Sam Elliott The Untold Story Behind The Voice And The Icon
Sam Elliott is one of few Hollywood actors who is an icon both on and off screen. He was born in California in 1944. Right now, he is 74 years old and has headlined some of our favorite movies like Gettysburg(1993), The Big Lebowski(1998), and We Were Soldiers(2002). In 2017, one of his best movies, The Hero, came out. Sam became a success because of his hard work and persistence in chasing his dream. These, however, are not all the factors that contributed to his success. You will learn from this article the whole untold story of Sam Elliott and see that he is more than just the mustache and the deep voice.
Getting Encouragement
Sam went to Clark College in Vancouver, Washington to a two-year program after he graduated from David Douglas High School in Portland, Oregon. While he was studying at college, he took a leading role in a small production named Guys and Dolls. This pretty much started his acting career. A journalist in the audience sang his praises in the reviews and this further encouraged him to pursue his dream: acting.
Getting Encouragement
Finding The Money
It is not easy for most stars to make it to Hollywood as they would have to find a way to support their needs while they audition for roles. This was exactly the same for Sam. And his way of doing this? Taking on some construction work. He did it part-time, so he could still audition and have enough money at the same time.
Finding The Money
An Outdoors Kid
Sam Elliott was born in Sacramento in 1944 and was raised in Oregon. His father, being a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee, influenced him to enjoy the outdoors. However, since the age of 9, Sam already knew that he wanted to pursue acting. This decision, however, was not supported by his father which would later cause tension in their relationship.
An Outdoors Kid
Unacceptable And Unaccepted
When Sam was 18, he lost his father to a heart attack. At the time Sam had not yet succeeded, and he did not have the chance to prove his father wrong. However, instead of changing his mind, this incident made Sam even more determined to succeed in the career path that he had chosen.
Unacceptable And Unaccepted
Other Work
Aside from doing construction work, Elliott also joined the military in the California National Guard or CALARNG. He said that the military helped him to become more disciplined. He also mentioned that it honed his leadership skills. He even credits it for his deeper self-understanding.
Other Work
TV Debut
Sam first debuted on television in one of the episodes of The Crystal Maze where he played the role of Dan Kenyon. He then took a role in the American legal drama, Judd for the Defense, in 1969.
TV Debut
Not Camera Shy
Elliott first got in front of the camera in 1968, which he thought was the precursor to brighter days ahead. He played Jack in one of the episodes of The Felony Squad. Apparently, Elliott made quite an impression as he was cast in two more shows in 1968 and 1969.
Not Camera Shy
Gathering No Moss
Soon after, Sam played “card player #2”, a minor role in the big movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Although it wasn’t the leading role, Sam knew that it would bring him to a greater future. Amazingly, it was the same film that he and his future wife, Katharine Ross, starred in.
Gathering No Moss
Flying Below The Radar
Elliott continued to appear in television with minor roles from the late 1960’s to the early 1970’s. He was in shows including Bracken’s World, Lancer, Land of the Giants, and The F.B.I. Starring as Richie Robinson in The Games finally gave him the break that he had wanted.
Flying Below The Radar
Turning Heads
His television appearances in the first few years of his career were what made directors start to notice his talent. In the 70’s, he grabbed more relevant and appealing roles in TV shows such as Mission, Aspen, Mission Impossible, and Once an Eagle. His career on TV started to bloom when he was given the leading role in Evel Knievel.
Turning Heads
Finding Love
Before finding success in his acting career, he managed to succeed in another aspect of his life: love. He met Katharine Ross again while filming The Legacy in 1978. Although they had already worked together in the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, they didn’t meet again until they were filming The Legacy. In said movie, they realized their attraction to each other and started dating.
Finding Love
A Leading Lady
It was mentioned earlier that Sam and Katharine both appeared in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Katharine was actually the leading lady in that film and was recognized as one of the most beautiful actresses in Hollywood at the time. As he was a mere extra in the movie, Sam admitted that he did not have the guts to approach her.
A Leading Lady
A Ladies’ Man
Despite the fact that it didn’t receive any award, The Legacy actually opened doors for Elliott to receive a lot of public attention. In the film, he showed his bare behind, and this, of course, got him a lot of attention from women, which included Katharine Ross. He was even given the highest rank out of three stars, by the “Bare Facts” nudity scenes guide.
