Jon Voight

Full Name

Jonathan Vincent Voight

Birth and Background

• Born: December 29, 1938
• Birthplace: Yonkers, New York, USA
• Nationality: American

Occupation

Actor, Producer

Overview

Jon Voight is an Academy Award-winning American actor whose career spans over six decades, marked by powerful dramatic performances in some of cinema’s most acclaimed films. He achieved breakthrough stardom with his portrayal of Joe Buck in “Midnight Cowboy” (1969), a role that earned him his first Oscar nomination and established him as a major dramatic talent.

Throughout his career, Voight has demonstrated remarkable versatility, moving between intense dramas, action films, and television series with equal skill. His performances in “Deliverance” (1972), “Coming Home” (1978), “Runaway Train” (1985), and the television series “Ray Donovan” (2013-2020) showcase his range and commitment to his craft.

Voight’s career has encompassed both critically acclaimed art films and commercial blockbusters, earning him recognition as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. His Academy Award for Best Actor for “Coming Home” solidified his place in cinema history.

Major Films

• Midnight Cowboy (1969) - Joe Buck
• Deliverance (1972) - Ed
• Coming Home (1978) - Luke Martin
• The Champ (1979) - Billy Flynn
• Runaway Train (1985) - Oscar “Manny” Manheim
• Mission: Impossible (1996) - Jim Phelps
• Transformers (2007) - Secretary of Defense John Keller
• National Treasure (2004) - Patrick Gates

Television

• Ray Donovan (2013-2020) - Mickey Donovan
• 24 (2003-2004) - Jonas Hodges

Awards and Recognition

• Academy Award: Best Actor for “Coming Home” (1979)
• Golden Globe Awards: 4 wins including “Coming Home,” “Runaway Train,” and “Ray Donovan”
• BAFTA Award: Best Actor for “Deliverance” (1973)
• Academy Award Nominations: 4 total

Significance

Voight represents the classic American film actor: trained in the Method tradition, committed to character immersion, and capable of disappearing into diverse roles. His career demonstrates longevity and adaptability, transitioning from 1960s New Hollywood to contemporary cinema while maintaining artistic integrity.

Early Life and Education

Family Background

Jonathan Vincent Voight was born on December 29, 1938, in Yonkers, New York, to Barbara and Elmer Voight. His father was a professional golfer, and his mother was a teacher. The family was of German and Slovak descent.

Siblings

Jon had two brothers: - Barry Voight (born 1937) - geologist and volcanologist - Wesley Voight (born 1940) - known as Chip Taylor, became a successful songwriter (wrote “Wild Thing”)

The Voight household valued education and creativity, with both parents encouraging their children’s interests.

Childhood and Youth

Voight grew up in a middle-class environment where athletics and academics were both emphasized. His father’s career as a professional golfer exposed young Jon to sports, but his interests gravitated toward performing.

Early Interest in Acting

Voight discovered his passion for acting during his teenage years: - Participated in school plays and local theater productions - Developed interest in the craft of performance - Found inspiration in the emerging television medium - Determined to pursue acting professionally

Archbishop Stepinac High School

Voight attended Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York: - Catholic high school education - Continued participation in theater - Developed discipline and work ethic - Graduated with strong academic record

Catholic University of America

University Education

Voight enrolled at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he majored in art and drama: - Studied under influential acting teachers - Immersed himself in theater training - Participated in university productions - Developed foundation in acting technique

The Lynn Masters Influence

At Catholic University, Voight studied under Lynn Masters, a former teacher at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. Masters introduced Voight to the Sanford Meisner technique, a variation of Method acting that emphasized truthful behavior and emotional preparation.

This training would profoundly influence Voight’s approach to acting throughout his career.

Theater Productions

During his university years, Voight appeared in numerous productions: - Classic plays and contemporary works - Shakespearean roles - Modern American drama - Developed versatility and range

Graduation

Voight graduated from Catholic University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, fully prepared to pursue a professional acting career.

Early Professional Career

After graduation, Voight moved to New York City to pursue acting, working in Off-Broadway productions and television while building his resume and skills.

