Sam Elliot’s 7 Groundbreaking Performances In Film & Television Throughout The Years

Aug 14, 2023 by apost team

Western movies and TV shows are a big part of American entertainment history. Featuring cowboys and gunslingers, the genre is beloved for its action and drama. Sam Elliott is a veteran character actor that is best known for his work in the Western genre. Some of his most popular roles include The Stranger in "The Big Lebowski" and Virgil Earp in "Tombstone." Ironically enough, however, Elliott got his first big break in the industry with a movie that couldn't be further from a Western.

Elliott began his career playing minor characters in "The Way West" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." His TV appearances include "Gunsmoke," and the television films "Murder in Texas" and "The Shadow Riders." 

Elliot was born on Aug. 9, 1944, in Sacramento, California, to Glynn Mamie and Henry Nelson Elliott. His father was a predator control specialist, while his mother was a teacher. Although his father was not too keen on his son pursuing an acting career, he remained steadfast in chasing his dream.

As of 2023, Elliot is one of the most decorated and well-venerated actors of his generation. He is the recipient of various accolades, including a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a National Board of Review Award, among nominations for an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.

Getting there, however, required much of Elliot’s dedication and talent – which was excellently shown in his filmography. Keep on reading to find out seven of the best films and television shows that Elliot has starred in throughout the years.

Road House (1988)

In “Road House,” Elliot was already a distinguished actor because of his film credits from 1967 to 1988. He portrayed a character named Wade Garrett, the mentor of Patrick Swayze’s character James Dalton. 

In an interview in the “I Am Patrick Swayze” biographical film, Elliot recalled how thrilled he was because of Swayze’s passion and talent during the filming of the now iconic film: “I remember watching Patrick and thinking, that was so good.” 

Although the film received quite bad reviews from critics, it has been deemed by many as one of The 100 Most Enjoyably Bad Movies Ever Made.

Conagher (1991)

It was the film “Conagher” that put Elliot on the map to become one of the biggest Western movie stars of his generation. Although he became part of Western movies as an extra at the start of his career, it was nothing compared to the lead role he got in “Conagher.”

The film was a made-for-television film that was based on the Louis L'Amour novel of the same name, published in 1969. Elliot played the role of Conn Conagher in the film. 

Tombstone (1993)

Drawn from reality, Elliott played Tombstone, Arizona, Deputy US Marshal Virgil Earp in the ensemble cast film “Tombstone,” along with Kurt Russel playing Wyatt Earp, Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday, and Bill Paxton as Morgan Earp. 

The said film was loosely based on real-life events that took place in the 1880s in Southeast Arizona. These include the story of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the Earp Vendetta Ride. 

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The Big Lebowski (1998)

Considered a “cult-classic” film by many, Elliott was in “The Big Lebowski.” He played The Stranger in the film along with other actors like Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, and Steve Buscemi, among many others. 

Speaking about the film to Entertainment Weekly, Elliott recalled getting the role in 2019: “So, I went from feeling boxed-in, into just realizing how thankful I was that that was the box I was in, because it just led to all this other great work.”

At the 2023 SAG Awards, Elliott had a mini-reunion with Bridges, and he recalled being “happy” meeting him as it was their first time together in many years. 

The Ranch (2016)

Aside from being known as a film actor, Elliott has also played a lot of characters on television. Among those was in “The Ranch,” where he plays the role of Beau Bennett along with Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Debra Winger and Elisha Cuthbert. 

A Star Is Born (2018)

Elliot was also part of the critically acclaimed film “A Star is Born.” It was his role as Bobby Maine in the film that earned Elliott his first Academy Award nomination. Although he did not take home the award, Elliot had no regrets. 

“...it’s really about the work; it’s just about the creative process. It’s great to be recognized for that, that’s really all it’s about,” he said to Deadline. 

1883 (2021)

Thanks to the success of the television series “Yellowstone,” there came a prequel focusing extensively on the Dutton Brothers – “1883.” Playing Shea Brennan, Elliott starred alongside Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Isabel May, among many others. 

The said role earned Elliott his first Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie. 

Are you a fan of Sam Elliott? What was your favorite performance of his? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends and other Sam Elliott fans!