A Ladies’ Man
Reflecting On Their Moment
Sam was also very vocal about how he felt about the movie The Legacy although it did not rank so well. He said that he was happy with the outcome. It sure created a legacy for him and his beloved Katharine.
Reflecting On Their Moment
Magnetic Attraction
Katharine admitted that she was first attracted to Sam because of his mustache, distinctive voice, handsome face, and honesty.
Magnetic Attraction
Life Before Elliott
Katharine was still married to her fourth husband, Gaetano Lisi when she met Sam Elliott. She divorced Lisi in 1979. After that, she and Sam decided to move their relationship further. Eventually this would mean that Sam would become her fifth husband.
Life Before Elliott
Being Himself
They became an extremely famous couple when they made their relationship known to the public. Playgirl magazine even named them, “Hollywood’s Sexiest Couple.” In the interview, Sam expressed his disinterest in the label and that he did not want the stigma that came with it. He said that he only wanted to be himself.
Being Himself
Getting Replaced
Sadly, it wasn’t all sunny days for Sam Elliott, especially after he had his big break. One example was when he couldn’t continue filming The Ambush Murderer. He was supposed to portray a lawyer whose job was to defend a black political activist who was unfairly accused of killing two white policemen. Elliott got sick while shooting the film, so he had to be replaced by James Brolin.
Getting Replaced
Making It Official
Sam and Katharine finally tied the knot in 1984, making their union official. In that same year, the couple got Cleo Rose, their first and only child. It was indeed a happy year for the couple.
Making It Official
Wearing The Mask
One of Elliott’s most iconic roles was Cher’s biker boyfriend in the movie Mask. He almost didn’t get to play the role because he was on his honeymoon with his wife Katharine when the role was first offered to him. Sam didn’t want to go for the auditions as it would mean going back to California. However, Katharine didn’t agree with him, so he had to go back and do the auditions.
Wearing The Mask
Katharine’s Insistence
When Katharine learned that he turned down the offer for the said movie, she called his agent back and told him that Sam would be doing the screen test. It was very fortunate that Katharine insisted he auditioned as the movie (Mask), being a big hit in the cinemas, greatly improved Elliott’s acting portfolio.
Katharine’s Insistence
A Fitting Role
In his whole career, Elliott portrayed many different roles. However, the one that suits him best was his role as grand marshal at the Calgary Stampede parade. His hard work paid off as he managed to attract an audience of around 300,000 people!
A Fitting Role
The Cowboy
Elliott’s charisma did not only draw women in, but it also made men want to emulate him. Due to his cowboy good looks, he received multiple offers to play different roles in movies about the West. He also joined the cast of The Quick and the Dead(1987), Houston: The Legend of Texas(1986), Tombstone(1993), and You Know My Name(1999). In 2007, he was finally inducted into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
The Cowboy
His Father
He was asked about the persona he exemplified and the work ethic he possessed. He replied without hesitation that it was from his father. In an interview with NPR, Sam mentioned that having spent some time with his father and his friends, all of whom were outdoorsmen, gave him an idea as to the kind of man he wanted to become.
His Father
Before The Voice
One of Elliott’s trademarks and best features is his voice. He said that it actually just came with time. He said that his voice kept getting deeper and deeper as he aged. Apparently, there is no grand secret about his intriguing baritone.
Before The Voice
Choosing His Roles
Sam also shared that he is quite cautious about which roles to pick. He only chooses roles that he thinks are right for him. He credits the length of years in his acting career to that fact. He figured that as he wanted to work in show business for a long time, he would have to be extra careful with the role choices that he made.
Choosing His Roles
Everything For The Part
Despite the fact that he is quite picky in choosing roles, he is very devoted to them. This means that he does whatever the role requires like shaving his head to get the full effect of the character he is portraying. He even said that he is willing to do anything to fulfill his duties for the job.
Everything For The Part
Turning Down And turning Up
Everyone recognizes Sam in the movie, Road House. This was where he played a supporting role, Wade Garrett. Originally, he got an offer to play Brad Wesley, but he rejected it. The casting director later offered him Wade Garrett’s character which he accepted.
