Hamish Linklaterhas stepped into the role of a lifetime, playing Abraham Lincoln in Apple TV’sManhunt.The riveting, seven-part spy/crime/chase thriller is based on theNew York TimesbestsellerManhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killerby James L. Swanson. It spins an intriguing tale about the most infamous yet least understood crime in history—the hunt for John Wilkes Booth followingPresident Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.
Linklater is part of an all-star cast, and it’s his scenes with Tobias Menzies (You Hurt My Feelings), who plays Lincoln’s ally and Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, that warrant attention, elevatingthis conspiracy thrillerinto an outing with profound meaning. Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air) is chilling in the role of John Wilkes Booth. Costars include Lili Taylor, Lovie Simone, Matt Walsh, Glenn Morshower, Damian O’Hare, and Patton Oswalt.
Creator/showrunner and executive producer Monica Beletsky wanted to create a series that explored Lincoln’s assassination but told through the eyes of Stanton while also shining the light on the era’s unsung heroes, like former slave Mary Simms (Simone). Linklater admits to having some trepidation about taking on the role of such an iconic figure. He opens up more about that, the unique inspiration he drew from Robin Williams, and possibly collaborating again with longtime partner Lily Rabe (American Horror Story).
Putting on Lincoln’s Famous Top Hat
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Hamish Linklater is now at the top of a long line of actors who have portrayed Abraham Lincoln. Joseph Henabery captured the public eye inThe Birth of a Nation(1915), and Henry Fonda won audiences over inYoung Mr. Lincoln(1939). Hal Holbrook played Lincoln twice, inLincoln(1974) andNorth and South(1985). There was also that curious choice of casting in 1995’sTad,bringing in Kris Kristofferson (A Star is Born) to play the famous president who endedthe Civil Warand ushered in the Emancipation Proclamation. More notable was Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis’s commanding performance in 2012’sLincoln, which forced Linklater to pause and reflect on what he could bring to the character inManhunt’siteration.
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“I’d seen Daniel Day-Lewis [in the role] and yeah, that’s intimidating, and so many great actors who played this great man so beautifully,” Linklater shared. “The role of Lincoln inManhuntis more of the ‘father’ and the ‘husband’ and the ‘friend,’ and why that Lincoln was so inspiring for the nation, and also for [Secretary of War] Edwin Stanton to pursue this killer as passionately as he did. And then to also pursue reconstruction as passionately as he did, carrying forth Lincoln’s legacy.”
He is candid about his greatest hope for what he could bring to the role and a tricky sidestep he had to take emotionally:
“Ultimately, I think it’s just how much I love Lincoln and I sort of had to get out of my own way a little bit. You know, it’s a crazy thing when you care about doing right by a character so much that can sort of lead to paralysis, I think. But I had such a wonderful team of makeup artists and designers putting me into his clothes, into this gait. Really, they did so much work for me, and I just didn’t want to let them down, too.
Inspirations & Working with Partner Lily Rabe
Linklater is a familiar face on stage, on television, and the big screen. He won audiences over inThe New Adventures of Old Christinealongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus. More recently, he starred opposite Julia Roberts inGaslitand had significant roles inMidnight Mass,The Big Short,The Newsroom,Legion, andFargo. When asked if there was any particular actor he’s drawn influence from or helped inform him about his acting choices, he said:
“I always think of Robin Williams because there was always so much ‘play’ with him. And sometimes you forget about the play. No matter what part you’re in, you’ve got to do enough research, be prepared enough, whatever it is, so that you’re able to just play and always making sure that you’re ready enough to let go, and just let birds fly out of your mouth.”
Another source of inspiration comes from longtime partner Lily Rabe. Linklater and the popularAmerican Horror Storystarreportedly met during a 2010 production ofThe Merchant of Veniceand began dating several years later. They welcome their third child back in 2022. Beyond home life, the couple also collaborated on 2023’sDowntown Owl,based on Chuck Klosterman’s novel. The Reagan-era/North Dakota-set comedy featured Rabe’sAHScostar Finn Wittrock. Linklater co-wrote the project and co-directed alongside Rabe. Does the couple have any future collaborations planned?
“Yeah, we do. We can’t…,” he paused, indicating he may remain tight-lipped (for now) about upcoming projects with the star. “We love collaborating. Well, we collaborated over breakfast recently by making it together for our children. But artistically, she’s the best collaborator out there. I love working with her. We can’t wait to do it again.” Watch this space for updates.Manhuntstreams on Apple TV+ on Mar. 15.
