. He has held professorships at Princeton University and Starlab. Amongst his early screen roles were in Star Wars (film), Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) as Red Four and For ...
) was featured as a Waxdroid in a theme park planet called Waxworld, where evil waxdroids and good waxdroids are fighting. * In the first installment of ''
Sid Meier's Civilization ''Sid Meier's Civilization'' is a 1991 turn-based strategy 4X video game developed and published by MicroProse. The game was originally developed for MS-DOS running on a PC, and has undergone numerous revisions for various platforms. The pla ...
'' (1991) Lincoln is featured as the playable leader of the Americans. * In Harry Turtledove's
alternate history Alternate history (also alternative history, althist, AH) is a genre of speculative fiction of stories in which one or more historical events occur and are resolved differently than in real life. As conjecture based upon historical fact, altern ...
novel '' The Guns of the South'' (1992), several members of the
South African __NOTOC__ South African may relate to: * The nation of South Africa * South African Airways * South African English * South African people * Languages of South Africa * Southern Africa Southern Africa is the southernmost subregion of the Afric ...
white supremacist organisation '' Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging'' traveled back in time from 2014 to January 1864 and provided
Confederate army The Confederate States Army, also called the Confederate Army or the Southern Army, was the military land force of the Confederate States of America (commonly referred to as the Confederacy) during the American Civil War (1861–1865), fighting ...
general
Robert E. Lee Robert Edward Lee (January 19, 1807 â€“ October 12, 1870) was a Confederate general during the American Civil War, towards the end of which he was appointed the overall commander of the Confederate States Army. He led the Army of Nort ...
's Army of Northern Virginia with AK-47s, allowing the Confederate States of America to win the American Civil War, which became known as the Second American Revolution. Lincoln remained in Washington, D.C. even with the defeat of the U.S. Army in the face of the Confederate AK-47s at the Battle of Bealeton. Upon the arrival of the Army of Northern Virginia, Lincoln invited General Lee into the White House to negotiate an armistice, ending the war. He spent the remainder of his term attempting to negotiate favorable terms with the Confederacy in the final peace. In the 1864 election, Lincoln and incumbent Vice President Hannibal Hamlin carried twelve states ( Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Michigan, West Virginia, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nevada) with 83 electoral votes. However, he was narrowly defeated by the Democratic ticket of
Horatio Seymour Horatio Seymour (May 31, 1810February 12, 1886) was an American politician. He served as Governor of New York from 1853 to 1854 and from 1863 to 1864. He was the Democratic Party nominee for president in the 1868 United States presidential elec ...
and
Clement Vallandigham Clement Laird Vallandigham ( ; July 29, 1820 – June 17, 1871) was an American politician and leader of the Copperhead faction of anti-war Democrats during the American Civil War. He served two terms for Ohio's 3rd congressional district in the ...
, who carries ten states with 138 electoral votes. After leaving office, Lincoln toured Missouri and Kentucky, agitating tirelessly in favor of the two disputed states remaining in the Union. In the post-war plebiscites, Missouri voted to remain in the Union whereas Kentucky voted to join the Confederacy. Lincoln then returned to Illinois where he practiced law. * In the alternate history short story ''
The Lincoln Train "The Lincoln Train" is an alternate history short story published by Maureen F. McHugh, published in April 1995. It is collected in volume 31 of the Nebula Awards anthologies, in ''Alternate Tyrants'' (1997), and in '' Best of the Best: 20 Years o ...
'' by
Maureen F. McHugh Maureen F. McHugh (born February 13, 1959) is an American science fiction and fantasy writer. Career McHugh's first published story was published as a ''Twilight Zone'' under a male pseudonym in 1988. It was followed by a pair of publication ...
, Abraham Lincoln survives his assassination attempt by John Wilkes Booth, but is renders him a vegetable, and incapable of governing the nation. This leads to William H. Seward becoming president and instigates a harsh policy of Reconstruction. * In '' Sid Meier's Civilization II'' (1996), Lincoln appears as one of the two leaders of the Americans, the other being Eleanor Roosevelt. * '' A&E Biography'': "Abraham Lincoln - Preserving the Union" (1997) * An Abraham Lincoln robot acts as a defense attorney for African-American children Leon, Kahlil, LaShawn and Pee-Wee in '' Bebe's Kids'' (1992). * Lincoln appears in the '' Animaniacs'' episode "Four Score and Seven Migraines Ago" (1993), voiced by Peter Renaday. He is assisted in writing the Gettysburg Address by the Warners. * Lincoln appeared as an occasional guest host on '' Histeria!'', especially in two episodes centered on the Civil War. Pepper Mills mistakes him for Lurch from '' The Addams Family'', and one sketch shows the Civil War politics like an episode of ''
Seinfeld ''Seinfeld'' ( ) is an American television sitcom created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. It aired on NBC from July 5, 1989, to May 14, 1998, over nine seasons and List of Seinfeld episodes, 180 episodes. It stars Seinfeld as Jerry Seinfeld ( ...
