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Elliott Gould
Elliott Gould - 1986.jpg
Gould in 1986
Born
Elliott Goldstein

(1938-08-29) August 29, 1938 (age 86)
New York City, U.S.
Occupation Actor
Years active 1964–present
Spouse(s)
  • (m. 1963; div. 1971)
  • Jennifer Bogart
    (m. 1973; div. 1975)

    (m. 1978; div. 1989)
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.

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

Streisand - Gould 1967
Gould and Barbra Streisand in 1967

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

Elliott Gould and Eddie Izzard
Elliott Gould and Eddie Izzard

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

6.20.09ElliotGould1SecondFilm
Gould at an event in June 2009

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
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

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Elliott Gould para niños

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