Sam Elliott spoke about the treatment of women in Hollywood and how it has even affected his wife.
The Ranch alum spoke with AZ Central about the treatment of females in the entertainment industry. He added that it is increasingly difficult for older people to sometimes find work, even for his wife, actress Katharine Ross.
“Hollywood talks about it, we all talk about it,” he said. “Whether it’s Hollywood or wherever else in the world that it’s all getting better for women. And maybe it is, but it’s got a long way to go, still. “
“I’m married to a woman who’s had her moment of greatness in this game, with two of the most popular films ever in this town, and nobody’s banging on Katharine’s door to come and go to work,” he revealed.
Ross starred in The Graduate and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Both films received critical acclaim and fan praise.
“The one thing I’ve really come to like later on in my career is, forget the leading-man thing and play these character parts. I just find it incredible to be able to do that. I’m lucky. I’ve just been very fortunate,” he concluded.
Sam Elliott’s Marriage
Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross met on the set of the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Ross was the lead, portraying Etta Pace while Elliott had a minor part. Though the two never shared any scenes together, he noticed her. It wasn’t until another project that sparks flew, years later.
“I didn’t dare try to talk to her then,” he told AARP. “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.”
Ross understands the entertainment industry and was the reason he got a role in Mask. It was during their honeymoon in 1984 that Sam Elliott’s team called him to ask him to audition for the part. Unfortunately, they weren’t going to make it home in time but she insisted. It went on to be a classic hit and he had the chance to work with Cher.
The couple worked together on a handful of projects. One of their most recent releases was 2017 The Hero. They also worked together on the 1991 film Conagher together. Though they both appeared on Gunsmoke, neither their paths nor characters ever crossed.