READ 10 Actors Who Have Played Abraham Lincoln  

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How to you bring a near-legendary historic figure to life? That's the challenge that these actors who played Abraham Lincoln faced. Whether they channeled Honest Abe on television or in the movies, they turned in memorable performances.

Abraham Lincoln in film is not new. For decades, Hollywood has tried to capture the fascinating life of the 16th President. Acclaimed method actor Daniel Day-Lewis gave a meticulously crafted performance as the politician in Steven Spielberg’s epic historical drama Lincoln. The 2012 film was nominated for 12 Academy Awards; Spielberg won Best Director and Day-Lewis won Best Actor. Other famous stars who have played Abraham Lincoln include Gregory Peck, Sam Waterston, and Henry Fonda.

Portraying such a storied individual is always difficult for an actor, but everyone on this list gave it their all.

Daniel Day-Lewis is listed (or ranked) 1 on the list 10 Actors Who Have Played Abraham Lincoln
Photo: DreamWorks

Daniel Day-Lewis played Abraham Lincoln in 2012's Lincoln. The role won him the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Also Ranked

#7 on The Greatest British Actors of All Time

#85 on The Coolest Actors Ever

#33 on The Greatest Actors & Actresses in Entertainment History

#11 on The Best Actors in Film History

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The Best Movies About Abraham Lincoln, Ranked

Gregory Peck is listed (or ranked) 2 on the list 10 Actors Who Have Played Abraham Lincoln
Photo: CBS

Gregory Peck took on the role of Abraham Lincoln in 1982's The Blue and the Gray, a made-for-TV miniseries that aired on CBS.

Also Ranked

#56 on The Coolest Actors Ever

#16 on The Greatest Actors & Actresses in Entertainment History

#27 on The Best Actors in Film History

#35 on Which Actor Would You Bring Back for One Final Movie?

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The Greatest Actors & Actresses in Entertainment History

Henry Fonda is listed (or ranked) 3 on the list 10 Actors Who Have Played Abraham Lincoln
Photo: MGM Pictures

Henry Fonda starred as Abraham Lincoln in John Ford's Young Mr. Lincoln in 1939.

Also Ranked

#28 on The Greatest Actors & Actresses in Entertainment History

#49 on Which Actor Would You Bring Back for One Final Movie?

#2 on The Best Actors to Ever Win Best Actor in a Leading Role

#4 on The Best Actors Who Won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for the Same Performance

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Direct Quotes From People Who Thought Abraham Lincoln Would Be The Worst President Ever

Sam Waterston is listed (or ranked) 4 on the list 10 Actors Who Have Played Abraham Lincoln
Photo: Sharon Graphics/flickr/CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0

Sam Waterston played Lincoln on Broadway in a revival of Robert E. Sherwood's Abe Lincoln in Illinois. He won a 1994 Tony Award for the performance.

Also Ranked

#87 on The Best TV Actors of All Time

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