His path toward acting began after he received football scholarships to several schools, including Arizona State University and Eastern Arizona College. But Nolte eventually realized that his true calling was not on the field. He left school to pursue acting full time, training rigorously at the Pasadena Playhouse and the Stella Adler Academy in Los Angeles.
In the beginning, Nolte struggled to secure more than small parts in theater and television. To make ends meet, he worked various odd jobs—including modeling—which ultimately opened doors to more substantial opportunities.
Nolte’s defining breakthrough arrived in 1976 when he earned a role in the television film Rich Man, Poor Man. His performance as the intense and driven Tom Jordache brought him widespread praise and propelled him into the national spotlight. This role played an essential part in launching the film career that followed.Continue reading…
