After more than three decades of marriage, it's undeniable that Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross are one of Hollywood's most enduring love stories. The ruggedly handsome star of "A Star Is Born" met his future wife early in his career, but their journey to finding love wasn't immediate or straightforward. Their story is a testament to timing, perseverance, and the power of shared values.

Getting to Know Katharine Ross

Just like Sam, Katharine Ross is an Academy Award nominee who has carved out an impressive legacy in the entertainment industry. Her acting career began in 1965 with the movie "Shenandoah," and she quickly became a household name thanks to her roles in films like "The Singing Nun," "The Graduate," "The Stepford Wives," and "Fools." Before meeting Sam, Katharine had been married four times, each union adding depth to her life experiences and emotional maturity.

It all started back in 1969 when both Katharine and Sam starred in the classic film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." At the time, Katharine was married to her third husband, Conrad Hall, so there was no romantic connection between them. However, fate had other plans, and years later, their paths crossed again during the filming of "The Legacy" in 1978. This time around, sparks flew as they discovered a shared sensibility and mutual respect.

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Sam once described their initial meeting to AARP in July 2015, saying, "I didn’t dare try to talk to her then. She was the leading lady, and I was just a shadow on the wall, a glorified extra in a bar scene. It wasn’t until we made 'The Legacy' that we actually interacted. What struck me was how much we had in common. Of course, relationships take work, but it’s worth it. You don’t walk away from something worth fighting for—that’s how you make love last."

During the filming of "The Legacy," Katharine was still married to her fourth husband, Gaetano Lisi. But after their divorce in 1979, she and Sam decided to give their blossoming relationship a real shot. By 1984, they were ready to take the next step and got married, cementing their bond for life.

Years later, Sam opened up about the secret to their enduring marriage. In an interview with NPR in June 2017, he revealed, "It comes down to loving each other and putting in the effort. Most importantly, though, it’s about wanting to be married. For me, the two things I always wanted in life were to have a successful movie career and to be part of a family. I feel incredibly lucky to have achieved both."

In 2017, the couple reunited on screen in the critically acclaimed film "The Hero," where they portrayed a divorced couple. Despite their on-screen separation, their real-life chemistry shone through. Sam told The Los Angeles Times in November 2016, "We both love making movies, and sharing that creative energy together is magical. Going home to someone who understands the highs and lows of the industry is priceless. It’s a positive experience that strengthens our bond."

Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross hold hands at Oscars — Dan MacMedan/Getty Images

Family Ties: Do Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross Have Kids?

Just a few months after exchanging vows, Sam and Katharine welcomed their first and only child, daughter Cleo Rose Elliott, on September 17, 1984. Cleo has grown up to become a talented musician and vocalist for the Uncle Becky Band, carrying forward her parents' artistic legacy in her own unique way. From the start, Cleo has felt the unwavering support of her parents in pursuing her passion for music.

Speaking to The Malibu Times in December 2008, Cleo shared, "My parents are totally supportive of this. They’re just happy I don’t want to be an actor." Over the years, Cleo has joined her parents at several high-profile red carpet events, including the 2013 Creative Arts Emmy Awards, the 2018 premiere of "A Star Is Born" in Los Angeles, and the 91st Annual Academy Awards in 2019, proving that family truly is at the heart of everything for the Elliott-Ross clan.