Turning Down And Turning Up
Road House
One of the best decisions that Elliott has made for his career was when he took the opportunity to act in Road House. This movie made him even more popular and fans adored his character who mentored James Dalton.
Road House
The Big Lebowski
Sam Elliott did not get a leading role in The Big Lebowski, written by the Coen brothers. However, his exceptional performance has proven yet again that it’s not about how big the role is, but how well you embody it. His role was a stranger, but it was a one that was obviously made for him. Elliott noticed notes in the script include statements like, “the voice-over sounds not unlike Sam Elliott”. The character he played had the following description: “looking like a drugstore cowboy, looking not unlike Sam Elliott.”
The Big Lebowski
The Big Lebowski Spin-Off
Rumors about a spin-off of The Big Lebowski had spread and Sam was asked if he would like to recast his role. He only responded that he hoped there would be one and that he was told that he would receive an update if there was one.
The Big Lebowski Spin-Off
His Name In The Script
As previously mentioned, his name was included in The Big Lebowski’s script. It was quite clear that the writers especially want him to portray the character. They sure made it hard for him to reject such an offer! I mean, your name in the script? Who would say no to that?
His Name In The Script
Working With Jeff Bridges
Elliott’s work in The Big Lebowski opened doors of opportunity for him, especially in landing a role in The Contender. He played Kermit Newman in the said movie. Rod Lurie, the director, liked how Jeff Bridges and Sam Elliott worked together. When Rod got Bridges on board, he also sent the script to Sam Elliott. Fortunately, he took the offer.
Working With Jeff Bridges
Trouble At Home
Elliott’s family was put in the spotlight in 2011 when Katharine, his wife, filed a restraining order against Cleo, their daughter. According to Katharine, Cleo, their 21-year-old daughter, threatened her and used a pair of scissors to stab her. Katharine, who was 71 years old at the time, filed a report to the police which resulted in Cleo being ordered to stay at least 100 meters away from her from that moment on.
Trouble At Home
Missing Judgement Day
The two, Katharine and Cleo, did not show up on the judgment day of their case as they had patched things up. They are now trying to build a stronger and healthier relationship. These days, Cleo is based in California and is making music in a band.
Missing Judgement Day
Quite A ‘Stach
One other thing that makes Sam Elliott stand out in Hollywood is his mustache. Since time immemorial, it has been difficult for anyone to pull it off. To this day, people often associate the word mustache to his name. It was even credited for playing a part in his success in show business. He has even received the honor of being inducted into the International Moustache Hall of Fame in 2015. Others who have received such an award were Burt Reynolds and Tom Selleck.
Quite A ‘Stach
Other Awards
After working in the entertainment industry for so long, it is no surprise that Sam Elliott has accumulated quite a number of nominations and awards. For the former, he has received two nominations in both the Golden Globe Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards. For the latter, he bagged the Critics Choice Awards, Newport Beach Film Festival Award, Golden Boot Award, Broadcast Film Critics Association Award an five Western Heritage Awards. Wow, what an impressive list!
Other Awards
In His Blood
Some people asked Elliott the reason for his amazing performances in cowboy roles. He said that his family had its roots in the old West and that he had some relatives in Alamo. He also expressed his belief that his blood connection to the West is what pulls him to such characters.
In His Blood
Not Just An Actor
Most don’t know that Sam Elliott is more than just your regular actor in Hollywood. Aside from his actor credentials, he has also dabbled in producing, writing, and even singing! In fact, he was the one who sang, “I Won’t Back Down” in the animation movie Barnyard. He was the voice of “Ben the Cow” in the said movie.
Not Just An Actor
Never Giving Up Hope
For Katharine, the road to finding her one true love was long and winding. It took her five marriages and four divorces to be exact. So, no one really expected that her relationship with Sam Elliott would last. They have been together as a married couple for 33 years now. When asked about their marital bliss, Sam said that they actually have similar dispositions and they have great teamwork.
Never Giving Up Hope
Not The Usual Hollywood Couple
They definitely broke the norm of Hollywood couples by staying together for so long. They have continued to surpass everybody’s low expectation of Hollywood couples when it comes to marriage. Sam actually shared that he aimed for two things while he was still trying to launch his career: a fruitful job and a happy marriage and family life.
