6 Things You Never Knew About Sam Elliott, As He Joins Billy Bob Thornton on the New Season of ‘Landman’
80-year-old Sam Elliott has built a legendary career playing cowboys, soldiers and gruff but good-hearted loners. From his early days in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to memorable turns in Tombstone, The Big Lebowski and A Star Is Born, Elliott has always brought a quiet strength to the big screen.
Now, he’s heading back to the small screen in the second season of Taylor Sheridan‘s series Landman, a drama set in the world of West Texas oil rigs. He’s also set to reunite with his Tombstone co-star Billy Bob Thornton in the series. While details about Elliott’s character remain under wraps, you won’t have to wait too long to see who he’s playing as production for the new season is underway, with a premiere date anticipated in late 2025 or early 2026.
But while many know the man with the mustache for his tough exterior, there’s a lot more to Elliott than meets the eye. From real-life cowboy roots to a surprisingly funny side, here are some fun facts you may not know about him:
1 He used his own rifle in Thank You for Smoking
Fox Searchlight/Everett Collection
When Elliott appeared in the 2005 satire film Thank You for Smoking, he brought a personal touch to the role, literally. The Winchester 1894 rifle his character keeps in the film actually belonged to Elliott himself. It’s a fitting detail for an actor known for authenticity in every role he plays, especially when it comes to Westerns.
2 He shares a birthday with Smokey Bear and became his voice
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Born on August 9, 1944, Elliott shares a birthday with another American icon: Smokey Bear. Even more fitting: since 2008, Elliott has lent his distinctive voice to Smokey’s fire safety campaigns. Did you realize that was his voice in those commercials?
3 He’s in the Mustache Hall of Fame
Beth Dubber/The Orchard/Everett Collection
If there were ever an actor destined to be honored for his facial hair, it’s Elliott. In 2015, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the International Mustache Hall of Fame in the Film & Television category. It’s no surprise: that iconic mustache has become almost as famous as the man himself.
4 He has deep Texas roots and a family connection to the Alamo
New Line Cinema/Everett Collection
Though he’s a Sacramento native, Elliott has some Texan blood. Both of his parents were born in the Lone Star State, and his ancestry includes a notable chapter in American history. His great-great-great-uncle, Edward F. Mitchusson, died at the Alamo in 1836. Makes sense, given his natural inclination to Western roles!
5 His Lifeguard role earned him “super bod” status
Everett Collection
Elliott’s performance in the film earned him a full-page color photo in Donald Reuter’s book Shirtless! The Hollywood Male Physique, where he was dubbed a “super bod.” It’s a title that may surprise fans who primarily know him for stoic cowboy roles, but back then, he was making waves in more ways than one.
6 He sang in the church choir as a child
Gramercy Pictures/Everett Collection
Long before he decided to become an actor, four-year-old Elliott was found singing in the choir at the Congregational Church in Sacramento. While he didn’t pursue music professionally, that early love of performance might have been one of his first steps toward a life in the spotlight.
What is your favorite role of his? Comment what you love about Sam Elliott below!
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Classic Hollywood Hunks
September 2019
Cary Grant, Sean Connery, Rock Hudson and Paul Newman, smoldered onscreen and, in addition to being smokin’ hot, they were effortlessly cool.
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