Best known for her role as Elaine in the classic film The Graduate, talented actress Kathryn Juliet Ross has captivated audiences for decades. Now 83 years old, she still radiates true beauty and elegance. Take a look at the life and career of Katharine Ross and what she looks like now at the age of 83.
Katharine Ross was born in Hollywood, California on January 29, 1940, and her journey to stardom was anything but ordinary. Unlike many Hollywood celebrities, Ross’ parents were not involved in the acting industry.
His father, Dudley, was a US Navy commander and Associated Press reporter, which caused the family to move frequently.
From Virginia to California, they settled in Walnut Creek, outside of San Francisco, where Catherine grew up and attended Las Lomas High School. In 1957, he proudly received his diploma. Katherine Ross discovered her passion for acting while attending Santa Rosa Junior College, a turning point that shaped her future.
He realized that acting was his true calling after participating in his first theater production, a school production of “The King and I”. Ross made the bold decision to drop out of college after one year and move into a small flat above a supermarket. He enrolled at The Actors Workshop in San Francisco to pursue his dream.
Ross dedicated three years to honing her craft at The Actors Workshop and gradually started landing small roles in TV shows. Her talent as an actor and her ability to impress in auditions earned her the reputation of being the “queen of the screen tests.” She played various characters, including an innocent teen, a hardened criminal, and a compassionate clubfoot on the hit show “Gunsmoke.”
During this time, she met her first husband, Joel Fabiani, whom she married in 1960. But Ross’s life was not bright. He faced the harsh realities of the industry and, like many others, suffered abuse and exploitation during the turbulent 1960s.
When it comes to her career-defining role on The Bachelor, Kathryn Ross recalls the moment she first met co-star Dustin Hoffman. She remembers thinking, “Oh my God, this man is dressed in black, he’s as white as a white sheet.” Little did he know that this film would become one of the most important milestones of his career.
After the success of The Graduate, Ross continued to shine, appearing in notable films such as James Stewart, Butch Cassidy, The Sundance Kid, and Shenandoah. Over the years, he faced personal problems and married several times.
She found her true happiness only after meeting her fifth husband, her beloved actor Sam Elliott. Sam Elliott, who co-starred with Ross in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, always liked him but kept his distance because he thought he was in the movies too much. Ten years later, they reunited on the set of Legacy and sparks flew. They married in 1979 and shared a loving and supportive partnership for over 40 years.
In recent years, Ross’ career took a backseat, but she discovered her passion for writing and published several children’s books. She continues to live a fulfilling life, dividing her time between her homes in Oregon and California with Sam Elliott.
Katherine Ross’ extraordinary journey reveals her incredible talent and strength. Despite his ups and downs, he persevered and achieved sustained success in both his personal and professional life.
Today, at the age of 83, he continues to inspire and amaze us all. Let’s celebrate the amazing Katharine Ross and her incredible legacy by sharing this post with your friends and family on Facebook!