Who Is Sam Elliott Married To? Inside His Long-Lasting Love with Katharine Ross
Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross: Hollywood’s Enduring Love Story
Sam Elliott, known for his deep voice and Western roles, has had a highly successful career, but his personal life has been just as remarkable. His marriage to actress Katharine Ross, a Hollywood icon in her own right, has lasted nearly 40 years—an anomaly in the world of celebrity relationships. The two first met while working on the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, although they didn’t share any scenes. Their love story truly began almost a decade later on the set of The Legacy (1978). Since then, they’ve built a life and a family together, weathering the highs and lows of Hollywood.
How Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross First Met
Though both appeared in the iconic film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Elliott was merely an extra, while Ross was the leading lady. Elliott, too shy to approach her at the time, spent most of his days watching her from afar, as he explained in an interview with The Oklahoman: “I didn’t dare try to talk to her then. She was the leading lady. I was a shadow on the wall, a glorified extra in a bar scene”[9†source]. Their real interaction didn’t come until 1978, when they co-starred in The Legacy. By that time, Elliott had established himself as an actor, and Ross was wrapping up her fourth marriage.
Marriage Journey: From Co-Stars to Lifelong Partners
Sam and Katharine officially tied the knot in 1984 after years of dating. Their marriage has been rock-solid, despite the constant pressures of fame. Elliott once revealed the secret to their marriage’s longevity in an interview with AARP, saying, “We have a common sensibility, but we also work at being together” [10†source]. This shared sense of commitment has seen them through personal challenges, including family drama involving their daughter, Cleo Rose Elliott, who reportedly attacked her mother with a pair of scissors in 2011 [9†source].
Biography of Katharine Ross
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Katharine Juliet Ross |
| Date of Birth | January 29, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Profession | Actress |
| Famous Roles | The Graduate, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Stepford Wives |
| Awards | Oscar Nomination, Golden Globe Award |
| Marriages | Five (Currently married to Sam Elliott) |
| Children | One (Cleo Rose Elliott) |
Quotes from Katharine Ross and Sam Elliott
In a 2018 interview with The Los Angeles Times, Sam Elliott discussed how working with Ross has kept their marriage strong: “It’s just fun. It’s a whole different kind of energy to go home with someone you’re working with” [12†source]. Similarly, Ross mentioned in an interview with The Mercury News that Elliott’s voice and rugged charm were immediate attractions for her: “All that and more” [8†source].
Marriage in Hollywood is often fraught with public scrutiny and professional challenges, but Elliott and Ross have navigated it with grace. According to Elliott, the key to their success is simple: “You work past the s*; you don’t walk away from it” [10†source]. The couple’s ability to collaborate on creative projects has also strengthened their bond. Working together on films like Conagher and The Hero helped them stay connected, both professionally and personally [9†source].
Yes, they have one child, Cleo Rose Elliott, born in 1984. Cleo has pursued a career in music, though her relationship with her mother has been tumultuous at times. In 2011, Katharine Ross filed a restraining order against Cleo after a violent altercation, but the two have since reconciled and now appear to be on better terms [8†source].
The lasting success of Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross’s marriage boils down to their shared values and unwavering commitment to one another. As Elliott put it, “We just love each other, and we work at it” [12†source]. Their ability to stay grounded and avoid the pitfalls of fame has kept them together through thick and thin. They live a relatively quiet life on their Malibu ranch, enjoying the simple pleasures of life away from Hollywood’s glitz and glamor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Sam Elliott marry Katharine Ross?
They married in 1984 after years of dating [12†source]. - Did Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross ever act together?
Yes, they’ve appeared together in films like The Legacy and The Hero [9†source]. - How did Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross meet?
They first met on the set of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in 1969, but didn’t start dating until they worked on The Legacy in 1978 [9†source]. - Do they have any children?
Yes, they have one daughter, Cleo Rose Elliott [8†source].
References:
people.com
nickiswift.com
popculture.com
wideopencountry.com
doyouremember.com