Career

Breakthrough: “Midnight Cowboy” (1969)

Voight’s career-defining role came as Joe Buck, a naive Texas dishwasher who moves to New York City to become a male prostitute. Directed by John Schlesinger, the film was controversial and groundbreaking.

Performance Highlights: - Captured Joe’s innocence and desperation - Chemistry with Dustin Hoffman (Rico “Ratso” Rizzo) - “I’m walking here!” scene became iconic - First Academy Award nomination for Best Actor

Impact: - Established Voight as major talent - Film won Best Picture Oscar - X-rated film to win Best Picture (later re-rated R) - Part of New Hollywood movement

“Deliverance” (1972)

Voight starred alongside Burt Reynolds in John Boorman’s harrowing survival thriller.

Role: Ed, suburban businessman on disastrous canoe trip Significance: - Physically demanding performance - Famous cliff-climbing scene - BAFTA Award for Best Actor - Second Oscar nomination

“The Odessa File” (1974)

Voight played a German journalist investigating Nazi war criminals.

“Coming Home” (1978)

Voight won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Luke Martin, a paralyzed Vietnam War veteran.

Performance: - Extensive research with paralyzed veterans - Authentic portrayal of disability - Anti-war message - Chemistry with Jane Fonda

Oscar Win: - First Academy Award - Validated dramatic career - Peak of critical acclaim

“The Champ” (1979)

Voight played a washed-up boxer in this remake.

1980s Career

“Runaway Train” (1985): - Directed by Andrei Konchalovsky - Played escaped convict Oscar “Manny” Manheim - Third Oscar nomination - Golden Globe win

Other Notable 1980s Films: - “Table for Five” (1983) - “Heat” (1986)

1990s and Blockbusters

“Mission: Impossible” (1996): - Played Jim Phelps, leader of IMF team - Major blockbuster success - Introduced to new generation

“Anaconda” (1997): - Adventure horror film - Commercial success

“Enemy of the State” (1998): - Tony Scott thriller - Co-starred with Will Smith - Critical and commercial success

2000s and Beyond

“National Treasure” (2004): - Played Patrick Gates - Disney blockbuster - Family adventure film

“Transformers” (2007): - Secretary of Defense John Keller - Michael Bay blockbuster - Massive commercial success

“Pride and Glory” (2008): - Edward Norton, Colin Farrell co-stars - Police corruption drama

Television: “Ray Donovan” (2013-2020)

Voight achieved television success playing Mickey Donovan: - Showtime series - Played patriarch and ex-con - Four Golden Globe nominations - One Golden Globe win - Seven seasons

Character: - Complex, flawed, charismatic - Troubled relationship with son Ray - Scene-stealing performances - Renewed critical acclaim

Later Film Work

Voight continued working steadily: - “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” (2016) - “Same Kind of Different as Me” (2017) - Various independent films - Voice work in animated films

Career Summary

Voight’s career demonstrates: - Six decades of consistent work - Four Oscar nominations spanning 20 years - Transition from New Hollywood to modern cinema - Successful television career - Continued relevance into his 80s

Notable Works and Filmography

Breakthrough Roles

Jon Voight’s career features several breakthrough performances that showcased their range and talent. These roles established Jon Voight as a serious artist and opened doors to increasingly prestigious projects.

Career-Defining Projects

The body of work that defines Jon Voight’s career includes performances that have become cultural touchstones. These projects demonstrate the versatility and commitment that have earned Jon Voight critical acclaim and audience devotion.

Recent and Upcoming Work

Jon Voight continues to select projects that challenge and excite, maintaining a career trajectory that balances commercial appeal with artistic integrity. Their recent work demonstrates an ongoing evolution as an artist.

Acting Style and Approach

Method Acting Foundation

Voight trained in the Method acting tradition, specifically the Sanford Meisner technique: - Emotional truth and authenticity - Character immersion - Extensive preparation and research - Physical transformation for roles

Physical Transformation

Voight is known for physical commitment to roles: - “Deliverance”: Performed own stunts including cliff scene - “Coming Home”: Extensive time with paralyzed veterans - “Runaway Train”: Physical intensity as convict - Maintains physical fitness for demanding roles

Emotional Intensity

His performances are characterized by: - Deep emotional access - Vulnerability on screen - Powerful dramatic moments - Authentic vulnerability

Range and Versatility

Voight has successfully portrayed: - Naive dreamers (Joe Buck) - Action heroes (Deliverance, Mission: Impossible) - Disabled veterans (Coming Home) - Villains and complex antagonists - Comedic characters - Historical figures

Character Work

His approach includes: - Detailed character biographies - Voice and physical development - Psychological research - Maintaining character off-camera during shoots

Television Adaptation

On “Ray Donovan,” Voight demonstrated: - Sustained character development - Scene-stealing charisma - Complex father-son dynamics - Comedic and dramatic balance

Personal Life

Marriages

First Marriage: Lauri Peters (1962-1967)

• Actress, met through theater work
• Marriage ended in divorce

Second Marriage: Marcheline Bertrand (1971-1980)

• Actress and producer
• Two children together
• Marriage ended in divorce

Children

Angelina Jolie (born 1975)

• One of Hollywood’s biggest stars
• Academy Award-winning actress and director
• Father-daughter relationship has been complex and public
• Periods of estrangement and reconciliation

James Haven (born 1973)

• Actor and producer
• Close relationship with sister Angelina
• Has worked in various production roles

Relationship with Children

Voight’s relationship with Angelina Jolie has been publicly documented: - Periods of estrangement - Public statements about reconciliation - Complex family dynamics - Both have spoken about relationship challenges

Grandchildren

Through Angelina Jolie, Voight has several grandchildren.

Political Views

Voight has been vocal about his conservative political views: - Supporter of Republican candidates - Active on social media discussing politics - Support for Donald Trump - Conservative commentary has generated both support and criticism

Religious Views

Voight has spoken about his Christian faith: - Catholic upbringing - Continued spiritual beliefs - Faith has been important through career challenges

Residence

Voight has maintained homes in: - Los Angeles, California - Previous residences in New York

Later Years

In his 80s, Voight remains: - Active in acting - Politically engaged - Family-focused - Continues working regularly

Legacy and Impact

Contribution to Cinema

New Hollywood Era

Voight was central to the New Hollywood movement: - “Midnight Cowboy” represented new filmmaking freedom - Challenged traditional Hollywood conventions - Part of generation that transformed American cinema

Method Acting Representation

His work represents classic Method acting in American film: - Emotional authenticity - Character immersion - Influence on subsequent actors - Connection to theater tradition

Iconic Performances

Joe Buck (Midnight Cowboy)

• One of cinema’s most memorable characters
• Defined late 1960s American culture
• Continues to be studied and referenced

Luke Martin (Coming Home)

• Influential portrayal of Vietnam veteran
• Contributed to cultural understanding of war
• Part of 1970s Vietnam cinema

Mickey Donovan (Ray Donovan)

• Late-career television triumph
• Proved continued relevance
• Introduced to new generation

Influence on Actors

Voight’s career has influenced: - Approach to physical transformation - Balance of film and television - Career longevity strategies - Method acting techniques

Cultural Impact

Memorable Scenes

Multiple scenes have entered popular culture: - “I’m walking here!” (Midnight Cowboy) - Cliff climbing (Deliverance) - Various Ray Donovan moments

Awards Recognition

His four Oscar nominations spanning 16 years demonstrate: - Sustained excellence - Critical respect - Career longevity

Family Legacy

The Voight family in entertainment: - Brother Chip Taylor (songwriter) - Daughter Angelina Jolie (major star) - Son James Haven (actor/producer) - Multi-generational Hollywood family

Summary

Jon Voight’s legacy encompasses: - Six decades of distinguished work - Academy Award-winning performance - Iconic roles in American cinema - Successful television career - Influential acting approach - Complex family Hollywood dynasty

His career represents the possibilities of longevity, reinvention, and sustained artistic commitment in American acting.