'', with Lincoln as Jerry and George B. McClellan as George Costanza. In another sketch,
Loud Kiddington ''Histeria!'' is an American animated series created by Tom Ruegger and produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Unlike other animated series produced by Warner Bros. in the 1990s, ''Histeria!'' was an explicitly educational program created to me ...
demands he explain the parts of the Gettysburg Address that he doesn't understand (such as what "four score" means). On ''Histeria!'', Abe acts like
Johnny Carson John William Carson (October 23, 1925 â€“ January 23, 2005) was an American television host, comedian, writer and producer. He is best known as the host of ''The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson'' (1962–1992). Carson received six Pr ...
and was voiced by Maurice LaMarche. * In the 1993 film ''
Coneheads The Coneheads are a fictional family of extraterrestrials with bald conical heads, created for a series of recurring sketches on ''Saturday Night Live'' (SNL). They first appeared on the January 15, 1977 episode hosted by Ralph Nader (episode 3 ...
'',
Dan Aykroyd Daniel Edward Aykroyd ( ; born July 1, 1952) is a Canadian actor, comedian, producer, musician and writer. He was an original member of the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" on ''Saturday Night Live'' (1975–1979). During his tenure on ''SNL'' ...
's character dresses as Lincoln for a costume ball, as the President's stovepipe hat effectively covers his cone-shaped head. * ''Tad'' (1995), played by Kris Kristofferson. * The Speeches of Abraham Lincoln (1995) * In an episode of the HBO sketch comedy series ''
Mr. Show ''Mr. Show with Bob and David'', also known as ''Mr. Show'', is an American sketch comedy series starring and hosted by Bob Odenkirk and David Cross. It aired on HBO from November 3, 1995, to December 28, 1998. Cross and Odenkirk introduced m ...
'', Abraham Lincoln is portrayed (in an openly historically inaccurate skit) as the man who designed the American flag. Tom Kenny portrayed Lincoln as speaking in a thick New York accent. * In Harry Turtledove's alternate history novel '' How Few Remain'' (1997), part of the Southern Victory Series, Lincoln is a viewpoint character. He serves as President for one term from 1861 to 1865, where he saw the Confederate States win their independence during the War of Succession. He loses the 1864 election in a landslide. Feeling that the
Republican Party Republican Party is a name used by many political parties around the world, though the term most commonly refers to the United States' Republican Party. Republican Party may also refer to: Africa *Republican Party (Liberia) * Republican Part ...
was no longer true to its original roots, Lincoln leads a left-wing fraction of Republicans into the Socialist Party in 1882 during the
Second Mexican War ''How Few Remain'' is a 1997 alternate history novel by Harry Turtledove. It is the first part of the Southern Victory saga, which depicts a world in which the Confederate States of America won the American Civil War. It is similar to his earlie ...
. The Socialists soon replace the Republicans as the primary opposition to the Democrats, which Benjamin Butler lead most of the right-wing Republicans to them. Despite this, the Republican Party survives, but as a central third party. Mr. Lincoln himself is referred to in later novels in the series as the father of American socialism, as his eloquence and political influence after leaving office. * Talk show '' Late Night with Conan O'Brien'' started in 1993, with Dino Stamatopoulos as the original portrayer of Lincoln. In 1999, Mike Sweeney took over this role. * In the DC Comics
Elseworld ''Elseworlds'' was the publication imprint for American comic books produced by DC Comics for stories that took place outside the DC Universe canon. Elseworlds publications are set in alternate realities that deviate from the established con ...
