six actors portraying f.d.r.... who is your favorite?

SixActors

Portraying F.D.R.

Compiled and Edited by

Spencer McBride Editor, U.S. History Weekly

Ralph BellamySunrise at Campobello

(1960)

In 1960, Ralph Bellamy depicted FDR as the privileged New Yorker battled polio at the age 0f 40. Where later movies depicted FDR as the leader of a nation in a time of war or as an astute politician, Sunrise at Campobello focuses on Roosevelt as a human with weaknesses and how his illness impacted his family, including Eleanor.

Edward HermannAnnie (1982)

In the 1982 film Annie, FDR was played by Edward Hermann. You

may recall the scene where Annie belts out “Tomorrow” in the Oval

Office as advice to Franklin and Eleanor.

Robert VaughnFDR: That Man in the White House

(1982)

Robert Vaughn took on the role of FDR in the 1982 made-for-TV movie, FDR: That Man in the White House. The movie was based on Dore Shary’s one-man play (also starring Vaughn). As such, it is all FDR all the time.

John LithgowWorld War II: When Lions Roared

(1994)

John Lithgow, of 3rd Rock From the Sun fame, played FDR in the 1994 film, World War II: When Lions Roared. This was a made for TV movie that does not rank high on the list of Lithgow’s other film credits, but Lithgow turned in a memorable portrayal of the 32nd president.

Jon VoightPearl Harbor

(2001)

Jon Voight portrayed FDR in the 2001 blockbuster, Pearl Harbor. While the film was a financial success, its historical inaccuracy came under attack by critics, including Voight’s depiction of Roosevelt.

Bill MurrayHyde Park on Hudson

(2013)

Bill Murray took on the role of FDR in the 2013 film, Hyde Park on Hudson. The comedic actor demonstrated tremendous skill as a dramatic actor in what is arguably the best portrayal of FDR to date.

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