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Katharine Ross and Dustin Hoffman | Source: Embassy Pictures
Katharine Ross and Dustin Hoffman | Source: Embassy Pictures

Elaine From 'The Graduate' Still Looks ‘Amazing’ - At 83 She Is Proud Mom After 4 Failed Marriages

Ayesha Muhammad
Jun 17, 2023
09:00 P.M.
  • Katharine Ross, known for her role as Elaine in "The Graduate," displayed outstanding professionalism and supported her co-star Dustin Hoffman.
  • After experiencing four failed marriages, the renowned actress finally found stability and enduring love in her personal life.
  • At 83, she proudly flaunts her long gray hair alongside her husband of 39 years.
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Katharine Ross was born to parents Katherine and Dudley Tying Ross on January 29, 1940, in Los Angeles, California. Her father, a former reporter for the Associated Press, served as a commander in the U.S. Navy during her birth.

Due to his naval career, the family moved to various places, including Virginia and Palo Alto, and eventually settled in Walnut Creek near San Francisco, where Ross spent her childhood.

American actress Katharine Ross, circa 1970 | Source: Getty Images

American actress Katharine Ross, circa 1970 | Source: Getty Images

During her early career, Ross excelled in screen tests and portrayed various characters, including hit-and-run drivers and a sympathetic clubfooted individual. In a 1968 interview, she called herself the "queen of screen tests," accustomed to making daily runs from San Francisco to L.A.

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Ross and Elliott first encountered each other while working on the film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in 1969.

Ross' breakthrough came with the film, "The Graduate," where she secured her first leading role after signing a deal with Universal Pictures. Director Mike Nichols expressed interest in casting her for the movie, which became a defining moment in her career.

American actress Katharine Ross, circa 1960 | Source: Getty Images

American actress Katharine Ross, circa 1960 | Source: Getty Images

"The Graduate" tells the story of a college graduate named Benjamin Braddock, played by Dustin Hoffman. Feeling lost and disillusioned, Braddock finds himself entangled in an affair with Mrs. Robinson, an older family friend portrayed by Anne Bancroft.

Complications arise when Braddock falls in love with Elaine Robinson, Mrs. Robinson's daughter, played by Katharine Ross. The film explores love, rebellion, and societal expectations as Braddock navigates a web of unconventional relationships and tries to find his place in the world.

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Ross delivered a remarkable performance as the daughter of Bancroft's character, showcasing her incredible talent and contributing to the movie's success. Her portrayal of the character added depth and complexity to the storyline, making it one of her most famous roles.

Alongside Hoffman and the film's compelling narrative, Ross's involvement in "The Graduate" helped solidify the movie as a classic and cemented her place in cinematic history. Besides garnering critical acclaim, the film earned Ross an Oscar nomination and the Golden Globe for New Star of the Year.

Actors Katharine Ross and Dustin Hoffman in a scene from "The Graduate"  | Source: Getty Images

Actors Katharine Ross and Dustin Hoffman in a scene from "The Graduate" | Source: Getty Images

Although many remember the 1967 classic for Ross and Hoffman's epic chemistry, things didn't seemingly board well for the pair behind the camera.

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During a screen test for the film, Hoffman and Ross were paired together for a love scene. Hoffman was nervous and struggled with his lines, believing he had performed poorly and wouldn't get the part.

Meanwhile, Ross initially had an unfavorable impression of Hoffman, finding him serious, humorless, and unkempt. There was a moment of awkwardness when he nervously grabbed her derriere, but she advised him to refrain from such actions.

American actress Katharine Ross pictured as Tish Buckman in 'Hellfighters,' in 1968 | Source: Getty Images

American actress Katharine Ross pictured as Tish Buckman in 'Hellfighters,' in 1968 | Source: Getty Images

Even today, people continue to be mesmerized by Ross' timeless aura, from her "[too] good" performance in the 1975 movie, "The Stepford Wives," to her "sophisticated" hairstyle in the 1960s.

Fans continue to dote over their beloved star, who they still deem "amazing" and beautiful. Let's take a closer look at Ross' changed appearance, how she found lasting love, and her life now.

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Details about Katharine Ross' Changed Appearance & How She Met Her Current Husband

Ross once ruled the silver screen, captivating the audience with her sizzling looks and extraordinary personality. Her many riveting performances established her status as a bona fide actress in Hollywood in the '60s, '70s, and '80s.

Moreover, she proved to be a versatile actress, seamlessly transitioning between comedic and dramatic roles and embodying the essence of the girl-next-door.