Not The Usual Hollywood Couple
Its Richest Form
Sam Elliott thinks that he owes his fortune to his remarkable career as an actor and his product campaigns as an endorser. Aside from his day job (acting, of course!), he also has other fund sources like his various properties and projects such as voiceovers. An estimate of his net worth shows that he has around $16 million, while his wife is said to have approximately $ 5 million.
Its Richest Form
Hollywood Advantage
Since Sam started working in Hollywood during the “studio system” era, he has made quite a number of friends among the studio staff who have given him access to a script, sometimes even before the casting directors have had a chance to see it.
Hollywood Advantage
Smokey Bear
A lot of fans don’t know that Elliott was the voice behind the “Smokey Bear” character. What gave him such an opportunity was, of course, his amazing voice. The said character was created to promote awareness of dangers in the wildlife. Elliot did a great job in portraying the character as the bear communicated the message in an approachable, dependable, and open manner.
Smokey Bear
Critical Of Himself
It may come as a surprise but Sam Elliott was actually quite critical of his work at one point in his career. In his interview with IMDB, he mentioned the fact that he did not have any formal training in acting. He went on to say that he would grab the opportunity to redo his old roles if he were given the chance.
Critical Of Himself
Taking The Shots
His perfectionist personality is the main reason why he is quite critical of himself. He realized that in order to reach greater heights, he would need to become a hard worker. This made him meticulous in what he does, making sure everything is done correctly and consistently followed high standards. For this reason, he sometimes edited the script or argued with the directors in the films that he was in.
Taking The Shots
A Role Model
Because of his love for Western culture, Sam carried himself in such a distinct way in person and on screen. He said that it all boils down to honor, values, and integrity. He also mentioned that he preferred the values portrayed in those movies.
A Role Model
His Father’s Influence
Sam Elliott did not have the chance to change his father’s mind about his career choice. He did admit that he persevered in this industry because of his father’s lack of support. Although he did the other activities that his father loved such as fishing, his father still couldn’t understand his passion for acting. This in a way caused for Sam to feel rejected for some time.
His Father’s Influence
Working With Netflix
Just recently, Sam has worked in different Netflix productions such as Grace and Frankie. He even produced and starred in his own comedy show there called Ranch.
Working With Netflix
In Love With Jane Fonda
Sam’s co-star in Grace and Frankie is Jane Fonda who actually played his love interest in the show. Sam and Jane were asked about what they think about each other on separate occasions. Surprisingly, they both admitted to having special feelings towards each other for quite some time.
In Love With Jane Fonda
Sam Elliott Speaks
Sam spoke first and emphasized that he didn’t have any personal contact with Jane. He said that he only saw her in movies and loved how beautiful she was. He was quoted to have said, “I had never worked with Jane. I knew her from back in the days when she was with Ted Turner (her third husband). I didn’t know her personally…only loved her from afar over the course of her career.” He also said, “[in Klute] she was so beautiful, and Jane’s a beautiful woman today, inside and out.”
Sam Elliott Speaks
Jane Fonda Speaks
When Jane was asked for her side of the story, she said with confidence that it was natural for him to have a crush on her in the past. She even mentioned that she would like him to continue liking her now. And that she was also swept by his charm back in the onset of his acting career.
Jane Fonda Speaks
Coming Back To Hollywood
To those who are wondering about Sam’s and Katharine’s plans and whether they still plan to come back to Hollywood, you’ll be pleased to know that they starred together in The Hero a movie in 2007. Elliott is also set to star with Ashton Kutcher in The Ranch. Quite recently, Katharine also portrayed a character in Attachments.
Coming Back To Hollywood
His Favorite Role
When asked to pick his favorite role out of all the characters he has played, Sam chose not to pick one as he is more attached to the crew and the casts of the movies and shows that he has done. He also described The Hero as a movie that was a labor of love.
His Favorite Role
One For One
The movie The Hero was quite distinguished because of the fact that Elliott portrayed the role of Lee Haydn, a role that was nothing but perfect for him. Elliott said that he was pretty honored to know that Brett Haley, the director and writer of the film, wrote the script with him in mind.
