Sam Elliott got his first break, such as it was, as Card Player #2 in 1969’s Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It might not have been a big role (understatement), but it is in a forever movie classic, so that is something. He has done pretty well since then, even eventually marrying that movie’s female star, Katharine Ross. It’s one of Hollywood’s most successful unions, though he didn’t actually meet her on that movie.
Since then, Elliott, and his unmistakable deep voice, has been part of numerous movies and TV shows including The Big Lebowski, Tombstone, Gettysburg, Mask, Lifeguard, Family Guy, The Sacketts, his Oscar-nominated role as Bradley Cooper’s older brother in A Star Is Born and countless others including Taylor Sheridan’s 1883, which earned him a SAG (now Actor) Award. That was a grueling job, and he hadn’t worked since — until Sheridan came calling again, this time for another choice part as Billy Bob Thornton’s father in Landman. It has turned into another great role that has earned Elliott much praise and Emmy buzz.
He joins me for today’s edition of my Deadline video series, The Actor’s Side to talk about all of this, and even one of his best-known roles ever as the voice of Smokey the Bear. Yes, I ask him to do it.
To watch our conversation and to get the “actor’s side” of things, just click the link above.
Join me this season every Tuesday and Thursday for a new edition of The Actor’s Side and every Monday and Friday for Behind the Lens.
