Sam Elliott’s deep voice and iconic mustache have made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars — from his memorable roles in “Tombstone” and “The Big Lebowski” to his award-nominated performance in “A Star is Born.”
However, beyond the silver screen, Sam is a dedicated husband and father. For over 40 years, he has been married to an acclaimed actress. Together, they’ve built a life centered on love and family, raising their only daughter, who has forged her own path while remaining the heart of Sam’s world.
A Love That Stood the Test of Time
For over 40 years, Sam has been married to Katharine Ross, a celebrated actress in her own right. Katharine first gained recognition after moving to Los Angeles from her hometown in California. She studied stage acting in San Francisco before heading to Hollywood, where her career skyrocketed.
She starred in two iconic films: as Elaine Robinson in “The Graduate” in 1967 and Etta Place in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” in 1969. Even decades later, fans often approach the actress to reminisce about those beloved classics.
The couple’s paths initially crossed on the set of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Reflecting on their first encounter, Sam admitted, “My wife, Katharine Ross, and I both worked on ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,’ but I didn’t dare try to talk to her then.”
He continued, “She was the leading lady. I was a shadow on the wall, a glorified extra in a bar scene. It wasn’t until we made ‘The Legacy’ in 1978 that we actually interacted. We have a common sensibility, but we also work at being together.”
The pair’s connection blossomed during the filming of “The Legacy,” and by 1984, they were married. After exchanging vows, Sam nearly missed a major opportunity in his career. While on their honeymoon in Hawaii, he received word about casting for the 1985 film “Mask,” where he was set to star opposite Cher.
When his agent initially called, the actor declined the role, saying, “I can’t come.” But Katharine had other plans. She discreetly contacted the agent and assured him she would get her husband back to Hollywood in time. Her encouragement proved pivotal, and the role became one of Sam’s most celebrated performances.
The couple eventually settled into a three-acre, Southwestern-style property overlooking the ocean, where they have lived for decades. Their home has been a place of resilience and renewal.
Initially, they lost their first house in a devastating brush fire and lived temporarily in a double-wide trailer before building their current residence. Over the years, they maintained stables for horses, but now their property is home to chickens and a one-eyed Chihuahua named Marina.
Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross at the 47th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, in 1990. | Source: Getty Images
Amid this idyllic lifestyle, Sam and Katharine welcomed their daughter, Cleo, completing their family. Reflecting on his journey, Sam once said, “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.”
Katharine Ross and Sam Elliott with their daughter Cleo at the Moscow Circus opening event on March 14, 1990, in Inglewood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Meet Cleo Rose Elliott
Cleo Rose Elliott, Sam and Katharine Ross’s only child, was born on September 17, 1984, in California. Following in her parents’ footsteps, she briefly explored a career in acting. However, her on-screen experience has been limited to a single role in the 2020 short film “Murder for Dummies.”
Sam and Cleo Elliott at “The Golden Compass” world premiere afterparty in 2007 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Despite her brief acting stint, she found her creative voice in the music industry. Trained in classical Italian opera, Cleo released her first solo CD in 2008. Speaking about her music, she said, “The sound is very pop rock, but I’m really into heavy hard rock.”
Katharine Ross, Sam, and Cleo Elliott at “The Golden Compass” premiere on December 2, 2007, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Her musical influences included legendary bands and artists like Guns ‘n’ Roses, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Fiona Apple, and Sheryl Crow. She learned to play flute and some guitar while in school, but always identified primarily as a singer.
Her parents encouraged her musical aspirations, and her grandmother played an essential role in nurturing her love for singing from an early age. Cleo embraced live performances, finding them more fulfilling than studio recordings, though she welcomed the challenge of writing an album.
She became part of a wave of emerging musicians from Malibu, alongside bands like 2 Cents and Tin Horn and artists such as Shwayze, adding to the area’s reputation as a hub for vibrant new music.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Cleo has a fulfilling personal life. According to her Facebook account, she is engaged to Jacob Rösenbaum, a bassist for UncleBecky. Jacob, originally from New Hampshire, studied at NYU and now lives in Los Angeles.
Cleo has also maintained a close relationship with her parents. In 2017, she accompanied her mother to the Sundance Film Festival, where they attended the red carpet premiere of “The Hero,” a film that starred both Sam and Katharine.
When asked what it was like to see her parents share the screen, Cleo said, “It’s wonderful. I love it, and, um, they’re both so talented, and it just makes me so proud of them.”
Sam has often spoken of his love for Cleo, describing her as “the love of my life.” He shared that he treasures their time together, regardless of the activity, although they particularly enjoy walking along the beach in Malibu, searching for rocks.
“We’re rock hounds,” the actor said. “My dad was a rock hound, I’m a rock hound, my daughter is now a rock hound. We pick up all these beautiful stones.”