Peter Coyote, known for his powerful narration and commanding screen presence, stands as a unique figure in American arts and culture. His life spans many roles, including actor, writer, Zen Buddhist, and activist. Each role has shaped his approach to both art and life.
Over the decades, Coyote has demonstrated a commitment to authenticity, favoring roles and projects that allow him to explore complex, meaningful narratives. His journey began in the countercultural movement of the 1960s, where he joined the San Francisco Mime Troupe and helped found the radical Diggers group. This formative period ingrained a deep-seated passion for social justice and self-discovery, which remains central to his public and private life.
Beyond his onscreen work, Coyote’s distinct voice became synonymous with storytelling excellence, particularly through collaborations with acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns. His Zen practice has further deepened his perspectives, adding a contemplative dimension to his work. Each chapter of Coyote’s life adds richness to his persona, allowing audiences to connect with a figure who values truth, reflection, and artistic depth. His legacy remains as multifaceted as it is influential, rooted in values that go beyond fame.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Robert Peter Cohon |
| Nick Name | Peter Coyote |
| Born | October 10, 1941 |
| Age | 83 years old (as of January 2025) |
| Birthplace | Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA |
| Religion | Zen Buddhism |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Profession | Actor, Narrator, Director, Writer, Author |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewish |
| Parents | Morris Cohon
Ruth Fidler |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Famous For | Narration in Ken Burns’ documentaries; roles in E.T. and Patch Adams |
| Siblings | Elizabeth Ann Cohon |
| Education | Grinnell College, BA in English Literature |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 Million |
Early Life and Education
Peter Coyote was born in Manhattan, New York City, on October 10, 1941. He grew up in a family filled with culture and intellect. Left-wing ideas influenced him early in life. His father worked as an investment banker, bringing Sephardic Jewish heritage into the family.
His mother came from a Russian-Jewish immigrant background. Coyote went to Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, New Jersey. He later studied English literature at Grinnell College, where he discovered a passion for political activism.
He joined a peace protest during the Cuban Missile Crisis. This experience strengthened his commitment to social change. He completed his degree in English literature and considered a master’s in creative writing. Instead, he chose a different path. He moved west, beginning his journey into the arts and the countercultural movement. This decision marked a pivotal shift in his life, guiding him toward a career that blended creativity and activism.
Family Background
Coyote’s family roots combine Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewish traditions. His father, Morris Cohon, brought a blend of cultural heritage from Russia, the Netherlands, and Tunisia. His mother, Ruth Fidler, belonged to an Ashkenazi Jewish family that had migrated from the Russian Empire.
Coyote credits the family’s housekeeper, Susie Nelson, with shaping his perspective on race and culture. Her influence gave him a deeper sense of identity and racial empathy, which affected his later views and work.
Personal Life
Peter Coyote’s personal life includes three marriages, each ending in divorce. He first married Eileen Marion Ewing in 1968, a marriage that lasted until 1972. He later married Marilyn McCann in 1977, a relationship that spanned over two decades until their divorce in 1998. That same year, Coyote married Stefanie Pleet, a marriage that lasted until their separation in 2015. These relationships reflect a journey marked by both career shifts and spiritual growth, each phase of his life bringing new insights.
He has two children, Nicholas and Ariel, who remain central to his life. His commitment to family, art, and spirituality forms the foundation of his personal story. Over the years, Coyote’s evolving sense of purpose has intertwined with his roles as a father, artist, and Zen practitioner, shaping a life dedicated to creativity and personal depth.
Career
Coytote started his career in the late 1970s. He first worked with the San Francisco Mime Troupe. There, he directed and wrote plays that highlighted strong political themes. This radical theater work marked him as a committed and talented artist.
Hollywood soon noticed his unique skills, offering him a role in Die Laughing in 1980. This role marked his film debut. He gained major recognition with his portrayal of the scientist “Keys” in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). He brought depth and mystery to this complex character, which helped make him a recognizable figure in the industry.
