Elliot Gould: A Hollywood Icon

Geoffrey Sauer 22 Jun 2025

Who is Elliott Gould?

Elliott Gould is an American actor best known for his roles in the films MASH, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, and The Long Goodbye.

Gould was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1938. His career began in the early 1960s with roles in off-Broadway plays. He made his film debut in the 1964 film The Night of the Iguana. Gould's breakthrough role came in the 1970 film MASH, in which he played the role of Trapper John McIntyre. He went on to star in a number of other successful films, including Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1972), The Long Goodbye (1973), and California Split (1974).

Gould is known for his distinctive acting style, which is characterized by his laid-back delivery and wry sense of humor. He has been nominated for two Academy Awards, for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for The Long Goodbye.

Personal Details

Name	Elliott Gould
Birth Date	August 29, 1938
Birth Place	Brooklyn, New York
Occupation	Actor
Years Active	1962-present

Elliott Gould's Importance

Elliott Gould is one of the most iconic actors of his generation. He has starred in a number of classic films and has been nominated for two Academy Awards. Gould's work has had a significant impact on American cinema, and he continues to be an inspiration to actors and filmmakers alike.

Key Aspects of Elliott Gould's Work

His distinctive acting style
His versatility as an actor
His commitment to social and political causes

Gould's acting style is characterized by his laid-back delivery and wry sense of humor. He is able to bring a sense of realism and authenticity to his roles, even when playing characters that are larger than life. Gould is also a versatile actor, able to play a wide range of roles from comedy to drama.

In addition to his acting work, Gould is also a committed social and political activist. He has been involved in a number of causes, including the civil rights movement and the anti-war movement. Gould's activism has earned him the respect of many of his colleagues and fans.

Elliott Gould's Legacy

Elliott Gould is a true American icon. His work has had a significant impact on American cinema, and he continues to be an inspiration to actors and filmmakers alike. Gould's legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.

Elliott Gould

Elliott Gould is an American actor best known for his roles in the films MASH, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, and The Long Goodbye.

Versatile performer
Distinctive acting style
Academy Award nominee
Social activist
Brooklyn native
Born in 1938
Starred in over 100 films
Married three times
Father of three children

Elliott Gould is a versatile performer who has starred in a wide range of films, from comedies to dramas to musicals. He is best known for his distinctive acting style, which is characterized by his laid-back delivery and wry sense of humor. Gould has been nominated for two Academy Awards, for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for The Long Goodbye.

In addition to his acting work, Gould is also a committed social activist. He has been involved in a number of causes, including the civil rights movement and the anti-war movement. Gould's activism has earned him the respect of many of his colleagues and fans.

Name	Elliott Gould
Birth Date	August 29, 1938
Birth Place	Brooklyn, New York
Occupation	Actor
Years Active	1962-present

Versatile performer

Elliott Gould is a versatile performer who has starred in a wide range of films, from comedies to dramas to musicals. He is best known for his distinctive acting style, which is characterized by his laid-back delivery and wry sense of humor. Gould's versatility has allowed him to play a wide range of roles, from the lovable Trapper John McIntyre in MASH to the complex and troubled Philip Marlowe in The Long Goodbye.

Range and Depth
Gould's range and depth as an actor is evident in the variety of roles he has played throughout his career. He has played everything from leading men to supporting characters, and he has always brought a sense of authenticity and realism to his performances. Gould's ability to inhabit a wide range of characters is a testament to his skill as an actor.
Comic timing
Gould is also known for his excellent comic timing. He has a natural ability to deliver a joke with perfect timing, and he has a gift for physical comedy. Gould's comic timing is evident in films such as Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and California Split.
Emotional depth
In addition to his comedic skills, Gould is also a gifted dramatic actor. He has a deep understanding of human nature, and he is able to bring a sense of emotional depth to his performances. Gould's emotional depth is evident in films such as The Long Goodbye and The Friends of Eddie Coyle.
Commitment to craft
Gould is a dedicated actor who is always willing to go the extra mile to get a performance right. He is known for his meticulous preparation and his willingness to experiment with different approaches to a role. Gould's commitment to craft is evident in all of his work, and it is one of the reasons why he is so respected by his peers.

Gould's versatility as a performer has allowed him to have a long and successful career in Hollywood. He is one of the most respected actors of his generation, and he continues to be a source of inspiration for young actors.

