Revisit & 7 Of Sam Elliott’s Best Performances Ever In This List

Sam Elliott is a force to be reckoned with. He’s appeared in dozens of iconic projects, making him one of the most admired actors in the world.

It isn’t easy to rank Elliott’s best works. But we tried our best to compile a list featuring seven of his standout roles.

These projects are listed in the order of their release…not in the order of which ones we think are the best. If you’ve followed Elliott from the start, you’ll love looking back on his career with us.

See Some Of Sam Elliott’s Greatest Performances In Movies & TV Shows Below

Road House (1989)

Elliott was already an established star when he appeared alongside Patrick Swayze in the 1989 action film Road House. Swayze portrayed a character named James Dalton, and Elliott played his mentor, Wade Garrett.

Years later, Elliott reflected on how amazed he was by Swayze’s talent. “I remember watching Patrick and thinking, that was so good,” he said.

Conagher (1991)

Sam Elliott’s Most Iconic Roles: From Tombstone to 1883

Sam Elliott was born to be a Western movie star. With his deep voice, rugged charm, and commanding presence, he quickly became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors. Over the decades, Elliott has delivered unforgettable performances — from classic Westerns to modern hits.

Early Western Roles

Some of Elliott’s first appearances were in small Western parts, such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Way West. By 1991, he had risen to leading-man status, starring in the made-for-TV Western Conagher. His wife, Katharine Ross, played his love interest in the film. Elliott’s powerful performance earned him his first Golden Globe nomination.

Tombstone (1993)

The legendary story of the Earp brothers and the O.K. Corral came to life in Tombstone. Released in 1993, the film featured Sam Elliott as Virgil Earp — a real deputy U.S. Marshal and City Marshal of Tombstone, Arizona.

The movie’s star-studded cast included Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp, Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday, and Bill Paxton as Morgan Earp. Elliott’s commanding portrayal of Virgil remains one of his most memorable Western roles.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

Although Elliott wasn’t the star of the Coen Brothers’ comedy The Big Lebowski, his role as “The Stranger” left a lasting impact. Even fans unfamiliar with his earlier Westerns recognize him from this film.

In a 2019 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Elliott admitted he initially felt disappointed that The Stranger was “another cowboy role.” But later, he grew to appreciate it, as the role opened doors to more diverse projects.

The Ranch (2016–2020)

Sam Elliott showed off his comedic side in Netflix’s hit sitcom The Ranch. Playing Beau Bennett, a rancher and father, Elliott delivered both heartfelt moments and hilarious lines. Fans especially loved the now-famous “almond milk” scene.

The series ran for four years and gave Elliott a rare chance to shine in comedy outside of his usual Western genre.

A Star Is Born (2018)

Elliott earned renewed critical acclaim with his role as Bobby Maine in the 2018 blockbuster A Star Is Born. Starring alongside Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, Elliott’s heartfelt performance earned him his first-ever Academy Award nomination.

1883 (2021–2022)

When it was announced that Elliott would star in 1883, the Yellowstone prequel, fans were thrilled. His portrayal of Shea Brennan was powerful and emotional, winning him a SAG Award.

Elliott later described filming his introductory scene in 1883 as one of the most emotional moments of his career. He’s set to continue working with creator Taylor Sheridan, joining the cast of Landman Season 2, premiering in November 2025.

Sam Elliott’s Legacy

From gritty Western heroes to modern classics, Sam Elliott has built a career filled with iconic performances. Whether it’s Tombstone, The Big Lebowski, A Star Is Born, or 1883, his roles have left an undeniable mark on Hollywood.

👉 Which one of Sam Elliott’s performances is your favorite?