Many know of Frank William Abagnale, Jr. because he was played by Leonardo DiCaprio in Director Steven Spielberg’s movie Catch Me If You Can (2002), which also starred Tom Hanks, Amy Adams, and Christopher Walken. As portrayed in the film, Abagnale was on the run from the FBI in the 1960s, after he started as a young man passing bad checks and impersonating people around the country. Later, Abagnale went on to work for the FBI.
You can see what the real person looked like, as well as test yourself on whether you can spot him, by watching this 1977 episode of To Tell the Truth. For those who do not remember the television show, the premise is that someone of note appears on the show with two imposters. A panel of celebrities ask the three people questions and then try to determine who is the real person.
The twist with Abagnale’s episode was that he was an imposter who was playing himself for once. Can you figure out which one is him?
How long did it take you to figure out which man was Frank William Abagnale Jr.? Leave your two cents in the comments.
(Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)
I guessed correctly before playing the clip – but had nothing to base my guess on but my gut. It’s not always right but it was this time. If you haven’t read the book, I recommend it. You get the whole story, not just what Hollywood could fit. My further advice – never go to jail in France. You’ll see what I mean when you read the book.
Good guess! Thanks for the recommendation about the book. When I first saw the movie, I’d wondered about the book but never got around to it. It sounds interesting. Thanks for the comment.
I have to disqualify myself because I’ve watched another youtube video of him giving a speech a few years ago and he looks the same but with grayer hair.
Mark is right about Abagnale’s description of French prison in his autobio. I doubt if I would ever function after that kind of experience. They sanitized it for the movie, of course.
It’s a fun blog you have here.
The experience sounds pretty horrible. I guess it would have been another type of movie had they included those details. Although the movie captured some of the downsides of Abagnale’s life and adventure, the movie was generally optimistic. I’m glad you enjoy the blog. I like yours on classic movies too. Thanks for the comment!