Sam Elliott is known for his deep, soulful voice and, as it turns out, that same voice was used to bring one of the most influential characters in pop culture to life: Smokey the Bear.
What Is Sam Elliott’s Connection to Smokey the Bear?
In a recent interview with Deadline, the Landman actor’s connection to Smokey the Bear was brought up when he was asked if people know he provided the voice for that character.
“Well, apparently you do,” Elliott jokes.
“What’s interesting is, I’ve been doing that voice for a long time — not the commercials that they’re doing now,” he continues. “Now he’s very talkative. He’s like everybody today. He’s got something to say.”
He then revealed that voicing the iconic bear might have been written in the stars long before he took his first acting gig.
“But we were born — I was born on the same day and year that that campaign began,” Elliott reveals. “On the exact same day. Aug. 9, 1944.”
Sam Elliott’s Acting Career
Elliott has been a staple in Hollywood for decades with his first roles coming in the 1960s with several television gigs. He quickly found his way onto the big screen with many notable roles in films like Tombstone, Road House, Mask, The Big Lebowski and more.
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Most recently he has found a home in Taylor Sheridan‘s projects.
He played Shea Brennan on 1883 alongside Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
He also took on the role of T.L. in Landman, playing the father of Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton. The show has been a reunion for the two, who worked together on Tombstone.
Landman has been picked up for its third season. Elliott is expected to appear in at least one episode per IMDB.
While a start date has yet to be revealed, fans expect the show to return in November 2026.
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Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker
