Who Is Peter Coyote? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on October 10, 1941, Peter Coyote has reached the remarkable age of 83 in 2025. Known for his compelling performances and distinctive voice, he has graced both the silver screen and the theater. Coyote has had a long and varied career, punctuated by dynamic roles in films such as Blade Runner, The Right Stuff, and Erin Brockovich. As an influential figure in American cinema, Peter Coyote has also made significant contributions to documentary filmmaking and narration.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1941 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Peter Coyote's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing tall at approximately 6 feet (183 cm), Peter Coyote possesses a commanding presence on screen. As for his weight, he maintains a healthy physique around 180 lbs (82 kg). At 83 years old, his body measurements reflect a lifestyle that emphasizes wellness and vitality, showcasing a slim build that aligns with his active career in the arts.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Peter Coyote has a rich family background that includes his two children, both of whom have pursued artistic endeavors. As of 2025, Coyote is reportedly single, although he has been in several high-profile relationships over the years. Most notably, he was previously married to actress and producer, and his personal life has been filled with meaningful connections, highlighting his commitment to love and family.
His father was of Sephardic Jewish descent and his mother came from a working-class Ashkenazi Jewish family. Her father, trained as a rabbi in Russia, escaped being drafted into the Imperial Russian Army, and eventually ran a small candy store in the Bronx.
Coyote "was raised in a highly intellectual, cultural but unreligious family", involved in left-wing politics. He grew up in Englewood, New Jersey, and graduated from Dwight Morrow High School there in 1960.
Coyote later said that he was "half black and half white inside" due to the strong influence of Susie Nelson, his family's African-American housekeeper. Coyote is the maternal uncle of librarian Jessamyn West.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Peter Coyote's estimated net worth stands at around $10 million. His diverse career as an actor, director, and voice artist has contributed significantly to his earnings. Not only has he garnered wealth through traditional acting roles, but he has also found financial success through documentaries, narration work, and public speaking engagements. His multifaceted career demonstrates how versatility can lead to long-term financial stability.
Career, Business, and Investments
Peter Coyote's career spans over five decades, showcasing his extraordinary range as an actor and director. Along with his notable performances in films and television, he has excelled as a voice narrator for various documentaries. In addition to acting, Coyote has been involved in philanthropic efforts and environmental activism, reflecting his passion for the arts and the planet. His investments include several initiatives supporting independent filmmaking and eco-friendly businesses.
In 1978, Coyote began acting again ("to shake the rust out") appearing in plays at San Francisco's award-winning Magic Theatre. While he was playing the lead in the world premiere of Sam Shepard's True West, a Hollywood agent approached him, and his film career began with Die Laughing (1980).
He gave supporting performances in Tell Me a Riddle (1980), Southern Comfort (1981), and as the mysterious scientist "Keys" in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). He was seriously considered for the role of Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), and auditioned for the part.
Coyote's first starring role was in the science fiction adventure Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle Swann (1982). He also starred in Jagged Edge (1985) and Outrageous Fortune (1987).
Since then, he has made more than 120 films for theaters and television and has played starring roles for many directors, including Roman Polanski (Bitter Moon), Pedro Almodóvar (Kika), Martin Ritt (Cross Creek), Jean-Paul Rappeneau (Bon Voyage), Diane Kurys (A Man in Love), and Walter Salles (Exposure).
For his 1990 guest appearance on the television series Road to Avonlea, he received his first Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
Social Network
Although not one to heavily engage in social media, Peter Coyote is active in promoting his projects and causes. He maintains a modest online presence, often utilizing platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with fans and promote environmental issues. Engaging with his audience allows him to express his views on important societal topics, demonstrating his continuous commitment beyond the entertainment industry.
In March 2024, Inner Traditions published Zen in the Vernacular: Things As It Is. The book is based on lectures Coyote gave on Facebook during the COVID 19 pandemic. Kirkus Reviews states that he writes "very directly about human iniquities ranging from the Holocaust to the systemic racism of modern-day American law enforcement.
The calm, inexorably sensible way Coyote links the deeper principles of Buddhism to secular social awareness is cumulatively convincing. He never browbeats, and he never allows even his non-Buddhist readers any easy excuses." They conclude that Coyote's book presents "a quietly uplifting, practical view of Buddhism."
Education
Peter Coyote's educational journey began at the University of Chicago, where he explored his interests in the arts. He further honed his craft by embracing opportunities to collaborate with various theater groups and take part in workshops that shaped his creative pursuits. Coyote’s academic background laid the groundwork for a career filled with passion and dedication to storytelling.
While a student at Grinnell College, Iowa, in 1961, Coyote was one of the organizers of a group of twelve students who traveled to Washington, D.C. during the Cuban Missile Crisis supporting President John F. Kennedy's "peace race".
Kennedy invited the group into the White House, the first time protesters had ever been so recognized, and they met for several hours with McGeorge Bundy. The group received wide press coverage. They mimeographed the resulting headlines and sent them to every college in the United States. He was also in a band called the Kittatinny Mountain Boys.
