Jon Voight

Jon Voight

ABOUT

Jon Voight is a celebrated American actor renowned for his versatile and powerful performances across film and television. Born on December 29, 1938, in Yonkers, New York, Voight has built a distinguished career spanning several decades, earning numerous accolades including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and several Golden Globe Awards. His standout roles in iconic films such as "Midnight Cowboy," "Deliverance," and "Coming Home" have cemented his status as one of Hollywood's most respected actors.

BEFORE FAME

Jonathan Vincent Voight emerged from humble beginnings in Yonkers, New York. He was born to Elmer Voight, a Czech-American professional golfer, and his wife Barbara, who had German descent. Voight attended Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York, where he ignited his interest in acting. He later went on to study at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., graduating with a degree in Fine Arts in 1960. Voight's early career saw him working on various television shows and stage productions, gradually building his reputation as a talented and reliable actor.

TRIVIA

• Jon Voight gained widespread recognition for his role as Joe Buck, a naive Texan prostitute, in the cult classic "Midnight Cowboy" (1969), which earned him an Academy Award nomination.
• His performance in "Coming Home" (1978), in which he played a paraplegic Vietnam War veteran, won him the Academy Award for Best Actor.
• Voight is known for his deep, resonant voice and often portrays characters who are authoritative and morally complex.
• Beyond acting, Voight is also involved in political activism and has been vocal about his conservative views.
• He has been nominated for the Emmy Award several times, winning his first in 2013 for his role in the TV series "Ray Donovan."

FAMILY LIFE

Jon Voight married actress Lauri Peters in 1962, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1967. He later married actress Marcheline Bertrand in 1971, with whom he had two children, James Haven and Angelina Jolie, both of whom pursued careers in the entertainment industry. Voight and Bertrand divorced in 1980. His relationship with his daughter, Angelina Jolie, has been notably tumultuous over the years, though they have publicly reconciled at times. Voight is also a grandfather to Jolie's six children.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout his career, Jon Voight has collaborated with a myriad of prominent directors and actors. He starred alongside Dustin Hoffman in "Midnight Cowboy" (1969) and shared the screen with Burt Reynolds in "Deliverance" (1972). His performance in "Ali," where he portrayed sports journalist Howard Cosell, saw him working with Will Smith. More recently, his role as Mickey Donovan in the television series "Ray Donovan" provided him the chance to act alongside Liev Schreiber. Voight's legacy in Hollywood is marked by his ability to adapt and thrive in a constantly changing industry, making him a highly respected and enduring figure in entertainment.