title ''Superman: A Nation Divided'', a reimagining of Superman's origins as coming into his powers during the American Civil War, President Lincoln features heavily. He is first seen reading field reports by General
Ulysses S. Grant Ulysses S. Grant (born Hiram Ulysses Grant ; April 27, 1822July 23, 1885) was an American military officer and politician who served as the 18th president of the United States from 1869 to 1877. As Commanding General, he led the Union Ar ...
that describe "Atticus" Kent's special abilities. Lincoln then assumes Grant has been drinking until Kent himself shows up at the White House. After Kent helps win the war, he accompanies Lincoln to the
Ford Theater ''Ford Theatre'', spelled ''Ford Theater'' for the original radio version and known, in full, as ''The Ford Television Theatre'' for the TV version, is a radio and television anthology series broadcast in the United States in the 1940s and 1950 ...
where he prevents John Wilkes Booth's assassination attempt. After this, Lincoln is seen to be one of the most popular presidents in history, serving two full terms. * In 1998, Scott McCloud wrote and drew the graphic novel ''The New Adventures of Abraham Lincoln'', in which the president seemingly returns to life in the present day; however, it is in fact a disguised
Benedict Arnold Benedict Arnold ( Brandt (1994), p. 4June 14, 1801) was an American military officer who served during the Revolutionary War. He fought with distinction for the American Continental Army and rose to the rank of major general before defect ...
, working for aliens in a plot to conquer the world. He is unmasked by the true Lincoln, who also returns from the dead. * In 1998, TNT aired ''The Day Lincoln Was Shot'', with Lance Henriksen as Abraham Lincoln and Rob Morrow as John Wilkes Booth. The film is a remake of ''Ford Star Jubilee: The Day Lincoln Was Shot'' (1956). * In 1998,
Dann Florek Ezekial Dann Florek (born May 1, 1950) is an American actor and film director. He is best known for his role as New York City Police Captain Donald Cragen on NBC's '' Law & Order'' and its spinoff '' Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'', and Dav ...
played Lincoln in the short-lived comedy television series ''
The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer ''The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer'' ( ) is an American sitcom that aired on UPN from October 5 to October 26, 1998. Before it was even debuted, the series set off a storm of controversy because of a perceived light-hearted take on the issue ...
'' * In 1999, a comic book story featuring The Phantom was made called ''Lincoln's Murder'', and published in Europe and
Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...
. * In the
MTV MTV (Originally an initialism of Music Television) is an American cable channel that launched on August 1, 1981. Based in New York City, it serves as the flagship property of the MTV Entertainment Group, part of Paramount Media Networks, a di ...
claymation television series '' Celebrity Deathmatch'', he appears as a fighter facing off against
George Washington George Washington (February 22, 1732, 1799) was an American military officer, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Appointed by the Continental Congress as commander of th ...
.


2000–2009

* In the film '' Bedazzled'' (2000), Brendan Fraser's character makes a deal with the Devil ( Elizabeth Hurley) for seven wishes. Upon wishing to be President of the United States, he is transformed into Lincoln and finds himself in Ford's Theatre watching " Our American Cousin" on the night of his assassination. * ''Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided'' (2001), a documentary on PBS's American Experience. * '' Clone High'' (2002) features a clone of Abraham Lincoln as a major character (voiced by Will Forte). * In ''
Sid Meier's Civilization III ''Sid Meier's Civilization III'' is the third installment of the ''Civilization (series), Sid Meier's Civilization'' turn-based strategy video game series. It was released in 2001, and followed by ''Civilization IV''. Unlike the original game, ''C ...
'' (2001), Lincoln appears once again as the playable leader of the Americans. * In '' Gangs of New York'' (2002), Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis's characters attend a performance of the play '' Uncle Tom's Cabin'' in which an actor representing Lincoln is suspended in mid-air (with his body apparently backwards) to address the
blackface Blackface is a form of theatrical makeup used predominantly by non-Black people to portray a caricature of a Black person. In the United States, the practice became common during the 19th century and contributed to the spread of racial stereo ...
actors. An audience member interrupts him, as the
immigrant Immigration is the international movement of people to a destination country of which they are not natives or where they do not possess citizenship in order to settle as permanent residents or naturalized citizens. Commuters, tourists, and ...