One For One
His Parents
Elliott immediately admits that his parents have influenced him greatly. He said that they have shaped who he is now. His father taught him how to be a man, and his mother’s love and support has carried him through the dark times in his life and career.
His Parents
Loves Being A Cowboy
People would think that playing the same role over and over again is quite boring, but not for Sam. He said that he actually enjoys playing cowboy roles in many western movies. He was asked about this by GP/30 and he answered that many people find the simplicity of the old West very appealing.
Loves Being A Cowboy
Money Isn’t His Priority
Just like anyone else in Hollywood, Sam Elliott likes making money. However, this is not his main goal. He warned other actors from choosing jobs based on how much they’re paid for doing it because this would mean that they’d do anything at the right price. But he did admit that he went against this belief when he was still a newbie in the showbiz industry.
Money Isn’t His Priority
Just One Flaw
When asked for his opinion on Katharine’s career, he said that she was not pursuing it hard enough. However, he also admitted that it is much harder for older women to land movie roles.
Just One Flaw
Worked On Beef Ads For 8 Years
You may have heard Sam doing the voiceovers for some beef ads. He actually did this for eight years and was quite successful in this line of work. However, he stopped working once he felt that the companies’ demands are becoming more and more difficult to meet. He admitted that he primarily did such commercials to help those whose jobs and livelihood depended on such products like ranchers.
Worked On Beef Ads For 8 Years
Technology Takes Over
Sam says that in his 50 years in the industry, he has seen many changes brought about by the advancements in technology. The said developments have completely altered how things are done in Hollywood. However, he has also observed that there are things that remained the same which will probably stay the same in the future.
Technology Takes Over
Living In The Moment
Elliott is not obsessed with leaving a legacy or how people will remember him. He likes living in the moment and focuses on what is in front of him. He does not see his past with regret. In his interview with The Guardian, he mentioned that it is sometimes difficult, but that is how the creative process is. If a person doesn’t enjoy it, then something is obviously wrong with his or her approach.
Living In The Moment
His VS His
Sam Elliott and Tom Selleck have been having a rivalry on whose mustache is the best. When they were asked, Sam answered that the time and the amount of mustache they have on are the factors that would heavily affect the results.
His VS His
‘A Star Is Born’
Sam Elliott recently worked in the movie that Bradley Cooper directed. It’s called A Star is Born. Lady Gaga also appears in this film. Sam sang Cooper’s praises and even complimented Bradley’s intelligence, capability, and amazing work ethic. He mentioned that working with the two stars was an incredible experience.
‘A Star Is Born’
Breaking The Ice
While sitting in an interview with extratv, Bradley Cooper and Sam Elliott were asked if they had met before the inception of A Star Is Born. The answer was that they hadn’t, but that their first meeting to discuss the movie was quite normal. Elliott went over to Cooper’s house and they enjoyed a home-cooked meal by Bradley.
Breaking The Ice
Trust Issues
During an interview on Good Morning America, Sam Elliott shared his experience on the set of A Star is Born with Bradley Cooper. Elliott remarked about the trust actors need in order to make a scene and a movie work. Elliott said, ” He [Cooper] set a tone that allowed us to trust him… he talked to us about trust in him… and I think when you can trust the director and trust your fellow actors, the odds are you’re going to get to the truth.”
Trust Issues
South In The Mouth
One would think that since Elliot has such a nice voice that it would fit all his roles. But in fact, Dan Petrie, the director of Lifeguard, did not like it and asked Sam to repeat his lines while being “less south in the mouth.” Sam did not take offense in it and was even amused by it.
South In The Mouth
His Favorites
Since he likes Western culture and genre, we’re curious if his favorite films fall under that category. In his interview with The Guardian, he said that he likes watching movies like Shane, The Searchers, and Red River. He said that he is partial to the time when the said movies were made.
His Favorites
Pretending For A Living
Technically, actors have to pretend to succeed in their chosen career. Sam understands that it is something that they have to do to make a living. But he remarked that some may not be as good at it as others.
Pretending For A Living
Justified
As we have mentioned earlier, Sam Elliott has won many awards over the course of his career. His most recent one is the Critic’s Choice Award in 2015 for his guest role in Justified.
