When fans ask who is Sam Elliott married to, the answer leads to one of Hollywood’s most enduring and respected love stories. The iconic actor, known for his deep voice, cowboy persona, and classic Western roles, has been married for decades to fellow actress Katharine Ross. Their relationship stands out in an industry often defined by short-lived romances.
This article explores who Sam Elliott is married to, how they met, their marriage, family life, and why their relationship has stood the test of time.
Who Is Sam Elliott Married To?
Sam Elliott is married to Katharine Ross, an acclaimed actress best known for her roles in classic films such as The Graduate, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Stepford Wives. The couple married in 1984 and have remained together ever since.
Their marriage is frequently cited as one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting and most stable unions, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a love of privacy.
Who Is Katharine Ross?
To fully understand who Sam Elliott is married to, it helps to know more about Katharine Ross and her impressive career.
Katharine Ross rose to fame in the late 1960s and 1970s, earning critical acclaim and major award nominations. She received an Academy Award nomination, BAFTA Award, and Golden Globe Award for her performances, making her one of the most respected actresses of her era.
Before marrying Sam Elliott, Ross was already a Hollywood star, which makes their partnership one of equals rather than celebrity imbalance.
How Did Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross Meet?
Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross first crossed paths in 1969 on the set of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. At the time, Elliott had a small, uncredited role, while Ross was already an established actress.
However, they did not begin a romantic relationship then. Years later, they reconnected while filming the 1978 horror film The Legacy, which marked the true beginning of their love story. Their connection quickly deepened, leading to marriage several years later.
When Did Sam Elliott Get Married?
Sam Elliott married Katharine Ross on May 1, 1984. The wedding was relatively private, reflecting their preference for keeping personal matters away from public scrutiny.
Since their marriage, the couple has maintained a low-key lifestyle, avoiding Hollywood excess and media drama.
Do Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross Have Children?
Yes, Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross have one daughter, Cleo Rose Elliott, born in 1984.
Cleo is a musician and singer who has pursued a career in music rather than acting. While she has occasionally appeared in the public eye, the family generally keeps their personal life private.
What Makes Their Marriage So Strong?
Many fans curious about who is Sam Elliott married to also want to know how the couple has managed to stay together for so long.
Several factors have contributed to their lasting marriage:
- A shared passion for acting and storytelling
- Strong mutual respect and admiration
- Living largely outside the Hollywood spotlight
- Commitment to privacy and family life
Sam Elliott has often spoken about the importance of partnership, trust, and truly listening to one another—qualities that have helped sustain their relationship for over four decades.
Have Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross Worked Together?
Yes, Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross have collaborated on multiple projects throughout their careers. Their shared professional background has helped them understand the demands of acting, long shoots, and time apart.
Their most notable early collaboration, The Legacy, played a pivotal role in bringing them together romantically.
Are Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross Still Married Today?
As of today, Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross are still married and continue to live a quiet life together. Despite occasional rumors common to long-term celebrity couples, there is no credible evidence of separation or divorce.
Their relationship remains a rare example of longevity and stability in Hollywood.
Why Fans Admire Their Relationship
The question who is sam elliott married to continues to trend because fans admire not only Elliott’s career but also his personal life. In an era of high-profile breakups, his marriage to Katharine Ross represents:
- Enduring love
- Emotional maturity
- A grounded approach to fame
Their story resonates with audiences who value commitment over publicity.
Conclusion
So, who is Sam Elliott married to? The legendary actor has been happily married to Katharine Ross since 1984. Together, they have built a life defined by love, respect, family, and artistic integrity.
Their decades-long marriage proves that lasting relationships are possible in Hollywood when built on shared values and genuine partnership—making Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross one of the industry’s most admired couples.
FAQs
Who is Sam Elliott married to?
Sam Elliott is married to actress Katharine Ross. The couple has been together for decades and married in 1984.
When did Sam Elliott marry Katharine Ross?
Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross got married on May 1, 1984, after reconnecting on the film The Legacy.
Is Sam Elliott still married?
Yes, Sam Elliott is still married to Katharine Ross. Their marriage is considered one of the longest-lasting in Hollywood.
How long have Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross been married?
Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross have been married for over 40 years, making their relationship a rare Hollywood success story.
Do Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross have children?
Yes, the couple has one daughter, Cleo Rose Elliott, who is a professional musician and singer.
How did Sam Elliott meet his wife?
Sam Elliott first met Katharine Ross on the set of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in 1969, but they began dating years later while working on The Legacy (1978).
What is Katharine Ross known for?
Katharine Ross is best known for her roles in The Graduate, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Stepford Wives, along with numerous award nominations.
Have Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross acted together?
Yes, they have appeared together in several projects, including The Legacy, which played a key role in their romantic relationship.
Why is Sam Elliott’s marriage admired?
Fans admire Sam Elliott’s marriage because of its longevity, privacy, and stability, qualities that are rare in Hollywood.
Where do Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross live?
Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross are known to live a private life primarily in California, away from the constant Hollywood spotlight.

Anne Kellogg is the creative mind behind NamesPerl, where she shares her passion for names. With 4 years of experience in crafting unique and catchy names, Anne helps readers discover the perfect words to express identity, creativity, and meaning.