audience members begin throwing objects at Lincoln and rioting. * In '' The Master of Disguise'' (2002), Pistachio Disguisey's grandfather tells him about the family legacy. In one part of the story, he tells about the Disguiseys helping Lincoln get elected. * Though '' The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy'' and '' Evil Con Carne'' are set in modern times, Lincoln (voiced by Peter Renaday) is strangely used to portray the President of the United States in the story's plot. One episode of ''The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy'' even features him as Grim's replacement in Billy and Mandy's group of friends. * In the 2004 alternative history mockumentary '' C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America'', Abraham Lincoln flees after the
South South is one of the cardinal directions or Points of the compass, compass points. The direction is the opposite of north and is perpendicular to both east and west. Etymology The word ''south'' comes from Old English ''sūþ'', from earlier Pro ...
wins the war and annexes the northern states. Harriet Tubman attempts to help him flee to Canada in
blackface Blackface is a form of theatrical makeup used predominantly by non-Black people to portray a caricature of a Black person. In the United States, the practice became common during the 19th century and contributed to the spread of racial stereo ...
makeup, but they are soon captured. He later declares, "Now I too am a Negro". Lincoln quickly tried for war crimes against the Confederacy and was imprisoned in Fortress Monroe, Virginia while Tubman is executed. In 1866, Lincoln—frail and gaunt from his two-year sentence—is fully pardoned by
Confederate President The president of the Confederate States was the head of state and head of government of the Confederate States. The president was the chief executive of the federal government and was the commander-in-chief of the Confederate Army and the Confe ...
Jefferson Davis Jefferson F. Davis (June 3, 1808December 6, 1889) was an American politician who served as the president of the Confederate States from 1861 to 1865. He represented Mississippi in the United States Senate and the House of Representatives as a ...
and exiled to Canada. Lincoln remains until he dies in June 1905 at the age of 96. Shortly before his death, Lincoln laments not having made the Civil War a battle to end slavery. * In ''
Sid Meier's Civilization IV ''Civilization IV'' (also known as ''Sid Meier's Civilization IV'') is a 4X turn-based strategy computer game and the fourth installment of the ''Civilization'' series, and designed by Soren Johnson under the direction of Sid Meier and his vide ...
'', Lincoln is added as one of the playable leaders of the Americans in the expansion pack '' Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword'' (2007). In the base game, only
George Washington George Washington (February 22, 1732, 1799) was an American military officer, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Appointed by the Continental Congress as commander of th ...
and Franklin D. Roosevelt are playable leaders of America. * In 2005, Lincoln appeared in the song and video of ''The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny'' by
Lemon Demon Lemon Demon is a musical project and band created by American comedian and musician Neil Cicierega in 2003 in Boston, Massachusetts. Most Lemon Demon music is performed solely by Cicierega, who is the project's sole official member, but a fu ...
. * In the 2006 ''
American Dad! ''American Dad!'' is an American animated sitcom created by Seth MacFarlane, Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman for the Fox Broadcasting Company. Since 2014, the series has been airing new episodes on TBS. ''American Dad!'' is the first television ...
'' episode " Lincoln Lover",
Stan Smith Stanley Roger Smith (born December 14, 1946) is an American former professional tennis player. Smith is best known to non-tennis players as the namesake of a popular brand of tennis shoes. A world No. 1 player and two-time major singles cham ...
decides to write a one-man play to show his admiration for Lincoln and unwittingly ends up portraying him as a homosexual, attracting the attention of the Log Cabin Republicans. * In an episode of '' The Venture Bros.'', the ghost of Lincoln requests the help of Hank and Dean to save the current president from being killed. * '' National Treasure: Book of Secrets'' (2007) is a fictional film which concerns the assassination of Lincoln. * In the fourth episode of the 2007 game ''
Sam & Max Save the World ''Sam & Max Save the World'' is a graphic adventure video game developed by Telltale Games. The game was originally released as ''Sam & Max: Season One'' before being renamed in early 2009. ''Save the World'' was developed in episodic fashion, ...
'', the statue of Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial is converted into a giant robot. He returns in the game's final episode, and becomes a major recurring character in its sequels. * ''
Futurama ''Futurama'' is an American animated science fiction sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series follows the adventures of the professional slacker Philip J. Fry, who is cryogenically preserved for 1000 years a ...
'' featured different depictions of Abraham Lincoln: ** An Evil Hologram of Lincoln appears in "
Kif Gets Knocked Up a Notch "Kif Gets Knocked Up a Notch" is the first episode in season four of the American animated television series '' Futurama''. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on January 12, 2003. The episode was written by Bill Odenkirk and d ...
", voiced by Maurice LaMarche. ** A Robot Lincoln with 20 personalities (All of them Lincoln) called Abraham Lincolnbot appear in "
Insane in the Mainframe "Insane in the Mainframe" is the eleventh episode of the third season of the American animated sitcom '' Futurama''. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on April 8, 2001. The episode was written by Bill Odenkirk and direc ...
", voiced by
David Herman David Herman (born February 20, 1967) is an American actor and comedian. He was an original cast member on ''MADtv'' from 1995 to 1997, and played Michael Bolton in ''Office Space''. He has done voice-over work in hundreds of episodes of ''B ...
. ** Abraham Lincoln's Head in a Jar has also appeared voiced by Billy West in the episodes "
Put Your Head on My Shoulders "Put Your Head on My Shoulders" is the seventh episode in the second season of the American animated television series ''Futurama''. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on February 13, 2000. The episode was written by K ...
" and "
All the Presidents' Heads "All the Presidents' Heads" is the twenty-third episode of the sixth season of the animated sitcom '' Futurama'', and originally aired July 28, 2011 on Comedy Central. Plot Fry goes to his night job at the Head Museum where he feeds the preserve ...
" and by Maurice LaMarche in '' Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder''. * He is ranked fourth in ''Electronic Gaming Monthly''s list of the top ten video game politicians for his appearance in ''Fight Club'' for the PlayStation 2. * In ''
Robot Chicken ''Robot Chicken'' is an American adult animated stop motion sketch comedy television series, created and executive produced for Adult Swim by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich along with co-head writers Douglas Goldstein and Tom Root. The writers, ...
''s first ''Star Wars'' special, Lincoln (voiced by
Hulk Hogan Terry Eugene Bollea (; born August 11, 1953), better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American retired professional wrestler. He is widely regarded as the most recognized wrestling star worldwide and the most popular wrestler of the 19 ...
) is seen as being seated under the Lincoln Memorial, and engages in lightsaber combat with
George W. Bush George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is an American politician who served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. A member of the Republican Party, Bush family, and son of the 41st president George H. W. Bush, he ...
. In "Bionic Cow", Abraham Lincoln (voiced by
Seth Green Seth Benjamin Green ( ''né'' Gesshel-Green; born February 8, 1974) is an American actor, producer, and writer. Green's film debut came with a role in the comedy-drama film ''The Hotel New Hampshire'' (1984), and he went on to have supporting ...
) is doing four score and seven kicks to
Robert E. Lee Robert Edward Lee (January 19, 1807 â€“ October 12, 1870) was a Confederate general during the American Civil War, towards the end of which he was appointed the overall commander of the Confederate States Army. He led the Army of Nort ...
's balls while two Union Soldiers hold Lee. * Lincoln appears in the form of his statue at the Lincoln Memorial coming to life in the film '' Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian'', voiced by Hank Azaria. In the video game adaption, Abraham Lincoln's statue is voiced by
Jim Cummings James Jonah Cummings (born November 3, 1952) is an American voice actor. Since beginning his career in the 1980s, he has appeared in almost 400 roles. Cummings has frequently worked with The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros., including as th ...
. * The Invincible comic book features Lincoln as an alter-ego of the superhero Immortal, who faked his death after his supposed assassination before reappearing in the modern day as a costumed crime-fighter.


2010–2019

* ''
Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter ''Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter'' is a 2012 American action horror film directed by Timur Bekmambetov and based on the Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter (novel), novel of the same name by Seth Grahame-Smith, depicting a fictionalized history of ...
'' (2010) is a novel by Seth Grahame-Smith, in which Lincoln makes it his life's goal to destroy all evil vampires in the United States. The film adaptation was released in July 2012 with Benjamin Walker starring in the title role. * '' The Conspirator'' (2010) deals with the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination, centering on Mary Surratt. * In the 2011 director's cut of '' Gods and Generals'' based on the book of same name Lincoln was played by Christian Kauffman during a few added scenes, including one where Lincoln watches ''Macbeth'' featuring John Wilkes Booth where Booth gives the "Dagger of the Mind" soliloquy while staring intently at Lincoln. * In the 2010-2019 TV show '' Adventure Time'', Abraham Lincoln (voiced by
Pendleton Ward Ward Taylor Pendleton Johnston (born September 23, 1982), known professionally as Pendleton Ward or simply Pen Ward, is an American animator, screenwriter, producer, director, and voice actor who has worked for Cartoon Network Studios, Freder ...
