50 Facts About Jon Voight

Early Life and Education

Jon Voight's journey to stardom began in Yonkers, New York. His early life and education laid the foundation for his illustrious career.

1. 01Voight was born on December 29, 1938, to Barbara and Vincent Voight.
2. 02His father worked as a professional salesman, leading the family to move frequently.
3. 03Voight attended Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York.
4. 04He later enrolled at Columbia University but dropped out to pursue acting.

Breakthrough and Major Roles

Voight's career took off with a bang, thanks to some iconic roles that showcased his talent.

5. 05Voight's acting career began in the early 1960s with TV shows like "The Defenders" and "Naked City."
6. 06His breakthrough role came in 1969 with "Midnight Cowboy," earning him his first Academy Award nomination.
7. 07In 1978, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for "Coming Home," where he played a paraplegic Vietnam veteran.
8. 08Voight starred in notable films like "Deliverance" (1972), "The Champ" (1979), and "Heat" (1995).

Awards and Recognition

Voight's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations throughout his career.

9. 09He received a British Academy Film Award for his role in "Coming Home."
10. 10Voight has won four Golden Globe Awards for "Midnight Cowboy," "Coming Home," "Runaway Train," and "Ray Donovan."
11. 11He has been nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards for roles in "Ray Donovan" and "Uprising."
12. 12In 2019, Voight was awarded the National Medal of Arts for his exceptional acting.

Diverse Filmography

Voight's versatility is evident in his extensive filmography, spanning various genres and roles.

13. 13Voight has appeared in over 70 films and TV shows, including "Fearless Frank," "Hour of the Gun," and "Transformers."
14. 14He portrayed Nazi officer Jürgen Stroop in "Uprising" and Pope John Paul II in the eponymous miniseries.
15. 15Voight played Mickey Donovan on the Showtime drama series "Ray Donovan," earning critical acclaim.
16. 16His role as sportscaster Howard Cosell in "Ali" showcased his ability to play complex characters.

Personal Life and Family

Voight's personal life has been as eventful as his professional one, with notable family ties and relationships.

17. 17Voight is the father of actress Angelina Jolie.
18. 18He has two other children, James Haven and Barbara Tietze.
19. 19Voight has been married twice, first to Lauri Peters from 1962 to 1967, and then to Marcheline Bertrand from 1971 to 1980.
20. 20He married actress Tova Borbotek in 1971, but they divorced in 1977.

Political Views and Involvement

Voight's conservative political views have often made headlines, reflecting his active involvement in politics.

21. 21Voight is known for his conservative political views and support for former President Donald Trump.
22. 22He has been involved in various political campaigns and made public statements on political issues.

Documentaries and Directorial Work

Beyond acting, Voight has also ventured into documentaries and directing, showcasing his multifaceted talent.

23. 23Voight appeared in documentaries like "Beatles Stories" (2011) and "Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy" (2022).
24. 24He directed the television film "The Tin Soldier" in 1991.
25. 25Voight has written or co-written several screenplays, including "Eternity" (1990).

Impact and Legacy

Voight's contributions to the film industry have left a lasting impact, inspiring many young actors.

26. 26Voight's performances have significantly influenced the film industry, inspiring actors and filmmakers.
27. 27His legacy extends beyond acting, as he continues to be recognized for his contributions to the arts.
28. 28Voight has received numerous awards and nominations, solidifying his position as a respected actor.
29. 29Films featuring Voight have grossed over $5.2 billion worldwide, demonstrating his enduring appeal.

Iconic Roles and Performances

Voight's ability to portray complex characters has made him a standout actor in Hollywood.

30. 30Voight is associated with the angst and unruliness of the late 1960s counterculture.
31. 31He is known for taking on challenging character roles, from Joe Buck in "Midnight Cowboy" to Howard Cosell in "Ali."
32. 32His portrayal of sportscaster Howard Cosell in "Ali" showcased his ability to play nuanced characters.
33. 33Voight's role as Nazi officer Jürgen Stroop in "Uprising" highlighted his capacity to portray historical figures.

Television Appearances and Awards

Voight's television roles have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards.

34. 34Voight's role as Mickey Donovan on "Ray Donovan" earned him critical acclaim and a fourth Golden Globe win in 2014.
35. 35He has made numerous television appearances, including roles in "24," "Uprising," and "Ray Donovan."
36. 36Voight has appeared in several documentaries, including "Beatles Stories" and "Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy."

Directorial and Writing Credits

Voight's talents extend beyond acting, as he has also directed and written several films.

37. 37Voight made his directorial debut with the television film "The Tin Soldier."
38. 38He has written or co-written several screenplays, including "Eternity."

Influence on Young Actors

Voight's influence on young actors, including his daughter Angelina Jolie, is undeniable.

39. 39Voight has been an inspiration to many young actors, including his daughter Angelina Jolie.
40. 40His legacy extends beyond his acting career, as he continues to inspire generations of actors.

Political Views and Involvement

Voight's conservative political views have often made headlines, reflecting his active involvement in politics.

41. 41Voight is known for his conservative political views and support for former President Donald Trump.
42. 42He has been involved in various political campaigns and made public statements on political issues.

Awards and Recognition

Voight's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations throughout his career.

43. 43Voight has received numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and four Golden Globe Awards.
44. 44Films featuring Voight have grossed over $5.2 billion worldwide, demonstrating his enduring appeal.

Counterculture Icon and Character Roles

Voight's association with the counterculture of the late 1960s and his challenging character roles have made him a standout actor.

45. 45Voight is associated with the angst and unruliness of the late 1960s counterculture.
46. 46He is known for taking on challenging character roles, from Joe Buck in "Midnight Cowboy" to Howard Cosell in "Ali."

Television Appearances and Awards

Voight's television roles have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards.

47. 47Voight's role as Mickey Donovan on "Ray Donovan" earned him critical acclaim and a fourth Golden Globe win in 2014.
48. 48He has made numerous television appearances, including roles in "24," "Uprising," and "Ray Donovan."

Directorial and Writing Credits

Voight's talents extend beyond acting, as he has also directed and written several films.

49. 49Voight made his directorial debut with the television film "The Tin Soldier."
50. 50He has written or co-written several screenplays, including "Eternity."

Jon Voight's Enduring Legacy

Jon Voight's career spans over six decades, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. From his breakout role in "Midnight Cowboy" to his award-winning performance in "Coming Home," Voight has consistently delivered memorable characters. His work in films like "Deliverance," "Heat," and "Mission: Impossible" further solidified his status in Hollywood. Beyond acting, Voight's contributions include directing, writing, and inspiring future generations, including his daughter Angelina Jolie. His conservative political views and outspoken support for Donald Trump have also kept him in the public eye. With numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and four Golden Globe Awards, Voight's impact on the film industry is undeniable. His legacy continues to influence and inspire, making him a significant figure in cinema history.