Coyote expanded his career through the 1980s and 1990s. He starred in films like Jagged Edge (1985), Sphere (1998), and Erin Brockovich (2000). Each role highlighted his versatility as an actor. He also moved into television, where he took lead roles in popular series such as The 4400 and Commander in Chief. These roles solidified his presence in both film and television. Coyote’s choices in projects reflected his commitment to depth and meaningful storytelling. His work continues to connect with audiences, showing his dedication to quality and purpose in every role.
These roles allowed him to explore a range of genres and complex characters. His film and television choices reflect a commitment to purposeful storytelling. Coyote’s career combines artistic talent with a focus on meaningful, thought-provoking projects. His impact on audiences remains strong across both film and television.
Notable Film Roles
Peter Coyote’s acting credits include over 120 films. His portrayal of “Keys” in E.T. became iconic. His role as the attorney in Jagged Edge also gained widespread recognition. Later, he gained popularity in films like A Walk to Remember and Patch Adams.
Directors such as Roman Polanski and Pedro Almodóvar chose him for complex, ambiguous characters. Each role emphasized his ability to convey depth and nuance, earning him a respected place in Hollywood.
Narration Work and Acclaim
Coyote’s rich voice has become his signature in documentary narration. Peter Coyote collaborated with Ken Burns to narrate several landmark documentaries. His work included The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, which earned him a Primetime Emmy in 2015. His voice brought gravitas to series like The Pacific Century and Country Music (2019).
PBS and other networks consistently rely on Coyote for narration, knowing his delivery adds clarity and substance. His work in narration places him among the top voices in American documentary storytelling.
Writing Career and Political Engagement
Coyote’s writings extend beyond memoirs. His articles in Mother Jones magazine reflect his dedication to social issues and political engagement.
Sleeping Where I Fall shares stories from Coyote’s countercultural years, capturing his experiences during a transformative time. The Rainman’s Third Cure reflects on mentors and pivotal moments that shaped his life journey.
His poetry collection, Tongue of a Crow, released in 2021, spans five decades of his thoughts and reflections. This work explores his perspective on life, activism, and spirituality, highlighting his lifelong commitment to deep self-exploration and social awareness. Coyote’s writings provide readers with a clear look at his beliefs, revealing a mind shaped by a mix of artistry, activism, and spirituality.
Spiritual Exploration and Zen Buddhism
Coyote’s spiritual journey began in the 1960s, inspired by writers like Jack Kerouac and Gary Snyder. He felt drawn to Zen Buddhism and started meditating in 1975. Later, he trained at the San Francisco Zen Center and became an ordained Zen priest in 2015. His commitment to Zen aligns closely with his artistic pursuits. This path has created a balanced approach, blending his career with a deep sense of spirituality.
Fame and Social Media Presence
Peter Coyote maintains a public presence primarily through his work rather than personal social media. His online interactions highlight his Zen teachings, political views, and reflections on art. Coyote’s modest approach to fame reflects his grounded values, keeping his focus on meaningful projects over self-promotion.
Legacy and Influence in American Culture
Peter Coyote’s legacy combines film, activism, and spirituality. His career shows a dedication to principles that extend beyond fame or success. As an actor, he brings depth to each role. As a narrator, he lends weight to meaningful stories.
As a Zen practitioner, he explores personal growth. Coyote’s story reflects the values of resilience and purpose. His transition from countercultural activist to respected narrator shows a life dedicated to expression and exploration. His influence inspires audiences, reminding them of the impact of personal growth and social commitment.
Net Worth
Achievements and Milestones
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator – Awarded in 2015 for his work on The Roosevelts: An Intimate History (Ken Burns). Pushcart Prize for Excellence in Non-Fiction – Received in 1993/1994 for Carla’s Story, a chapter in his memoir Sleeping Where I Fall. Emmy Award for Narration – Honored for his narration in the PBS series The Pacific Century.
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