) is depicted as the King of Mars in the 2007 short and in the main series episode "Sons of Mars". He is also mentioned in other episodes throughout the series. * Abraham Lincoln appears in the cold opening of the '' Batman: The Brave and the Bold'' episode "Mitefall", voiced again by Peter Renaday. This version of Abraham Lincoln is from Parallel Universe 5501. While watching "Our American Cousin" with Mary, he is saved from John Wilkes Booth's assassination attempt by a Multiverse-hopping Batman who considers himself a longtime admirer of Abraham Lincoln. When John Wilkes Booth activated his steam-powered armor, Abraham Lincoln helped Batman to defeat John Wilkes Booth. Afterwards, Abraham Lincoln thanked Batman and states that reconstruction of their union can go on unabated. As Mary embraces Abraham Lincoln, Batman quotes "It was an honor to fight by your side President Lincoln." As Batman opens a portal to his next destination, he adds on to his comment "of Parallel Universe 5501" as he enters the portal. * '' Lincoln'', a 2012 film based upon '' Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln'', directed by
Steven Spielberg Steven Allan Spielberg (; born December 18, 1946) is an American director, writer, and producer. A major figure of the New Hollywood era and pioneer of the modern blockbuster, he is the most commercially successful director of all time. Spie ...
and starring Daniel Day-Lewis, who won the
Academy Award for Best Actor The Academy Award for Best Actor is an award presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). It is given to an actor who has delivered an outstanding performance in a leading role in a film released that year. The ...
for the role. The film focuses on Lincoln's determination to assure that Congress passed the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. *
Louis C.K. Louis Alfred Székely (; born September 12, 1967), known professionally as Louis C.K. (), is an American stand-up comedian, screenwriter, actor, and filmmaker. C.K. won three Peabody Awards, three Grammy Awards, six Primetime Emmy Awards, and a ...
parodied his show ''
Louie Louie may refer to: Arts and entertainment * ''Louie'' (American TV series), by comedian Louis C.K. * ''Louie'' (French TV series), animated series about a young rabbit who draws pictures which come to life * "Louie" (song), by Blood Raw * ''L ...
'' as ''Lincoln'' on '' Saturday Night Live'', portraying Lincoln as a stand up comedian. (Season 38, Episode 6) * Portrayed by
Billy Campbell William Oliver Campbell (born July 7, 1959) is an American film and television actor. He first gained recognition for his recurring role as Luke Fuller in the TV series ''Dynasty''. Then he became known for playing Rick Sammler on '' Once and A ...
in ''
Killing Lincoln ''Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever'' is a book by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard concerning the 1865 assassination of U.S. president Abraham Lincoln. The book was released on September 27, 2011, and is ...
''. * The film '' Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies'', from
the Asylum The Asylum is an American independent film company and distributor that focuses on producing low-budget, direct-to-video films. It is notorious for producing titles that capitalize on productions by major studios, often using film titles and sc ...
, is a mockbuster of ''Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter'' where Abraham Lincoln is portrayed by
Bill Oberst Jr. William Oberst Jr. (born November 21, 1965) is an American stage, film and television actor of German descent. Known for his work in horror and cult films, his career includes projects in film, television and one-man-show theater performances. ...
* The 2013 film '' Saving Lincoln'' depicts the friendship between Lincoln and his bodyguard Ward Hill Lamon. * In '' The Lego Movie'', Abraham Lincoln (voiced again by Will Forte) is one of the Master Builders. Abraham Lincoln's toy bio states that he lives in a log cabin that he built all by himself, in the middle of a forest that he built all by himself, then cut down, and then rebuilt all by himself again. Abraham Lincoln is among the Master Builders that meet in Cloud Cuckoo Land and to express his disdain towards Emmet where he commented "A house divided against itself... would be better than this!" Then he rode his rocket chair out of the "Dog" in Cloud Cuckoo Land much to the dismay of Emmet. He later joined in the battle against Lord Business and his forces in Bricksburg where his rocket chair carried
Michelangelo Buonarroti Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (; 6 March 1475 â€“ 18 February 1564), known as Michelangelo (), was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance. Born in the Republic of Florence, his work was insp ...
