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Entertainment
Updated July 12, 2025
Elliott Gould
Elliott Gould is an American actor known for his roles in films like *MASH* and *Ocean's Eleven*. He became a prominent figure in 1970s cinema, embodying the era's antihero archetype.
Notable Facts
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Hollywood actor with long career
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Starred in MASH & Ocean's movies
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Known for distinctive voice & style
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Early supporter of independent film movement
Career Highlights
Background
Elliott Gould, born Elliott Goldstein on August 29, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, began his career as a stage actor before transitioning to film and television. He attended the Professional Children's School in Manhattan, where he trained in performing arts. Gould made his Broadway debut in the 1950s and gained early recognition for his role in the musical "I Can Get It for You Wholesale" (1962), where he met his first wife, Barbra Streisand. His early film career included roles in "The Night They Raided Minsky's" (1968) and "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" (1969), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Major Contributions
Gould's most notable contributions include his collaborations with director Robert Altman, particularly in the films "MASH" (1970), "The Long Goodbye" (1973), and "California Split" (1974). These roles cemented his reputation as a leading actor in the New Hollywood era.
His portrayal of Trapper John in "M ASH" became iconic, influencing the tone of the subsequent TV series.
Gould's work in "The Long Goodbye" redefined the detective genre, offering a modernized take on Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe.
He also starred in "Ocean's Eleven" (2001) and its sequels, reintroducing him to a new generation of audiences.
Impact on Their Field
Gould's naturalistic acting style and ability to blend humor with vulnerability made him a standout figure in 1970s cinema. His collaborations with Altman helped shape the era's anti-establishment filmmaking. Gould's work influenced later actors known for their understated, character-driven performances. His roles in ensemble films demonstrated his versatility, contributing to the evolution of collaborative storytelling in Hollywood.
Current Work/Relevance
Gould remains active in film and television, with recent appearances in shows like "Friends" (as Jack Geller) and "Ray Donovan." He continues to take on character roles, showcasing his enduring adaptability. Gould's legacy persists as a symbol of 1970s Hollywood innovation, and his films are frequently studied for their cultural and artistic significance. His ongoing presence in the industry underscores his lasting influence.
Elliott Gould, born Elliott Goldstein on August 29, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, began his career as a stage actor before transitioning to film and television. He attended the Professional Children's School in Manhattan, where he trained in performing arts. Gould made his Broadway debut in the 1950s and gained early recognition for his role in the musical "I Can Get It for You Wholesale" (1962), where he met his first wife, Barbra Streisand. His early film career included roles in "The Night They Raided Minsky's" (1968) and "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" (1969), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Major Contributions
Gould's most notable contributions include his collaborations with director Robert Altman, particularly in the films "MASH" (1970), "The Long Goodbye" (1973), and "California Split" (1974). These roles cemented his reputation as a leading actor in the New Hollywood era.
Impact on Their Field
Gould's naturalistic acting style and ability to blend humor with vulnerability made him a standout figure in 1970s cinema. His collaborations with Altman helped shape the era's anti-establishment filmmaking. Gould's work influenced later actors known for their understated, character-driven performances. His roles in ensemble films demonstrated his versatility, contributing to the evolution of collaborative storytelling in Hollywood.
Current Work/Relevance
Gould remains active in film and television, with recent appearances in shows like "Friends" (as Jack Geller) and "Ray Donovan." He continues to take on character roles, showcasing his enduring adaptability. Gould's legacy persists as a symbol of 1970s Hollywood innovation, and his films are frequently studied for their cultural and artistic significance. His ongoing presence in the industry underscores his lasting influence.
Personal Story
Who They Are
Elliott Gould is an American actor with a career spanning over six decades. Born Elliott Goldstein on August 29, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, he began his career as a stage actor before transitioning to film and television. Gould’s early work in the 1960s showcased his versatility, but it was his roles in the 1970s that cemented his status as a Hollywood icon. Known for his distinctive voice and laid-back charm, Gould became a symbol of the era’s counterculture cinema.
Why They Matter
Gould’s career highlights include standout performances in critically acclaimed films and collaborations with legendary directors. He earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969), which showcased his ability to blend humor and vulnerability. Gould also became a muse for director Robert Altman, starring in classics like MASH (1970) and The Long Goodbye (1973), which redefined his career and left a lasting impact on cinema.
What They’re Known For
Elliott Gould is best recognized for his roles in some of the most iconic films of the 1970s. Here are a few highlights:
MASH (1970): Gould played the irreverent Army surgeon Trapper John, a role that became synonymous with his wit and charisma.
The Long Goodbye (1973): His portrayal of detective Philip Marlowe showcased his depth as an actor, blending noir with modern cynicism.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001): Gould brought humor and gravitas to the role of Reuben Tishkoff in Steven Soderbergh’s heist franchise, introducing him to a new generation.
Television: He also made memorable TV appearances, including a recurring role as Jack Geller, Monica and Ross’s father, in Friends.
Gould’s enduring appeal lies in his ability to balance comedy and drama, making him a beloved figure in entertainment. His work continues to inspire actors and entertain audiences worldwide.
Elliott Gould is an American actor with a career spanning over six decades. Born Elliott Goldstein on August 29, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, he began his career as a stage actor before transitioning to film and television. Gould’s early work in the 1960s showcased his versatility, but it was his roles in the 1970s that cemented his status as a Hollywood icon. Known for his distinctive voice and laid-back charm, Gould became a symbol of the era’s counterculture cinema.
Why They Matter
Gould’s career highlights include standout performances in critically acclaimed films and collaborations with legendary directors. He earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969), which showcased his ability to blend humor and vulnerability. Gould also became a muse for director Robert Altman, starring in classics like MASH (1970) and The Long Goodbye (1973), which redefined his career and left a lasting impact on cinema.
What They’re Known For
Elliott Gould is best recognized for his roles in some of the most iconic films of the 1970s. Here are a few highlights:
Gould’s enduring appeal lies in his ability to balance comedy and drama, making him a beloved figure in entertainment. His work continues to inspire actors and entertain audiences worldwide.