Peter Coyote
Peter Coyote
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Peter Coyote was born Richard Sanders on October 7, 1941.
Birth and Death Dates
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October 7, 1941 - (still alive)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American Actor, Author, Activist
Early Life and Background
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Peter Coyote's childhood was marked by an unconventional upbringing. Born to a Jewish mother and an Irish-American father, he spent his early years in a family of artists and intellectuals. His parents divorced when he was three years old, and he later described his relationship with his father as strained. This tumultuous home life may have contributed to Coyote's affinity for acting, which allowed him to explore different roles and personas.
Coyote's interest in the performing arts began at an early age, and he attended a private school that emphasized creative expression. He went on to study at San Francisco State University, where he became involved with the city's vibrant counterculture scene.
Major Accomplishments
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Coyote's acting career spans over four decades, with notable roles in films like "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "The Sopranos," and "Raising Cain."
He has also written several books, including "Sleeping Where I Fall: A Memoir" and "I Drink Your Blood," which offers a glimpse into his experiences as an outsider.
Coyote's activism is deeply intertwined with his work. He has been involved in various causes, from environmentalism to social justice.Notable Works or Actions
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Coyote's acting career has seen him play a wide range of characters, often embodying the complexities and nuances of human experience. His performance as Keyser Söze in "The Usual Suspects" remains iconic, with many regarding it as one of the greatest plot twists in movie history.
In addition to his work on screen, Coyote has continued to write and publish books that offer a glimpse into his life experiences. These works often blend elements of memoir, essay, and creative nonfiction, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the world from his perspective.
Impact and Legacy
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Peter Coyote's impact extends far beyond his individual accomplishments as an actor or author. He has become a symbol for those who exist outside mainstream culture, embracing his status as an outsider. His experiences have allowed him to develop a unique perspective on the world, which he continues to share through his work.
Coyote's legacy is also marked by his activism and commitment to social justice causes. Through his involvement in various organizations and initiatives, he has worked tirelessly to create positive change in the world around him.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Peter Coyote's enduring influence can be attributed to a combination of factors:
His willingness to challenge conventional norms through his work and activism.
The depth and complexity of his characters, which continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
The personal story he has shared with the world, offering a glimpse into the experiences of an outsider.
Overall, Peter Coyote remains a unique figure in modern American culture. His contributions as an actor, author, and activist have left an indelible mark on our collective understanding of the world.
Quotes by Peter Coyote
Any political agenda and organization which doesn’t begin with personal responsibility is just half the argument. It’s just not going to succeed.
Once you accept anything as tacked down, then you begin to build a structure, to accept limits. Then you have to make a choice as to whether or not you’re going to accept that structure. If you do, you give up the notion of total freedom.
You don’t see artists sitting around a lot, talking about ideology. They find out what they believe, and what they’re doing, by doing it.
Where I didn’t have the maturity and the compassion to consider other people’s needs, I did a lot of damage.
Habitat for wildlife is continually shrinking – I can at least provide a way station.
I got out of college and I went to get my master’s in creative writing at San Francisco State. I was working as an actor at the Actor’s Workshop, being abused as a intern.
I think the ’60s were an extraordinary time. I feel bad for the kids today who missed this wonderful confluence, which was simultaneously a confluence of the global and the mythological.
I think it’s good that people value their bodies and take care of them. I think if you cross the line and begin using your body as an asset or as an extension of your vanity, you’ve gone too far.