Nolte was born in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Helen (née King), a department store buyer, and Franklin A. Nolte, a farmer's son who worked in irrigation pump sales and was an All-American candidate at Iowa State in 1934. Nolte's father was of German descent. Nolte's maternal grandfather, Matthew Leander King, invented the hollow-tile silo and was prominent in early aviation. His maternal grandmother Read more...

Nolte first gained national attention and critical acclaim for his performance in Rich Man, Poor Man, the 1976 television miniseries based on Irwin Shaw's 1970 best-selling novel. Since then he has had a successful career playing a wide variety of characters in more than 40 films. Diversity of character is Nolte's signature of his film career. He is known for his trademark athleticism and gravel-voiced Read more...

Nolte has a long history of alcoholism. In July 2007 he was found passed out at the Kauai Airport, in Hawaii. Nolte has been married and divorced three times. His wives are Sheila Page, Sharyn Haddad and Rebecca Linger, with whom he has a son named Brawley. He has also been involved with Karen Louise Eklund, Debra Winger, and Vicki Lewis. On October 3, 2007, Nolte's longtime partner Clytie Lane Read more...