Distinctive acting style

Elliott Gould is known for his distinctive acting style, which is characterized by his laid-back delivery and wry sense of humor. This style has been a key factor in his success as an actor, and it has helped him to create some of the most memorable characters in film history.

Naturalism
Gould's acting style is often described as naturalistic. He is able to bring a sense of realism and authenticity to his performances, even when playing characters that are larger than life. Gould's naturalism is evident in films such as MASH and The Long Goodbye.
Understatement
Gould is also known for his use of understatement. He is able to convey a lot of emotion with just a few words or gestures. Gould's understatement is evident in films such as Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and California Split.
Physicality
Gould is also a gifted physical comedian. He is able to use his body to great effect, and he often creates memorable characters through his physicality. Gould's physicality is evident in films such as MASH and The Long Goodbye.
Improvisation
Gould is also known for his improvisational skills. He is able to think on his feet and come up with new and interesting ideas on the spot. Gould's improvisation skills are evident in films such as MASH and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice.

Gould's distinctive acting style has made him one of the most respected actors of his generation. He is able to create complex and memorable characters, and he always brings a sense of realism and authenticity to his performances.

Academy Award nominee

Elliott Gould has been nominated for two Academy Awards, for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for The Long Goodbye. These nominations are a testament to Gould's talent and versatility as an actor.

Gould's performance in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice is a masterclass in comedic acting. He plays Bob, a married man who is struggling to come to terms with his wife's newfound sexual freedom. Gould brings a sense of realism and authenticity to the role, and he is able to find the humor in even the most awkward situations.

Gould's performance in The Long Goodbye is equally impressive. He plays Philip Marlowe, a private investigator who is hired to find a missing person. Gould brings a sense of world-weariness and cynicism to the role, but he is also able to show Marlowe's vulnerability and compassion.

Gould's Academy Award nominations are a well-deserved recognition of his talent and dedication. He is one of the most gifted actors of his generation, and his work has had a significant impact on American cinema.

Social activist

In addition to his acting work, Elliott Gould is also a committed social activist. He has been involved in a number of causes, including the civil rights movement and the anti-war movement. His activism has earned him the respect of many of his colleagues and fans.

Civil rights movement
Gould was an active participant in the civil rights movement. He marched with Martin Luther King, Jr., and he spoke out against racial injustice. Gould's activism helped to raise awareness of the civil rights movement, and it inspired others to get involved.
Anti-war movement
Gould was also a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War. He participated in anti-war protests, and he spoke out against the war in the media. Gould's activism helped to raise awareness of the anti-war movement, and it inspired others to get involved.
Environmentalism
Gould is also a committed environmentalist. He is a member of the board of directors of the Environmental Media Association, and he has spoken out on behalf of a number of environmental causes. Gould's activism has helped to raise awareness of environmental issues, and it has inspired others to get involved.
Social justice
Gould is also a strong advocate for social justice. He has worked with a number of organizations to help the homeless and the poor. Gould's activism has helped to raise awareness of social justice issues, and it has inspired others to get involved.

Gould's activism is an important part of his life. He is a passionate advocate for social justice, and he has used his platform to raise awareness of a number of important issues. Gould's activism has made a difference in the world, and it is an inspiration to others.

Brooklyn native

Elliott Gould was born and raised in the borough of Brooklyn, New York. His childhood in Brooklyn had a significant impact on his development as an actor and a person.

Brooklyn is a melting pot of cultures, and Gould was exposed to a wide variety of people and experiences growing up. This diversity helped him to develop a deep understanding of human nature, which is evident in his acting.

Brooklyn is also a working-class borough, and Gould learned the value of hard work and perseverance from his parents and neighbors. This work ethic has served him well in his career, and he is known for his dedication to his craft.

Gould's Brooklyn roots have also influenced his social and political views. He is a strong advocate for social justice, and he has been involved in a number of causes throughout his life.

Gould is proud of his Brooklyn heritage, and he often speaks about the borough's influence on his life. He is a true New Yorker, and his Brooklyn roots have helped to shape him into the man and actor he is today.

Born in 1938

Elliott Gould was born in 1938, which means he was part of the "Silent Generation." This generation is known for its hard work ethic, loyalty, and patriotism. Gould's upbringing during this time period likely influenced his values and beliefs.

