Jon Voight at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival
Early Life and Education
Born Jonathan Vincent Voight on December 29, 1938, in Yonkers, New York, Jon Voight was the son of Barbara and Elmer Voight, a professional golfer. He was raised in a Catholic household alongside his two brothers, Barry Voight, a geologist, and James Wesley Voight, known as Chip Taylor, a singer-songwriter famous for hits like “Wild Thing” and “Angel of the Morning.” Voight’s paternal grandparents were Slovak immigrants, while his maternal grandparents were of German descent. He developed an interest in acting during his time at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York. After graduating in 1956, he pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1960. Following his academic endeavors, Voight moved to New York City to study under Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, honing his craft for a future in acting.
Rise to Stardom: Breakthrough Roles
Jon Voight’s acting career began on the stage, with his Broadway debut in 1961 as Rolf in “The Sound of Music.” Throughout the 1960s, he appeared in various television shows, including “Naked City,” “The Defenders,” and “Gunsmoke.” His film debut came with a role in “Fearless Frank” (1967), followed by a part in “Hour of the Gun” (1967). However, it was his portrayal of Joe Buck, a naive Texan turned New York City hustler, in “Midnight Cowboy” (1969) that catapulted him to fame. The film, which also starred Dustin Hoffman, was groundbreaking for its candid exploration of urban life and earned Voight his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Diverse Roles and Critical Acclaim
In the 1970s, Voight continued to showcase his versatility as an actor. He starred in “Deliverance” (1972) as Ed Gentry, a businessman on a harrowing canoe trip, a role that further solidified his reputation in Hollywood. His performance as a paraplegic Vietnam War veteran in “Coming Home” (1978) earned him both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Actor. Voight’s ability to embody complex characters was evident in films like “The Champ” (1979), where he played an ex-boxing champion, and “Runaway Train” (1985), portraying an escaped convict—a role that garnered him another Oscar nomination.
Continued Success in Film and Television
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Jon Voight remained a prominent figure in both film and television. He took on diverse roles, such as playing a determined lawyer in “The Rainmaker” (1997), the father of the titular character in “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” (2001), and the sports broadcaster Howard Cosell in “Ali” (2001), a performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Voight also appeared in blockbuster films like “Mission: Impossible” (1996), “National Treasure” (2004), and “Transformers” (2007), showcasing his adaptability across genres.
Recent Work and Accolades
In recent years, Voight has continued to captivate audiences with his performances. He portrayed Mickey Donovan in the television series “Ray Donovan” (2013–2020), a role that earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film in 2014. In 2019, he was honored with the National Medal of Arts for his exceptional contributions to the arts. Voight’s enduring career is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jon Voight has been married twice, first to actress Lauri Peters from 1962 to 1967, and then to actress Marcheline Bertrand from 1971 to 1980. He is the father of actress Angelina Jolie and actor James Haven. Throughout his career, Voight has been known for his dynamic performances and his ability to bring depth to a wide range of characters. His contributions to cinema have left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring both audiences and fellow actors alike.
Notable Films and Roles
Here is a selection of some of Jon Voight’s most significant films and roles:
| Year | Film Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Midnight Cowboy | Joe Buck |
| 1972 | Deliverance | Ed Gentry |
| 1978 | Coming Home | Luke Martin |
| 1979 | The Champ | Billy Flynn |
| 1985 | Runaway Train | Oscar “Manny” Manheim |
| 1996 | Mission: Impossible | Jim Phelps |
| 1997 | The Rainmaker | Leo F. Drummond |
| 2001 | Ali | Howard Cosell |
| 2004 | National Treasure | Patrick Gates |
| 2013–2020 | Ray Donovan (TV Series) | Mickey Donovan |
