Who Is Sam Elliott’s Wife? Meet Katharine Ross and Their Incredible Love Story

Sam Elliott, with his rugged good looks, deep baritone voice, and iconic mustache, has been a Hollywood favorite for decades. While he’s had a stellar career in films like A Star is Born, Tombstone, and The Big Lebowski, there’s one role he’s cherished more than any other—being a husband to Katharine Ross. The couple has been married for nearly 40 years, proving that true love can stand the test of time in Hollywood.

So, who is Katharine Ross, and how did she and Sam Elliott build such a lasting romance? Let’s dive into their incredible journey together.

A Hollywood Star with a Storied Career

Katharine Ross was born on January 29, 1940, in Los Angeles, California. Now 85 years old in 2025, she has lived a life full of achievements both on and off the screen. Raised near San Francisco, Ross didn’t initially set out to be an actress. She stumbled into the profession after appearing in a college production of The King and I and soon found herself pursuing a career in Hollywood.

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Ross’s big break came in 1967 when she starred in The Graduate alongside Dustin Hoffman. Her role as Elaine Robinson won her a Golden Globe Award and earned her an Academy Award nomination. Following that success, she went on to star in classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Stepford Wives, and Voyage of the Damned.

Despite her fame, Ross has always carried herself with grace, preferring to stay out of the tabloid drama that often comes with Hollywood success.

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Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross: A Love Story Decades in the Making

The love story between Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross didn’t begin instantly, even though their paths first crossed in 1969 on the set of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. At the time, Ross was one of the film’s leading stars, while Elliott was just an extra in a bar scene.

“I didn’t dare talk to her,” Elliott later admitted in an interview. “She was the leading lady. I was just a shadow on the wall.”

Nearly a decade later, fate brought them together again when they worked on the 1978 horror film The Legacy. By then, Ross was ending her fourth marriage, and Elliott saw his opportunity. The two quickly developed a romantic connection, and after a few years of dating, they tied the knot in May 1984.

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Their marriage has been a rarity in Hollywood—long-lasting, filled with mutual respect, and free of scandals. Elliott credits their success to hard work and a genuine love for one another. “It takes wanting to be married,” he told NPR in 2017. “You have to put in the work.”

Their Family Life and Daughter, Cleo Rose Elliott

Shortly after getting married, Elliott and Ross welcomed their only child, Cleo Rose Elliott, on September 17, 1984. Now 41 years old, Cleo chose a career in music rather than acting, releasing her debut album No More Lies in 2008.

While her parents are Hollywood royalty, Cleo has always maintained a unique identity. She has attended numerous red-carpet events with them over the years, including the premiere of A Star is Born in 2018 and the Academy Awards in 2019. However, Ross and Elliott are relieved that Cleo didn’t follow them into the acting business.

“My parents are totally supportive,” Cleo shared in an interview. “They’re just happy I don’t want to be an actor.”

Their Joint Work in Hollywood

Even after decades of marriage, Elliott and Ross love working together. Beyond Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Legacy, the couple has shared the screen multiple times. Their collaborations include Travis McGee (1983), Houston: The Legend of Texas (1986), and the Emmy-nominated western Conagher (1991).

Elliott has often expressed that working with his wife is a dream. “It’s a totally positive experience,” he said. “Going home to someone who understands your work is a whole different kind of energy.”

Most recently, they appeared together in The Hero (2017), where Elliott played an aging Western star, and Ross played his ex-wife.

How They Keep Their Marriage Strong

Hollywood marriages don’t have the best track record, but Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross have defied the odds. Their secret? Commitment and shared values.

Elliott has always emphasized that their relationship takes effort. “It’s not perfect,” he admitted in an interview. “But at the end of the day, we love each other, and we work at it.”

Ross has echoed similar sentiments. While she has had four previous marriages, she has said that Elliott is her true match. The couple enjoys a simple life away from Hollywood, spending time in their Malibu ranch and embracing their love for horseback riding and nature.

Katharine Ross’s Net Worth and Legacy

After a successful acting career spanning decades, Katharine Ross has an estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2025. Her wealth comes from her work in classic films, television roles, and investments. Meanwhile, Sam Elliott’s net worth is around $30 million, thanks to his enduring career in Hollywood.

Together, the couple enjoys a comfortable lifestyle while continuing to pursue meaningful projects.

A Hollywood Love Story That Stands the Test of Time

In an industry known for fleeting romances, Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross’s love story stands out. Their nearly 40-year marriage has been built on mutual respect, admiration, and a shared passion for storytelling.

They met when one was a rising star and the other was a background extra. Nearly a decade later, they reunited, fell in love, and created a beautiful life together.

Through decades of films, red-carpet appearances, and raising their daughter, their love remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring.

At 85 and 80, Katharine Ross and Sam Elliott have proven that true love isn’t just for the movies—it’s real, and it lasts.