The Silent Generation came of age during World War II and the Cold War. This period of great upheaval and change shaped their worldview. Gould's generation was also the first to experience the rise of television and the suburbs. These factors all contributed to the unique character of the Silent Generation.

Gould's birth year also had a significant impact on his career. He began acting in the early 1960s, a time of great change in Hollywood. The old studio system was crumbling, and a new generation of filmmakers was emerging. Gould was part of this new wave of filmmakers, and he helped to shape the future of American cinema.

Gould's generation is often overlooked, but it played a vital role in American history. Gould's work as an actor helped to reflect the values and beliefs of the Silent Generation. He is a reminder of the importance of this generation and the contributions it made to American society.

Starred in over 100 films

Elliott Gould has starred in over 100 films, making him one of the most prolific actors of his generation. His extensive filmography is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor. Gould has played a wide range of roles, from leading men to supporting characters, and he has always brought a sense of realism and authenticity to his performances.

Gould's filmography includes some of the most iconic films of the past 50 years, including MASH, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, The Long Goodbye, and California Split. He has also worked with some of the most respected directors in Hollywood, including Robert Altman, Mike Nichols, and Paul Mazursky.

Gould's extensive filmography has had a significant impact on American cinema. He has helped to shape the way that we think about masculinity, relationships, and the American dream. His work has also inspired a new generation of actors and filmmakers.

Married three times

Elliott Gould has been married three times, to Barbara Bain, Jennifer Bogart, and Valerie Perrine. His marriages have been a significant part of his life, and they have influenced his personal and professional life in a number of ways.

Love and companionship
Gould's marriages have provided him with love, companionship, and support. His wives have been there for him through thick and thin, and they have helped him to become the man he is today.
Creative inspiration
Gould's marriages have also been a source of creative inspiration. He has often drawn on his own experiences of love and marriage in his work as an actor. Some of his most memorable performances have been in films that explore the complexities of relationships.
Personal growth
Gould's marriages have also helped him to grow as a person. He has learned a great deal about himself and about relationships through his experiences with his wives. He has become more and self-aware, and he is now a better husband, father, and friend.

Gould's marriages have been a significant part of his life, and they have influenced him in a number of positive ways. He is grateful for the love and support of his wives, and he is committed to making his current marriage a success.

Father of three children

Elliott Gould is the father of three children: two daughters and a son. His eldest daughter, Melissa, was born in 1960 to his first wife, Barbara Bain. His second daughter, Jennifer, was born in 1966 to his second wife, Jennifer Bogart. His son, Samuel, was born in 1978 to his third wife, Valerie Perrine.

Gould's children have had a significant impact on his life. He has often said that being a father is the most important thing in his life. Gould is a loving and supportive father, and he is very close to his children.

Gould's children have also influenced his work as an actor. He has often drawn on his own experiences as a father in his performances. Some of his most memorable performances have been in films that explore the complexities of fatherhood.

Gould is a role model for many fathers. He is a man who is committed to his family, and he is always there for his children. Gould is a shining example of what it means to be a good father.

FAQs about Elliott Gould

Elliott Gould is an American actor best known for his roles in the films MASH, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, and The Long Goodbye. He has starred in over 100 films and has been nominated for two Academy Awards. Gould is also a social activist and has been involved in a number of causes, including the civil rights movement and the anti-war movement.

Question 1: What is Elliott Gould's acting style?

Elliott Gould's acting style is characterized by his laid-back delivery and wry sense of humor. He is known for his ability to bring a sense of realism and authenticity to his performances, even when playing characters that are larger than life.

Question 2: What are some of Elliott Gould's most famous roles?

Some of Elliott Gould's most famous roles include Trapper John McIntyre in MASH, Bob Sanders in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Philip Marlowe in The Long Goodbye, and California Split.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought: Elliott Gould is a versatile and talented actor who has starred in a wide range of films. He is known for his distinctive acting style and his commitment to social activism.

Conclusion

Elliott Gould is a versatile and talented actor who has starred in a wide range of films. He is known for his distinctive acting style and his commitment to social activism. Gould's work has had a significant impact on American cinema, and he continues to be an inspiration to actors and filmmakers alike.

Gould's legacy is one of creativity, compassion, and social consciousness. He is a true American icon, and his work will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

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