Justified
Discovering His Voice
What’s fascinating about Sam is that he did not have that special voice until he started getting paid for it. He said this in one of his interviews with Bloomberg TV.
Discovering His Voice
Insuring His Voice
We know that some Hollywood stars have insured parts of their body that they think are more important than the rest. When asked if he insured his voice, Sam just said no.
Insuring His Voice
A Man’s Man
Sam played a leading role in the movie I’ll See You in My Dreams. It was directed by Brett Haley. People were actually drawn to the movie because of the female lead who was more than 40 years old at the time. What also thrilled the director was Sam whom he described as the living example of a “man’s man.”
A Man’s Man
Ashton’s Take
In The Ranch, a Netflix show, Elliot acts with Ashton Kutcher who said that he wants Sam to be the one to narrate his life.
Ashton’s Take
Hollywood And Vietnam
Sam also gave his opinion on the picture depicted by Hollywood of the Vietnam war. He was quite vocal about the fact that it is difficult to accurately portray the real situation in Vietnam at the time.
Hollywood And Vietnam
Talking About Death
Sam, who is now 74 years old, recognizes that the older he gets, the more he feels his mortality. Losing his peers has emphasized this perception.
Talking About Death
Elliott’s Youth
Although we did just mention that Sam Elliott has remarked about his age, he is very much a part of the youth community. He has adapted to the changes in technological socializing and has even created a number of accounts on various platforms for himself. You can find him on Twitter, Facebook and even on Instagram. This man is full of surprises!
Elliotts Youth
Women’s Image Awards
Sam and wife, Katharine, were present in the 17th Annual Women’s Image Awards. In his interview with AfterBuzzTV, Sam said that he felt honored to be there. He further explained that aside from the job of presenting an award, he was also there to show his support for women.
Women’s Image Awards
Parity And Opportunity
Lauren Salaun, their interviewer from AfterBuzzTV asked them about the changes that they want to see in the entertainment industry. Sam quickly answered that women should have more parity in many parts of the industry. He added that it was high time as women had always been cheated of many opportunities.
Parity And Opportunity
Parks And Recreation
Sam joined the cast of Parks and Recreation in 2017 as Ron Dunn. He confessed his deep affection for the character he played in one interview. He said that he still felt lucky landing such a role even after almost 50 years of acting as he was a huge fan of the show.
Parks And Recreation
Wendell Berry And Sam Elliott
Sam Elliott once mentioned that he was a fan of Wendell Berry and that he would grab an opportunity to eat with him. Wendell’s response was quite interesting as he was recorded to have said, “Well, my God, I’ll build a truck, and then I’ll drive the truck to ferry him to dinner at the table of his choosing. I would walk a very long mile to share a sleeve of Saltines with Sam, let alone a plate of steak.”
Wendell Berry And Sam Elliott
Why Movies
When asked about his career choice, Elliott said that he watched a lot of films while he was growing up. This fact was said to have increased his interest in the movie industry. He also mentioned that while at school, he did many things that had to do with acting which gave him the vision to pursue his career.
Why Movies
On The Set of Gettysburg
At first, Sam was set to play the part of Robert E. Lee in Gettysburg. However, a part of the cast was said to have changed all that by threatening to leave if Sam got the part. It did not affect Sam very much, however, as he was quite fascinated by the role of Brigadier General John Buford a lot more.
On The Set Of Gettysburg
Clooney’s Eyes
When Elliott worked with George Clooney in Up In The Air, he was asked about the experience. All he said was, “The one thing I remember of that was looking at [George] Clooney’s eyes. Clooney’s got a set of shark eyes, man. I mean, they’re deep and they’re dark. And it kind of disarmed me.”
Clooney’s Eyes
Meeting John Wayne
Elliot admitted that he is a big fan of John Wayne. In fact, his acting career is greatly influenced by the said actor. Sam Elliot said that he even asked the older actor for an autograph in the set of the movie, The Shootist.
Meeting John Wayne
Elliott As Thunderbolt Ross
Sam Elliot appeared in the movie, Hulk in 2000 as Thunderbolt Ross. He was Eric Bana’s nemesis in the said film. However, Sam did not retain his role in the next installment of the movie in 2008.
