Elliott Gould, born on August 29, 1938, is a distinguished American actor whose career spans several decades and various mediums, including film, television, and stage. He first gained significant recognition for his role in the groundbreaking film Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice in 1969, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This pivotal performance set the stage for a series of notable roles that would define his career.
In 1970, Gould starred as Capt. Trapper John McIntyre in Robert Altman's acclaimed film M*A*S*H, a role that garnered him nominations for both a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award. His collaboration with Altman continued with films such as The Long Goodbye (1973) and California Split (1974), further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and talented actor.
Throughout his career, Gould has appeared in a variety of significant films, including Getting Straight (1970), Little Murders (1971), The Touch (1971), A Bridge Too Far (1977), Capricorn One (1978), The Silent Partner (1978), Bugsy (1991), American History X (1998), Contagion (2011), and Ruby Sparks (2012). He is perhaps best known for his role as Reuben Tishkoff in the Ocean's film series, which spanned from 2001 to 2018.
In addition to his film work, Gould is a celebrated television actor, recognized for his memorable performances as Jack Geller on the beloved NBC sitcom Friends from 1994 to 2004 and as Ezra Goldman in the Showtime series Ray Donovan from 2013 to 2016. A member of Saturday Night Live's prestigious Five Timers' Club, he has hosted the show six times between 1976 and 1980, showcasing his enduring appeal and talent.