and William Shakespeare. In the sequel, Lincoln was falling into the black hole during "Armamageddon" as he says that he has tickets to the theater as a reference to John Wilkes Booth assassinating him during the production of "Our American Cousin." ** Abraham Lincoln is a playable character in '' The Lego Movie Videogame''. He attacks by throwing the Gettysburg Address at enemies. * Lincoln is featured in the novel '' The Great Abraham Lincoln Pocket Watch Conspiracy''. * Lincoln is featured as central character in the 2015 videogame '' Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.'', voiced by Wil Wheaton. This version of the character staged his own assassination, allowing him to disappear from the public eye and concentrate on running the S.T.E.A.M. strike force to combat the impending alien invasion. * Starting in 2016, author Jonathan F. Putnam has penned three historical mystery novels featuring Lincoln, and his friend
Joshua Fry Speed Joshua Fry Speed (November 14, 1814 May 29, 1882) was an American politician who was a close friend of future President Abraham Lincoln from his days in Springfield, Illinois, where Speed was a partner in a general store. Later, Speed was a far ...
as the protagonists. * Lincoln appears in the season 1 episode "The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln" of the NBC series ''
Timeless Timeless (or atemporal) or timelessness (or atemporality) may refer to: * Agelessness, the condition of being unaffected by the passage of time * Akal (Sikh term), timelessness in Sikhism * Eternity, timeless existence or infinite duration * Immo ...
'', portrayed by
Michael Krebs Michael Paul Krebs (February 20, 1956 – January 29, 2023) was an American actor, best known for his portrayals of Abraham Lincoln. Career Krebs portrayed Abraham Lincoln in film and presentations throughout the United States since 1994 offering ...
. In that episode, Abraham Lincoln was killed by time-traveler and former NSA asset Garcia Flynn despite Juliet Shakesman's attempt to warn him of an attempt on his life. Though she does prevent Garcia in also taking out Ulysses S. Grant who was also present. * ''
The Better Angels ''The Better Angels'' is a 1979 thriller novel by Charles McCarry. It was poorly received at the time of its release; its premise of terrorists using passenger planes as instruments of destruction was considered too implausible to suspend one's d ...
'', aka, ''The Green Blade Rises'', produced by Terrence Malick, focused on Lincoln's upbringing, showing the events and tragedies that forged him into the man he became. * Lincoln is featured in the 2018 film documentary ''The Gettysburg Address'', voiced by
David Morse David Bowditch Morse (born October 11, 1953) is an American actor, singer, television director, and writer. He first came to national attention as Dr. Jack "Boomer" Morrison in the medical drama series ''St. Elsewhere'' (1982–88). His film ca ...
. * The Booker Prize-winning novel '' Lincoln in the Bardo'' by George Saunders depicts Lincoln in a state of mourning after the death of his son, Willie.


2020–present

* Abraham Lincoln was portrayed by Carel Nel in '' Grant'', a miniseries that aired on the History Channel from May 25, 2020 to May 27, 2020, and a depiction of Lincoln's top General Ulysses S. Grant, who later became President. * Abraham Lincoln’s ghost, voiced by Kelsey Grammer, appeared in '' The Ghost and Molly McGee''. * In the 2021 film '' America: The Motion Picture'', voiced by Will Forte. * In the History Channel miniseries '' Abraham Lincoln'', Lincoln was portrayed by actor Graham Sibley.


References


Further reading

* Gabor Boritt
''The Lincoln Enigma: The Changing Faces of an American Icon''
(2001) * Jackie Hogan
''Lincoln, Inc.: Selling the Sixteenth President in Contemporary America''
(2011) * Barry Schwartz
''Abraham Lincoln and the Forge of National Memory''
(2000) * Steven Spielberg, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Tony Kushner, "Mr. Lincoln Goes to Hollywood", ''Smithsonian'' (2012) 43#7 pp 46–53. * Melvyn Stokes, "Abraham Lincoln and the Movies", ''American Nineteenth Century History'' 12 (June 2011), 203–31.


External links


Word document of "A Jacklegged Lawyer From Springfield: Abraham Lincoln in the Movies"
Frank Thompson
Google Map of Lincoln's Legacy Abroad

''Booknotes'' interview with Merrill D. Peterson on ''Lincoln in American Memory'', August 14, 1994.
{{Abraham Lincoln