Jon Voight, born on December 29, 1938, in Yonkers, New York, is a renowned American actor celebrated for his dynamic performances and extensive career in film and television. Voight’s journey to stardom is marked by resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His roles in films such as Midnight Cowboy, Coming Home, and Michael have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor. Beyond his acting, Voight has been involved in various personal and professional controversies, which have often overshadowed his artistic achievements. Despite these challenges, he remains a significant figure in the entertainment industry, known for his versatility and ability to bring depth to every character he portrays.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| Name | Jon Voight |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | 29 December 1938 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Nationality | United States |
| Place of Birth | Yonkers |
| Religion | Catholicism |
| Languages Spoken | English, Hebrew |
| Birth Name | Jonathan Vincent Voight |
| Native Name | Jon Voight |
| Native Language | English |
| Ethnicity | Slovak Americans |
FAMILY
| Children | Angelina Jolie, James Haven |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Lauri Peters, Marcheline Bertrand |
| Siblings | Chip Taylor, Barry Voight |
| Father | Elmer Voight |
| Mother | Barbara Kamp |
EDUCATION
| Educated At | The Catholic University of America, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute |
|---|
CAREER
| Profession | actor, film producer, screenwriter, voice actor, comedian, television actor |
|---|---|
| Awards Received | National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor, BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama, Academy Award for Best Actor, New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor, National Board of Review Award for Best Actor, Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor, Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama, Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor, Theatre World Award, Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film, British Academy of Film and Television Arts |
| Nominations | Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Academy Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor, National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama, BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama, Academy Award for Best Actor, National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama, Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Couple/Ensemble, Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor – Razzie Award, Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor, Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture, Academy Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama, Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture, Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor, Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie, Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor – Razzie Award, Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie, Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor – Razzie Award, Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series |
| Work Period Start | 1963 |
SOCIAL MEDIA & LINKS
| IMDB ID | nm0000685 |
|---|---|
| @jonvoight | |
| Jon-Voight-1010143242410527 | |
| @jonvoight | |
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia |
Cost of becoming
Jon Voight’s path to becoming a celebrated actor was fraught with challenges and sacrifices. Initially, he pursued a degree in English and Drama at Webster College in Webster Groves, Missouri. However, his passion for acting led him to New York City, where he faced the harsh realities of the competitive acting world. Voight worked odd jobs, including as a truck driver and a waiter, to support himself while auditioning for roles. His breakthrough came with his performance in The compagnons (1967), but it was his role as Joe Buck in Midnight Cowboy that catapulted him to stardom. The grueling process of auditioning and the financial struggles he endured early in his career instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the craft of acting.
Identity before fame
Before achieving fame, Jon Voight was a young man with a strong passion for acting. Born into a family that valued education and the arts, Voight’s interest in drama was nurtured from a young age. He studied at Webster College, where he honed his skills and developed a love for the theater. After graduating, he moved to New York City to pursue his dreams. During this time, Voight lived a modest life, often relying on the support of friends and family. His early experiences shaped his character, instilling in him a strong sense of determination and a deep commitment to his craft.
Timeline
- 1938: Born on December 29 in Yonkers, New York
- 1956: Enrolls at Webster College to study English and Drama
- 1959: Moves to New York City to pursue an acting career
- 1967: Makes his film debut in The compagnons
- 1969: Stars in Midnight Cowboy, his breakthrough role
- 1978: Wins the Academy Award for Best Actor for Coming Home
- 1991: Appears in Manhattan Murder Mystery with his daughter Angelina Jolie
- 2000: Plays God in the film Michael
- 2008: Wins an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for Grey Gardens
- 2013: Portrays Robert VilthAceptar in the NBC drama Ironside
Favourites
- Favorite Film: Midnight Cowboy
- Favorite Director: John Schlesinger
- Favorite Actress: Marisa Berenson
- Favorite Actor: Dustin Hoffman
- Favorite Hobby: Golfing
- Favorite Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Favorite Place: Beverly Hills, California
- Favorite Food: Italian cuisine
- Favorite Charity: The American Cancer Society
- Favorite Quote: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
Controversies
- 1990: Voight faced criticism for his conservative political views, particularly his support for the Reagan administration.
