Elliott Gould facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elliott Gould
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![]() Gould in 1986
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Born |
Elliott Goldstein
August 29, 1938 New York City, U.S.
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Occupation | Actor |
Years active | 1964–present |
Spouse(s) |
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Children | 3, including Jason |
Relatives | Paul Bogart (former father-in-law) |
Elliott Gould (born Elliott Goldstein on August 29, 1938) is an American actor famous for his roles in movies and television. He has been acting since the 1960s.
Many people know him as Reuben Tishkoff in the popular Ocean's movie series. He is also well-known for playing Jack Geller, the father of Monica and Ross, on the hit TV show Friends.
Gould became a major star in the 1970s. He starred in the classic film M*A*S*H (1970). He also received an Academy Award nomination for his role in the comedy Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969). He has worked with famous directors like Robert Altman and Ingmar Bergman.
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Early Life
Gould was born in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, a neighborhood in New York City. His mother, Lucille, sold artificial flowers. His father, Bernard, worked in the clothing business. His family was Jewish, and his grandparents came to the United States from Ukraine, Poland, and Russia.
As a child, he attended the Professional Children's School, which helps young performers balance their education and careers.
Acting Career
Broadway and Early Films
Gould started his career on the Broadway stage in the late 1950s. He had small parts in musicals like Rumple (1957) and Say, Darling (1958).
In 1962, he had a main role in the Broadway show I Can Get It for You Wholesale. During this show, he met his future wife, actress and singer Barbra Streisand.
His first movie was Quick, Let's Get Married (1964). A few years later, he appeared in the comedy The Night They Raided Minsky's (1968).
Becoming a Star in the 1970s
Gould's career took off in 1969 with the movie Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. His funny performance earned him a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This made him one of the most popular new actors in Hollywood.
The next year, he starred as Captain "Trapper" John McIntyre in M*A*S*H (1970). The movie was a huge success and is now considered a classic. His performance in M*A*S*H and other films led to him being featured on the cover of Time magazine.
Throughout the 1970s, Gould worked with director Robert Altman on several films. These included the detective movie The Long Goodbye (1973) and the gambling drama California Split (1974). He also appeared in the star-studded World War II movie A Bridge Too Far (1977) and the space-themed thriller Capricorn One (1978).
During this time, Gould also hosted the popular TV show Saturday Night Live six times.
Later Career

In the 1980s, Gould acted in both movies and television. He starred in the TV series E/R from 1984 to 1985. He also appeared in films like Disney's The Last Flight of Noah's Ark (1980).
In the 1990s, Gould played supporting roles in major films. He was praised for his role as a mobster in Bugsy (1991). He also made a cameo appearance as himself in Robert Altman's movie The Player (1992).
His most famous role from this decade was on the TV show Friends. From 1994 to 2004, he played Jack Geller, the funny and caring father of Monica and Ross. This role introduced him to a whole new generation of fans.
21st Century Roles
In 2001, Gould joined an all-star cast for the hit movie Ocean's Eleven. He played the wealthy former casino owner, Reuben Tishkoff. He returned for the sequels Ocean's Twelve (2004), Ocean's Thirteen (2007), and had a cameo in Ocean's 8 (2018).
He has also done voice work for animated shows. He was the voice of Ron Stoppable's dad in Disney's Kim Possible. He has also had guest roles on shows like CSI and Ray Donovan.
Gould continues to act in movies and television. He appeared in the thriller Contagion (2011) and the comedy Humor Me (2017). He also made a brief appearance in Friends: The Reunion in 2021.
Personal Life
Gould has a strong Jewish identity. He has been married three times and has three children.
- He was married to Barbra Streisand from 1963 to 1971. They have one son, Jason Gould, who is also an actor.
- He was married to Jennifer Bogart twice. They have two children, Molly and Samuel.
Gould is active in the actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, where he serves on the board of directors.
Awards and Nominations
Year | Association | Category | Title | Result |
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1969 | Academy Award | Best Supporting Actor | Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice | Nominated |
British Academy Film Award | Best Actor | Nominated | ||
New York Film Critics Circle | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated | ||
Laurel Awards | Male New Face | Nominated | ||
1970 | British Academy Film Award | Best Actor | M*A*S*H | Nominated |
Golden Globe Award | Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy | Nominated | ||
Laurel Awards | Comedy Performance – Male | Won | ||
1991 | National Society of Film Critics | Best Supporting Actor | Bugsy | Nominated |
See also
In Spanish: Elliott Gould para niños