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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

Her musical influences include 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.

Besides singing, acting, and writing music, Sam’s daughter has also done some modeling work. In 2013, she got to be the magazine cover girl for The Colorist as seen in a 2023 Instagram post she shared.

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.”

“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.”

In June 2023, Cleo took to Instagram to celebrate her father in honor of his birthday with a touching tribute, and one social media user commented, “You look so much like your dad♥️💫.”

A few days later, Cleo posted a carousel of snaps showing off her stunning pink hair, and another Instagram user typed, “Love your pink hair 💗.”