For Larry Elliott, portraying Abraham Lincoln began long before he ever stepped onto a stage or into a classroom. Born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, Larry grew up surrounded by reminders of the 16th president’s legacy. Though he was raised in Louisville, childhood visits back to Hodgenville left a lasting impression.

Over the years, people often told Larry he resembled Lincoln. Standing 6-foot-4, close to Lincoln’s own height, and raising four sons of his own, the comparisons only continued. In 2003, Larry decided to enter a Lincoln look-alike contest in Hodgenville after shaving his mustache and keeping his beard to better resemble the president. He admits he did not place well in that first competition, but the experience sparked something deeper.

Rather than simply looking like Lincoln, Larry became determined to truly understand the man behind the iconic stovepipe hat. He began studying Lincoln’s speeches, mannerisms, and history, took acting lessons, and eventually purchased a period-correct costume. The following year, he returned to the competition and placed second. Since then, he has won first place multiple times and built a respected career as a living historian.

His first official portrayal of Lincoln, however, came with a memorable reality check.

“I thought it was pretty good,” Larry recalled. “But my best friend told me, ‘Don’t quit your day job.’”

The honest critique only motivated him more.

Today, Larry visits approximately 75 schools each year across Kentucky, most often speaking to fifth-grade students about Lincoln’s life, leadership, and the Civil War. Over the years, he has performed in more than 1,000 schools and events, bringing history to life for audiences of all ages.

Adding even more personal connection to the story is a remarkable piece of family history. Larry says his great-great-great-grandmother, Mary Brooks LaRue, was the midwife who delivered baby Abraham Lincoln in Hodgenville.

Shortly after Larry began portraying Lincoln, his wife Mary joined him as Mary Todd Lincoln. What started as helping Larry fine-tune scripts soon evolved into a powerful partnership centered around bringing both historical figures to life.

“She saw that I needed help with my script and decided to portray the very misunderstood Mary Lincoln,” Larry shared.

Together, the Elliotts present interactive programs and performances that blend history, humor, and humanity. Their presentations follow the Lincolns’ lives from their Kentucky roots to the White House and beyond, helping modern audiences connect with history in a personal and engaging way.

As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Larry says Lincoln’s message feels especially meaningful.

“The 250th celebration of the Declaration of Independence would be very special to Abraham Lincoln,” he explained. “He spoke many times about that declaration, and I always carry an original-looking copy in my frock coat pocket.”

For Larry, portraying Lincoln is ultimately about preserving the values the president embodied.

“I portray Abraham Lincoln to keep his legacy alive,” he said. “Integrity, honesty, kindness, and mercy. Those virtues still matter.”

The couple says they feel honored to portray such recognizable historical figures and are passionate about keeping their stories alive for future generations.