The Five Husbands Of Katharine Ross: Inside Her 40-Year Hollywood Love Story With Sam Elliott

The enduring marriage of Katharine Ross and Sam Elliott stands as one of Hollywood's most remarkable and long-lasting partnerships, a true anomaly in the entertainment industry. As of late 2025, the couple has been married for over four decades, a milestone few celebrity couples ever reach. Their love story is particularly intriguing because it began after Ross had already walked down the aisle four times, making Elliott her fifth and final husband. This deep dive explores the full history of her five marriages, culminating in the bond with the iconic Western star that has captivated fans for generations.

The latest updates in late 2025 confirm that the legendary couple remains strong, often making rare public appearances together, such as supporting Sam Elliott at the premiere of his new series, *Landman*, in November 2025. Their private life, centered on their family and their shared ranch, is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the fifth time is indeed the charm.

Katharine Ross: A Complete Biography and Marriage Timeline

Katharine Juliet Ross is an American actress known for her iconic roles in some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films of the 1960s and 1970s. She garnered an Academy Award nomination, a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe for her work.

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• Full Name: Katharine Juliet Ross
• Date of Birth: January 29, 1940
• Age (as of late 2025): 85
• Place of Birth: Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress (Retired/Semi-active)
• Key Filmography: The Graduate (1967), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Stepford Wives (1975), The Legacy (1978), Donnie Darko (2001)
• Children: Cleo Rose Elliott (born September 17, 1984)
• Spouses (Five Marriages):
  1. Joel Fabiani: Married 1960; Divorced 1962
  2. John Marion: Married 1964; Divorced 1967
  3. Conrad Hall: Married 1969; Divorced 1974 (Cinematographer for *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*)
  4. Gaetano "Tom" Lisi: Married 1974/1975; Divorced 1979 (Met while he was a chauffeur/technician on *The Stepford Wives*)
  5. Sam Elliott: Married 1984; Present

The Four Marriages That Led to Sam Elliott

Katharine Ross’s journey to her long-term partner was marked by four previous marriages, each relatively brief. Her early relationships provided a backdrop to her rising career as a major film star in the late 60s.

Her first marriage was to actor Joel Fabiani, which lasted just two years from 1960 to 1962. This was followed by her union with John Marion, which spanned from 1964 to 1967.

The third husband, Conrad Hall, was a highly respected cinematographer, known for his work on films like *Cool Hand Luke* and *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*. Ross and Hall were married from 1969 to 1974.

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Her fourth husband was Gaetano "Tom" Lisi, whom she met on the set of *The Stepford Wives* where he was working as a chauffeur and technician. They were married from 1974 or 1975 until their divorce in 1979. It was after the end of this marriage that her professional and personal life intersected with Sam Elliott.

The 40-Year Love Story with Sam Elliott

Katharine Ross and Sam Elliott's relationship is the stuff of Hollywood legend, a slow-burn romance that began years before they actually became a couple. They first met in 1969 on the set of *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*, where Ross was the female lead (Etta Place) and Elliott had a minor, uncredited role as "Card Player #2." Elliott, a rising actor at the time, was reportedly too intimidated by the Oscar-nominated star to even speak to her.

Their paths crossed again a decade later, in 1978, when they co-starred in the horror film *The Legacy*. By this time, both were more established, and their connection was immediate and undeniable. They began dating, and their relationship quickly became serious.

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A Rare Hollywood Marriage Milestone

Ross and Elliott married in 1984. This was Elliott's first marriage and Ross's fifth, a fact that both have humorously acknowledged over the years. Just four months after their wedding, Ross, at the age of 44, gave birth to their only child, daughter Cleo Rose Elliott, in September 1984.

The longevity of their marriage is often attributed to a shared commitment to privacy, a mutual understanding of the demands of the film industry, and a willingness to work on their relationship. Elliott famously once said that their secret is a strong bond and a lot of patience. They often choose projects that allow them to work together or remain close to their ranch in Malibu, which they purchased in the 1970s.

Family Life and Recent Appearances in 2025

The couple’s family life has been a central focus, particularly their relationship with their daughter, Cleo Rose Elliott, who is a professional musician and singer. While their family has faced challenges, which have occasionally become public, including a difficult period when Cleo was a young adult, the couple has consistently presented a united front, focusing on their daughter’s well-being and their collective privacy.

In a rare public sighting in June 2025, Katharine Ross, at 85, was seen in a public outing, providing a fresh glimpse of the legendary actress. Later that year, in November 2025, she stepped out alongside her daughter, Cleo Rose, to support Sam Elliott at the premiere of his high-profile television series, *Landman*. These recent appearances confirm the couple’s enduring partnership and their continued presence, albeit private, in the Hollywood landscape. Their four decades of marriage serve as a powerful testament to finding lasting love, even after multiple attempts.