Sam Elliott’s Wife Katharine Ross Married 4 Men Before Saying “I Do” To Him

Jun 14, 2023

Western movies and TV shows are a big part of American entertainment history. Featuring cowboys and gunslingers, the genre is beloved for its action and drama. Sam Elliott is a veteran character actor that is best known for his work in the Western genre. Some of his most popular roles include The Stranger in "The Big Lebowski" and Virgil Earp in "Tombstone." Ironically enough, however, Sam got his first big break in the industry with a movie that couldn’t be further from a Western.

Sam began his career playing minor characters in "The Way West" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." His TV appearances include "Gunsmoke," and the television films "Murder in Texas" and "The Shadow Riders." 

In 2015, Sam guest-starred on the series "Justified" and won a Critics' Choice Television Award for his performance. The following year, he starred in the Netflix series "The Ranch." 

In 2017, Sam starred alongside his wife, Katharine Ross, in the film "The Hero." The film served as a resurgence of sorts for Sam, who later found himself attached to big-name projects such as “A Star Is Born,” for which he picked up his first Academy Award nomination. He was also cast in the “Yellowstone” spin-off “1883.”

"The Hero" wasn't the first film Sam worked on with his wife. They starred in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," although Sam was only an extra in the film and they never interacted. However, they were properly acquainted in 1978, when they were both cast in leading roles in "The Legacy." Love blossomed and the couple married in 1984. They share one daughter, Cleo Rose Elliott, together.

However, love had been a tricky road for Ross, who had wed four times before marrying Sam. Read on to find out more about their unique love story.

Sam was born on Aug. 9, 1944, in Sacramento, California, to Glynn Mamie and Henry Nelson Elliott. His father was a predator control specialist, while his mother was a teacher. Although his father was not too keen on Sam pursuing an acting career, he remained steadfast in chasing his dream.

Sam moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, where he studied acting while working in construction. With his masculine face and deep voice, he found regular work as a character actor in Westerns. However, the parts were all on television, and Sam was keen to make the jump to the big screen. The opportunity came in the form of something distinctly different for Sam: a contemporary feature film called “Lifeguard.” Although the 1976 film was not a big hit, Sam’s charisma and talent did not go unnoticed. Now with a career spanning over 50 years, the actor can rest assured he’s made his mark in Hollywood.

Meanwhile, Sam’s wife, Ross also discovered a passion for acting at an early age. Born on Jan. 29, 1940, in Hollywood, California, Ross moved to San Francisco to study acting after graduating from high school. There she joined The Actors Workshop, where she had the opportunity to perform in many stage productions.

In 1967, she made her breakthrough with a pivotal role in the iconic film “The Graduate.” Her portrayal of the conflicted and independent Elaine earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Ross continued to deliver outstanding performances in films such as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “The Stepford Wives.”

As such a stunning woman, it’s no wonder Ross has attracted so many suitors. Prior to settling down with Sam, she had walked down the aisle with four men. Her first marriage was in 1960 to her college sweetheart, Joel Fabiani, who also became an actor. The marriage lasted two years before they went their separate ways. 

Ross then wed John Marion in 1964, but they called it quits in 1967. While filming “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” she met cinematographer Conrad Hall, and the pair wed in 1969. They divorced in 1973. 

She met chauffeur and technician Gaetano “Tom” Lisi on the set of “The Stepford Wives,” and they traded “I do’s” a year later. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1979. 

After starring in "The Legacy" together, love blossomed between Elliot and Ross. They married in 1984 and, four months later, welcomed their only child, Cleo, who is now a musician. 

Sam and Ross have now been married for 39 years and are still going strong. The Mercury News asked Ross if it was Elliot's voice, mustache or rugged good looks that won her over, and she responded: 

“Probably all that and more. We were working together and one thing led to another. And here we are.”

Sam revealed the secret to their long-lasting union to NPR and said:

“I think really what it boils down to is we love each other, and we work at it. And I think more importantly than anything, it takes wanting to be married. The two things that I wanted in my life were to have a movie career and to be married, to have a family. And it's an embarrassment of riches that I've got both.”

What are your thoughts on Katherine Ross’s active romantic life prior to her marriage with Sam Elliott? Are you glad she found true love with the actor? Let us know, and then pass this along to friends and family, too!