Jon Voight: A Legendary Hollywood Icon Still Thriving at 85

News - 1 April 2024
Jon Voight, the father of Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, has been a prominent figure in the film industry since the 1960s and continues to be active as an actor at 85 years old. Starting his career in theater and television, Voight made his film debut in 1967 with roles in "Fearless Frank," "Hour of the Gun," and "Out of It." However, it was his pivotal role as Joe Buck in the groundbreaking film "Midnight Cowboy" (1969) that propelled his career to new heights.

nnDespite the controversy surrounding "Midnight Cowboy" and its X rating, the film went on to make history as the only X-rated film to win the Oscar for Best Picture. Voight's performance earned him a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award, setting the stage for his successful career in the 1970s. During this decade, Voight delivered acclaimed performances in films such as "Deliverance" (1972), "Coming Home" (1978) - for which he won the Oscar for Best Actor - and "The Champ" (1979).

nnThe 1980s and 1990s saw Voight continue his success with roles in films like "Runaway Train" (1985), "Heat" (1995), and "Mission: Impossible" (1996). In 1997 alone, Voight appeared in six films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Moving into the 2000s, Voight took on diverse roles in major films such as "Pearl Harbor" (2001), "Zoolander," and "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," where he played the father of Jolie's iconic character.

nnIn addition to his film work, Voight has also made a mark on television with roles in projects like "Ali" (2001), "Holes" (2003), "Glory Road" (2006), and "Transformers" (2007). His portrayal of Mickey Donovan in the drama series "Ray Donovan" earned him critical acclaim and his fourth Golden Globe win in 2014. Voight reprised the role in "Ray Donovan: The Movie" (2022) and also appeared in the seventh season of "24.

"nnDespite his illustrious career spanning over 50 years, Voight shows no signs of slowing down. He has recently been cast in the upcoming film "Megalopolis" directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and can also be seen in "The Painter" and "Reagan." Voight's dedication and passion for acting continue to drive him forward, proving that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing one's dreams in Hollywood.