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Ross, who was once known for her enchanting stare and long dark tresses, seems to have made befitting changes to her appearance in recent years. The actress, who celebrated her 83rd birthday on January 29, 2023, looks fabulous even after so many years.

The "Games" alum is still doted over by her countless followers worldwide, who are in awe of her marvelous looks and lovely personality. Besides gushing over their cherished star, netizens have shown appreciation for Ross' husband, calling him "amazing" for his appearance and his bond with his wife.

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A netizen leaves a comment for Katharine Ross on Facebook | Source: facebook.com/groups/tcmfansite

A netizen leaves a comment for Katharine Ross on Facebook | Source: facebook.com/groups/tcmfansite

In recent years, the "Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid" alum has reportedly been leading a quiet life with her husband away from the spotlight.

In 2021, the then-81-year-old Ross, once the "It girl" of Hollywood, was seen visiting a post office near her home during a rare outing, sporting a casual ensemble with worn-out boots and skinny jeans.

US actor Sam Elliott (R) and wife US actress Katharine Ross at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City, California, on February 26, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

US actor Sam Elliott (R) and wife US actress Katharine Ross at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City, California, on February 26, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

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Today, Ross delightfully wears her long gray hair with adorable bangs, evident from her appearance at the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards in California in February 2023.

Actors Katharine Ross and Sam Elliott at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on April 30, 1981 | Source: Getty Images

Actors Katharine Ross and Sam Elliott at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on April 30, 1981 | Source: Getty Images

Ross has had a series of marriages throughout her life. Her first marriage to Joel Fabiani ended after two years, followed by a union with John Marion that lasted three years. She then married Conrad Hall, with whom she stayed for four years.

After divorcing Hall, she married Tom Lisi, but their marriage ended in 1979. However, her fifth and current marriage is with actor Sam Elliott, and they have been happily married for nearly 40 years. It is Sam Elliott's first marriage.

US actor Sam Elliott (R) and wife US actress Katharine Ross at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City, California, on February 26, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

US actor Sam Elliott (R) and wife US actress Katharine Ross at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City, California, on February 26, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

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Ross and Elliott first encountered each other while working on the film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in 1969. However, they did not pursue a relationship at that time as Ross was involved with the film's cinematographer, Hall, and Elliott was a background extra.

It wasn't until they reunited during the filming of "The Legacy" in 1978 that their relationship blossomed. They were attracted to each other's talents and eventually became a couple. After Ross divorced her then-husband Lisi in 1979, she and Elliott began a relationship and ultimately married in May 1984.

Actors Sam Elliott (L) and Katherine Ross at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on May 31, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Actors Sam Elliott (L) and Katherine Ross at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on May 31, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Katharine Ross' Life Today

Ross and Elliott have been married for 39 years and will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in May 2024. Their long and fruitful union is a shining example for people within and outside the show business. In an interview in 1985 for his movie, "The Mask," Eliott affectionately called Ross "the love of his life."

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Following their initial collaborations in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Legacy," Ross and Elliott continued to work together on various projects. They appeared in television films such as "Travis McGee," "Houston: The Legend of Texas," and "Conagher," which Elliott considered a career highlight.

In 2017, they starred in "The Hero," with Elliott playing an aging Western film star and Ross portraying his ex-wife. The couple enjoys the creative experience of making movies together and finds it a positive and fulfilling endeavor.

Katharine Ross, Sam Elliott and daughter Cleo Elliot at the Egyptian Theatre on June 5, 2017, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Katharine Ross, Sam Elliott and daughter Cleo Elliot at the Egyptian Theatre on June 5, 2017, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Katharine Ross and Sam Elliott at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 26, 2023, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Katharine Ross and Sam Elliott at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 26, 2023, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

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Besides playing lovers in reel and real life, the couple has also embraced parenthood and welcomed their daughter, Cleo Rose Elliott, on September 17, 1984.

Cleo pursued a music career, releasing her debut album "No More Lies" in 2008. Her parents fully support her musical path and enjoy attending red carpet events together, including the premiere of her father's film "A Star is Born" and the 2019 Academy Awards.

(L-R) Katharine Ross and Sam Elliott at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 26, 2023, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

(L-R) Katharine Ross and Sam Elliott at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 26, 2023, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

In the glamorous world of Hollywood, renowned for quick marriages and speedy breakups, Ross and Elliott are going strong in their relationship, from sharing the sweetest words for each other to laughing together. We hope this power couple continues to prosper in love!

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