Here's a bit of long hair related news on Sam Elliott
NY Post Article
Sam Elliot did an excellent job in his role in 'The Golden Compass' also.
So Sam Elliott's default hairstyle is long and that makes his characters longhairs unless otherwise specified. It is a nice thought that maybe his long hair ends up in a movie sometimes due to casting rather than original intent. Other times I am sure his beautiful grey hair helps get him a role because he'll look so natural in a longhair part such as the westerns he has done.
Seeing men with facial hair and long locks in historical movies sure makes it easier to get drawn into the movie. I am probably not the only one here who sniggers at westerns form the 1950s where the coyboys all have neatly trimmed short hair no matter how scruffy their character is.
Elizabeth