This is the actor of Western movies who has played a role in the same genre during every decade since the 1960s

When people think of Western icons, names like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood usually come first. But overlooking Sam Elliott would be a mistake. For more than six decades, Elliott has carved out a legacy in the genre, working with directors like the Coen brothers and sharing the screen with Hollywood greats including Kirk Douglas, Robert Redford, Paul Newman, and Kurt Russell.

Though many of his roles have been supporting parts—often on television—his deep, Southern drawl and trademark mustache have made him one of the most recognizable faces of the American frontier. In fact, with the second season of Landman, which premiered November 16 on SkyShowtime, Elliott saddled up for the 29th cowboy role of his career.

The most prolific cowboy in Hollywood

Elliott’s journey through the Old West began with small appearances in The Way West and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in the late 1960s. His breakout came in 1972 with the legendary TV series Gunsmoke, cementing his reputation as a television cowboy.

Throughout the decade, he starred in made-for-TV Westerns like Wanted: The Sundown and I Will Fight No More Forever. But it was his role as Tell Sackett in the miniseries The Sacketts that truly propelled his career.

By the 1980s, Elliott had become the most recognizable cowboy on television, with standout performances in Shadow Riders and Houston: The Legend of Texas.

The following decade marked his leap to Hollywood stardom. His portrayal of Virgil Earp in Tombstone (1993), alongside Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer, remains one of his most celebrated roles. And his unforgettable narration in The Big Lebowski (1998) showcased how his voice alone could embody the spirit of the West.

Beyond the saddle

In recent years, Elliott has continued to embrace Western storytelling with roles in Justified, The Ranch, and 1883. Yet he’s also proven his dramatic range outside the genre. His performance in A Star Is Born (2018) earned him his first—and only—Oscar nomination, a testament to his enduring talent and versatility.

Sam Elliott may not always top the list of Western legends, but his body of work proves he’s one of the genre’s most prolific and enduring figures. With nearly 30 cowboy roles under his belt, he’s not just part of the Western tradition—he is the tradition.

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