- 1996: He was involved in a public dispute with his ex-wife, Marcheline Bertrand, over the custody of their children, including Angelina Jolie.
- 2002: Voight’s comments about the U.S. military and the Iraq War sparked controversy and backlash from some quarters.
- 2008: He made headlines for his support of the war in Iraq and his endorsement of George W. Bush.
- 2012: Voight’s criticism of the gay rights movement and his support for traditional values sparked debates and protests.
- 2014: He was involved in a legal dispute with his daughter, Angelina Jolie, over issues related to their family and personal life.
- 2016: Voight’s support for Donald Trump and his campaign for the presidency drew mixed reactions from the public and media.
- 2018: He was criticized for his comments on immigration and his conservative stance on social issues.
- 2020: Voight’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement and his calls for police reform were met with skepticism from some of his conservative supporters.
- 2022: He faced backlash for his public criticism of the media and his calls for more balanced reporting.
Control vs chaos
Jon Voight’s career and personal life have often been a balancing act between control and chaos. His early days in New York City were marked by financial instability and the unpredictable nature of the acting industry. Despite these challenges, Voight maintained a strong sense of control, meticulously preparing for auditions and honing his craft. This disciplined approach has been a hallmark of his career, even as he navigated personal controversies and public scrutiny. Voight’s ability to maintain his focus and commitment to his art has allowed him to weather the chaos and emerge as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Emotional geography
Jon Voight’s emotional journey is deeply intertwined with his personal and professional experiences. His early struggles in New York City and the emotional impact of his breakthrough role in Midnight Cowboy have left an indelible mark on his psyche. The pressures of fame and the public scrutiny he has faced have at times been overwhelming, but they have also provided him with a rich emotional landscape to draw upon in his performances. Voight’s ability to channel his emotions into his work has allowed him to create nuanced and compelling characters, resonating with audiences and critics alike.
FAQs
-
What is Jon Voight’s most famous role?
Jon Voight is perhaps best known for his role as Joe Buck in the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy , which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
-
How many Academy Awards has Jon Voight won?
Jon Voight has won one Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Coming Home (1978).
-
What is Jon Voight’s political affiliation?
Jon Voight is known for his conservative political views and has been a vocal supporter of the Republican Party and several conservative causes.
-
What is Jon Voight’s relationship with Angelina Jolie?
Jon Voight is the father of actress Angelina Jolie. Their relationship has been the subject of media attention, particularly during times of personal and legal disputes.
-
What are some other notable films Jon Voight has appeared in?
Some other notable films Jon Voight has appeared in include The Liberation of L.B. Jones (1970), Deliverance (1972), Conan the Destroyer (1984), and Michael (2000).
-
What was Jon Voight’s role in Grey Gardens?
Jon Voight played the role of Edward Radziwill in the 2009 TV film Grey Gardens , which earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie.
-
What are some of Jon Voight’s personal interests and hobbies?
Jon Voight is known to have a passion for golfing and is an avid reader, particularly of classic literature. He is also involved in various charitable causes, including the American Cancer Society.
-
What is Jon Voight’s educational background?
Jon Voight studied English and Drama at Webster College in Webster Groves, Missouri, which laid the foundation for his future career in acting.
-
Has Jon Voight been in any TV series?
Yes, Jon Voight has appeared in several TV series, including Ironside (2013) and Hollywood Heights (2013).
-
What is Jon Voight’s stance on social issues?
Jon Voight has been known to hold conservative views on various social issues, including gay rights, immigration, and the role of the military.
-
What are some of Jon Voight’s most notable awards?
In addition to his Academy Award for Best Actor, Jon Voight has won an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA, among other accolades.
-
How has Jon Voight’s career evolved over the years?
Jon Voight’s career has evolved from his early roles in independent films to leading roles in major Hollywood productions. He has also expanded into television and has been involved in directing and producing.
-
What is Jon Voight’s net worth?
While exact figures can vary, Jon Voight’s net worth has been estimated to be in the range of several million dollars, reflecting his successful career in the entertainment industry.