Sam Elliott is a beloved actor known for his deep voice and rugged looks. He has starred in numerous films and TV shows, including “The Big Lebowski,” “Tombstone,” and “A Star is Born.” But before he became an actor, he served his country in the military.
Elliott was born in Sacramento, California, in 1944. His father was a deputy sheriff, and his mother worked as a physical training instructor. After high school, Elliott attended Clark College in Vancouver, Washington, where he studied English and psychology. But he didn’t finish his degree, as he was drawn to acting.
Elliott’s first acting job was in a stage production of “Guys and Dolls” in Portland, Oregon. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career, but he struggled to find work at first. He landed some small roles in TV shows and films, but it wasn’t until he starred in the film “Mask” in 1985 that he gained recognition.
But before he made it in Hollywood, Elliott served in the military. In 1964, he enlisted in the California Army National Guard. He was later accepted into the Army’s Officer Candidate School, where he trained to become a cavalry officer.
Elliott was stationed in West Germany during the Vietnam War, but he never saw combat. He was part of the Army’s 2nd Armored Division, which was responsible for patrolling the border between West Germany and Czechoslovakia.
After serving his country, Elliott returned to Los Angeles to continue his acting career. He landed a recurring role on the TV series “Mission: Impossible” in the late 1970s and went on to star in numerous films and TV shows.
Despite his success as an actor, Elliott has always remained humble about his military service. In an interview with the Military Times, he said, “I did what I had to do, and I’m glad I did it.”
But Elliott’s career hasn’t been without controversy. In 2019, he faced criticism for his role in a commercial for the beef industry. Many people, including environmentalists and animal rights activists, criticized the ad for promoting an industry that has been linked to deforestation and climate change.
Despite the backlash, Elliott continues to work in Hollywood. He received critical acclaim for his role in the film “A Star is Born” in 2018, and he has several projects in the works.
In conclusion, Sam Elliott is a talented actor with a distinguished career, but he also has a lesser-known background as a military veteran. His service in the Army demonstrates his patriotism and dedication to his country. While he has faced controversy in his career, he remains a beloved figure in Hollywood and a respected actor.
