Sam Elliott is the classic American cowboy. The tall and handsome actor has an illustrious career where he has played virtually every role in the book. From military roles on television and films, to beer commercials, to his Oscar-nominated performance in the movie, "A Star in Born," it's safe to say that this hunky cowboy has quite an emotional range.
But what most people don’t realize is that Elliott was a military soldier long before he picked up a script. And this period in his life had a significant effect on his personality, his outlook, and what happened to him next...
He Has a Thing for Nature
Sam Elliott was born in Sacramento, California, on August 9, 1944. When he was still a kid, his family moved to Oregon, where his father worked in wildlife conversation for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This helped Elliott develop a passion for nature. But he didn’t exactly consider himself a native Californian.
He’s a Texan at Heart
“I’m a sixth-generation Texan, even though I was born in California,” he told Parade Magazine. Both his mom and dad were born in Texas. In fact, his family roots go all the way back to the Texas Revolution of the 1800s. But his acting career is even more impressive than his family history.
He’s Had a Successful Acting Career
Elliott has had a highly successful acting career that spans decades. The 75-year-old actor has starred in some pretty incredible films over the years. And if you’re a fan of Elliott, then you’re in for quite a treat. You’re about to learn things about his life that you have probably never heard before.
The Confidence to Pursue Acting
Elliott graduated from David Douglas High School in Portland, Oregon. After graduation, he attended Park College in Vancouver, Washington, where he pursued a two-year degree. And that’s when the acting bug hit.
He Made His Debut in the Theater
While in college, Elliott appeared in a small production of “Guys and Dolls.” When a local reporter reviewed the play, he gave Elliott a rave review, which gave him the encouragement to pursue a career in acting. But even aspiring actors need a side gig.
He Needed a Real Job
Most actors and actresses wait tables for a living because the hours are flexible, which allows them to go on auditions. But Elliott wasn’t the kind of guy who wanted to work in the hospitality business.
So He Took a Job in Construction
Elliott didn’t want to waste his time having people snap their fingers at him to get his attention at a restaurant or bar. So, given that he wanted a more hands-on job, he opted for a part-time job in construction. But acting has always been his true goal. Unfortunately, one of his relatives wasn’t happy with his decision.
His Father Didn’t Approve of His Dreams
Elliott’s father wasn’t happy with his son’s dream of pursuing an acting career. As a result, their relationship became strained. But he always hoped his father would come around. Unfortunately, tragedy struck, and that hope was taken from him.
Elliott Experienced a Terrible Loss
When Elliott tuned 18, his father died suddenly of a heart attack. Sadly, this meant that Elliott was never able to make things right with his father. This left him with a sorrow that he has never gotten over.
His Dad Never Got to See Him Succeed
Elliott was very upset that his father never got the opportunity to see his son achieve his dream of becoming a successful actor. But before he stepped in front of the cameras, he took another ambitious real-life role that would have made his father very proud.
He Joined the Military
Elliott enlisted in the military and served with the California National Guard. There he learned about the meaning of hard work and leadership. His time in the military also prepared him for future military-based acting roles. But what exactly did he do in the military?
The Military Made Him a Man
Elliott was a member of the California Air National Guard’s 163rd Airlift Wings out of Channel Islands. While he was there, he grew up and became and adult. In 2002, the National Guard Association honored him with the Spirit of America Award. But he never lost sight of his main objective.
He Made His TV Debut in the 60s
Elliott landed his first television role in the 1960s series, “Judd, for the Defense.” He played Dan Kenyon in an episode titled “The Crystal Maze.” But this was the first of many roles that were to come.
He Made an Impression on TV Producers
In 1968, Elliott played Jack in an episode of “The Felony Squad.” The show’s producers absolutely loved him. He made such a strong impression on them that they asked him to return later that same year and once in 1969. But the small screen wasn’t able to contain his huge talent.
He Was on "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"
His success on television paved the way for him to work on a film. His first movie was “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” where he played card player number two. Eventually, he went on to land bigger and better roles.
His Dream Was Not a Mission Impossible
By the mid-70s, Elliott had landed a lead role on “Mission Impossible,” “Once an Eagle,” and the mini-series, “Aspen.” He also got to play Evel Knievel in a film based on the stunt performer’s life. But one role didn’t sit well with him.
He Was an Unhappy Lifeguard
Elliott landed a role in the 1976 film, “Lifeguard,” but he didn’t really like the way the production company promoted the film. So, during the promotional tour, he didn’t hold back.
He and His Character Were Both Questioning
“Lifeguard” was a film about Rick Carlson, a 32-year-old Southern California lifeguard played by Elliott. In the film, Carlson starts to question his life goals when he receives an invitation to his 15-year high school reunion. But what happened after the film made him question whether he had made the right career choice.
The Studio Sold the Film in a Bad Way
During the tour, he talked candidly about his discomfort over the way Paramount Pictures had sold the film. “We all took Lifeguard very seriously when we were making it,” he told Cinephiled. “But Paramount sold the film in a very specific way. Their catchphrase was ‘Every girl’s summer dream’ and they used this artwork of me in my Speed.” At that point, he was done with the studio, but not with Hollywood.
He Met the Love of His Life
He vowed to never work for Paramount again after that. Then in 1978, his life changed during the film “The Legacy.” That’s when Elliott met his future wife, Katharine Ross. But it wasn’t the first time they had met.
She Barely Knew He Existed
They had worked on “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” but Elliott was just slightly higher than an extra and she was one of the stars, so she barely even knew he existed. But she got to know him better in “The Legacy,” and she definitely liked what she saw.
She Was Still Married When They Met
Ross had been married four times and was still married to her fourth husband, Gaetano Lisi when she met Elliott. And by 1979, she divorced Lisi and that’s when things really took off between her and Elliott. But the actor couldn't have predicted a major setback that was lurking around, waiting to ruin his career... temporarily.
He Got Very Sick and Couldn’t Perform
Elliott had landed the role of a white lawyer who had to defend a black man wrongfully accused of the murder of two white cops in the film, “The Ambush Murder.” But Elliott got very sick, so the director replaced him with James Brolin. Fortunately, he got a second chance, but he almost blew it.
He Almost Turned Down a Role With Cher
Elliott and Ross got married in 1984. He would become her fifth and final husband. And while on their honeymoon in Hawaii, he got a call from his agent to audition for the film “Masks.” He was going to play Cher’s biker boyfriend, but he said no way. Luckily for him and his career, his new wife wasn’t about to let him pass up this opportunity.
His Wife Saved His Hollywood Career
As soon as Elliott hung up on his agent, Ross called him back and told him her husband would be there. It took a bit of convincing, but she got Elliott to agree and the film turned out to be a huge stepping stone for what is now a highly successful Hollywood career.