Why Frank Langella Should Win The Tony
Frank Langella has been hailed by the "New York Times" as “one of the most magnetic theater actors of his generation,” and so goes his Tony-nominated powerhouse performance in this year’s “The Father,” which is also up for Best Play. This is not the first time Langella has played this Tony-nominated role, he also performed in the 1996 revival, for which he took home the 1996 Drama Desk Award.
PHOTOS: 2016 Tony Award Nominees
This is certainly not the first Tony nomination for Langella, who already has won three of the coveted statues for his work in “Frost/Nixon,” “Fortune’s Fool” and Edward Albee’s “Seascape.” Langella's impressive talent was first seen on Broadway in 1963, when he made his debut in Federico García Lorca’s “Yerma.” Since that first performance in 1963, Langella has had many memorable and award-worthy performances both on stage and in film.
This year, Langella is up for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, along with Gabriel Byrne for “Long Day’s Journey into Night,” Jeff Daniels for “Blackbird,” Tom Pigott-Smith for “King Charles III” and Mark Strong for “A View from the Bridge.”
Film audiences may recognize him for his many powerful on-screen performances as well. Langella played the role of Richard Nixon in the 2009 film adaptation of “Frost/Nixon,” which earned him his first Academy Award nomination. His many film credits include; “The Twelve Chairs,” “Diary of a Mad Housewife,” 1977’s “Dracula” and, more recently, “Superman Returns.” Langella is among the oldest Academy Award nominees, as he was 71 years old when he earned his “Frost/Nixon” nomination.
Today, at the age of 78, he continues to prove that his talent remains just as strong as ever. Audiences at “The Father” have raved about his powerful performance, which many feel should have won him the award when he first took the part in the 1996 revival. Langella remains, to this day, one of the most powerful, distinguished talents to ever appear on a New York stage, and it doesn’t matter what age he is, or how long he’s been away from the stage, he continues to shine.
Frank Langella may already have three Tony Awards at home, but he continues to prove that his talent rises above. His astounding performance in “The Father” is just another example of talent that never fades, and only gets stronger over time.
The Tony Awards air Sunday, June 12th at 8/7c (live/delayed PT) on CBS.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
