Jon Voight Talks Life, Wisdom, and the Joys of Grandfatherhood
Next month, the iconic actor Jon Voight is set to celebrate his 86th birthday. Known for his incredible performances on the big screen, Voight recently opened up about the benefits of aging. “The biggest perk of getting older, honestly, is the wisdom that comes with it,” he exclusively told Closer. “No matter what path you’ve taken, by this stage in life, you’ve inevitably gained some wisdom. You’ve faced challenges, endured hardships, and looked at yourself with brutal honesty. By the time you’re a grandparent, you’ve learned a lot about life and how to navigate it.”
Voight Stars in 'Strangers': A Suspenseful Thriller
In his latest film, Strangers, Jon Voight plays the trusted friend of a woman caught in the dangerous spell of a mysterious man. “This movie is intense, suspenseful, and packed with action,” Voight says, speaking with excitement about the project. “It keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the mystery is resolved in a way that’s deeply satisfying. It’s a must-watch for fans of thrillers, and it’s streaming right now on Apple TV+.”
Voight Breaks Down His Character in 'Strangers'
When asked about his character in Strangers, Voight described him as a man who’s been through the ringer. “My character is an older man, a trusted friend of Laura [Sienna Guillory], who she meets at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. They’ve both faced difficulties in life, and they’re working hard to overcome them. They’re trying to be respectful and disciplined, dealing with their pasts while looking toward the future. My character gets pulled into the danger Laura finds herself in, and it’s a wild ride from there.”
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Is his character anything like him? “Oh, absolutely,” Voight says with a laugh. “He’s the kind of guy who looks out for others, and that’s something I’ve always done. I thought I’d be perfect for the role because of that.”
What Voight Hopes Viewers Take Away from 'Strangers'
When it comes to what he hopes audiences will take away from Strangers, Voight is clear. “I hope they’re blown away. I hope they’re sitting there saying, ‘Wow, this is incredible!’ The movie is packed with so much entertainment, and the performances are top-notch. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.”
A Journey to Acting: Voight’s Unexpected Path
Jon Voight didn’t always know he’d become an actor. Growing up as the middle of three boys, his older brother Barry became a renowned volcanologist and teacher at Penn State University, while his younger brother Chip carved out a successful career as a singer-songwriter, penning hits like “Angel of the Morning” and “Wild Thing.”
“I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do, but I was always the class clown, the one who loved to entertain. I’d watch Sid Caesar, a comedian from Yonkers, New York, where I grew up, and I’d imitate him. That’s where my love for storytelling and characters began. My dad was also a master storyteller, and he’d tell us bedtime stories every night. Those moments shaped me and set me on this path.”
Voight’s Early Mentors and Influences
When it came to finding his footing in the acting world, Voight credits Sanford Meisner, a legendary acting teacher, as one of his biggest influences. “Sanford helped me understand the craft of acting in a way that was foundational,” he explains. “He gave me a base to build on, and it was invaluable.”
Voight also cites the actors he worked with early in his career as major influences. “When I did A View From the Bridge off-Broadway, I played the young lover, and Robert Duvall was the lead. Watching Bobby build his character was a masterclass in itself. It was an education I’ll never forget.”
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Building Relationships with Hollywood Legends
During that time, Voight also met some of Hollywood’s brightest stars. “Bobby Duvall’s roommates were Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman. Dusty and I hit it off right away, even though he wasn’t in the play with me. We became close friends, and everyone told me he was a genius. They weren’t wrong.”
When asked about his friendship with Dustin Hoffman, Voight beams with pride. “Dusty and I starred together in Midnight Cowboy, and we’re still friends to this day. He’s one of the greatest actors of our time, and I’m lucky to have known him.”