Elliott As Thunderbolt Ross
Robot Chicken
Many people don’t know this but Sam was actually nominated in the Emmy’s for his guest performance in Robot Chicken. What’s interesting about it is that he was the only actor nominated.
Robot Chicken
Thank You For Smoking
The 2005 film, Thank You For Smoking was another place where Sam Elliott showed off his best. Working alongside other great actors like Aaron Eckhart, Cameron Bright and Katie Holmes, Elliott didn’t have a big role in the film, but of course he brought his magic to the big screen.
Thank You For Smoking
His Relationship With Katie Holmes
It has surprised some that actress Katie Holmes and Sam Elliott have a great friendship. I guess it’s not so surprising when you realize that there are many famous stars in friendships that might seem unexpected, like Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg for example. We think it might just be something in the name for him.
His Relationship With Katie Holmes
How Tall?
Because of his lanky appearance, many wonder how tall Sam Elliott is, so here’s the answer. Sam is 1.88 meters, which is almost 6.2 feet. Other celebrities who are also this height are: Ben Affleck, Julian Assange (director and producer of Mediastan and Collateral Murder) and William Baldwin, Alec Baldwin’s brother.
How Tall
Colbert’s Opinion
As we’ve mentioned., Sam Elliott’s voice is one-of-a-kind. Some celebrities have ha their say about his uniquely deep voice. During an interview with Stephen Colbert in 2018, Colbert said to Elliott, “This is not the first time anyone has said this to you, but your voice is just a warm cup of coffee.”
Colberts Opinion
On His Usual Role
Like many other actors, Sam Elliott has been typecast as a certain kind of character in most movies. He put it best when he said, “I’ve spent my entire career on horseback or on a motorcycle. It boxes you in, the way people perceive you. I read a lot of scripts. Most of ’em go to other actors.” Either way, he definitely kicks butt at what he does, regardless of the role.
On His Usual Roles
On Influencing People
There are many different philosophies about influencing people for good and for bad. But perhaps Sam Elliott has put it best. He said, “I think anytime you can affect people in general, in a positive way, then you’re a lucky individual.” How true is that?
On Influencing People
On Being A Symbol
At some stage in his professional career, people referred to him as a sex symbol. Elliott did not want to be seen that way and that’s why he said this: “I don’t want to be known as a sex symbol. There’s a great stigma that goes with that tag. I want to be a Sam Elliott.”
On Being A Symbol
On Hugh Grant
You might think that Sam Elliott has no interest in an actor like Hugh Grant, but that’s completely incorrect. Sam Elliott actually has a special place for British actor Hugh Grant. “Hugh Grant is the main man. He’s the number one romantic comedy man in the world,” Elliott said. He’s probably right.
On Hugh Grant
Dealing With Annoying Reporters
If you think Sam Elliott is only cool on the big screen then you’re totally wrong! In 2015, a TMZ reporter stopped Elliott while he was on his way from the grocery store to his car. The questions the reporter was asking were far from interesting for him. In true Sam Elliott coolness, he just deflected every question with a cool response. One example was when the reporter said, “You know I see you more than my family, more than my uncles… my dad…” to which Elliott responds, “That’s your bad, not mine.”
Dealing With Annoying Reporters
Mouthing Off At Fans
Elliott is known to be straight-talker, never holding back what he wants to say. When a group of “overzealous” fans were asking for his autograph once, he complied happily. At one point though, a fan asked him to sign more and more things and that was when he had enough. He said, “When you take advantage of me, and you want me to sign more than one, it just ****s the whole thing!” He wears his heart on his sleeve.
Mouthing Off At Fans
Similarity To Mark Harmon
It might seem silly to fans of either of these two, but there’s quite a record of incidents of fans and even other actors mixing these two up! It could be the mustache in this case, but we can hardly mistake the one for the other in most cases. Mark Harmon is the lead actor in the popular American TV series, NCIS. He’s also seven years younger than Elliott.
Similarity To Mark Harmon
The Future
What Sam Elliott will do in the future is still a mystery, but for those that love him, knowing is more enticing than the mystery. There’s still a lot to come, and for now we have the benefit of watching him on The Ranch, but we can’t help wonder what’s next. It’s greats like Sam Elliott that keep the silver screen as epic as it ever should and will be.
The Future