Sam Elliott

Samuel Pack Elliott was born on August 9, 1944, in Sacramento, California. Raised in Portland, Oregon, Elliott developed an interest in acting early on and pursued his passion by studying theater arts at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. His upbringing and distinctive voice quickly became integral to his acting persona.

Sam Elliott's first appearance in a feature film came in 1969, when he played a minor role as a card player in the classic Western film 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.' Although his role was small, it marked the beginning of Elliott's long and successful career in the film industry.

In 1976, Sam Elliott landed his first major leading role in the film 'Lifeguard,' where he played the character of Rick Carlson, a Southern California lifeguard. The film focuses on his character's existential crisis and exploration of personal choices. This role showcased Elliott's ability to carry a film as the lead actor.

On April 7, 1985, Sam Elliott married Katharine Ross, an accomplished actress known for her roles in films such as 'The Graduate' and 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.' The couple met on the set of 'The Legacy' in 1978 and has since become one of Hollywood's enduring power couples. They have a daughter named Cleo Rose Elliott.

Sam Elliott starred alongside Patrick Swayze in the 1989 action film 'Road House,' portraying the character Wade Garrett, a veteran bouncer and mentor. This performance further solidified Elliott's reputation as an iconic figure in Hollywood, particularly within the action genre, known for his rugged persona and deep voice.

Sam Elliott played the role of The Stranger in the Coen brothers' 1998 cult classic film, 'The Big Lebowski.' His character, serving as the film's narrator, delivered memorable lines with his iconic deep voice and provided philosophical commentary on the film's events, contributing to its unique style and tone.

In the 2003 film 'Hulk,' directed by Ang Lee, Sam Elliott portrayed General Thunderbolt Ross, the father of Betty Ross and an antagonist to Bruce Banner. His authoritative and commanding presence added depth to the film, and his performance was widely recognized as a standout in the superhero genre.

Sam Elliott appeared in 'The Golden Compass' (2007) as Lee Scoresby, a brave and skilled aeronaut. His character, known for his adventurous spirit and loyalty, contributed significantly to the fantasy film's narrative. Elliott's portrayal was praised for bringing warmth and authenticity to the film adaptation of Philip Pullman's work.

In 2015, Sam Elliott received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Avery Markham in the critically acclaimed television series 'Justified.' His performance added depth to the show's narrative, portraying a cunning and ruthless cannabis kingpin, showcasing Elliott's range in television roles.

Sam Elliott received his first Academy Award nomination in 2018 for his supporting role as Bobby Maine in the film 'A Star Is Born.' His poignant performance as Bradley Cooper's character's brother added emotional depth and complexity to the film, earning him widespread acclaim and recognition from the film industry.