Sam Elliott, born August 9, 1944, in Sacramento, California, is an American actor known for his deep voice, rugged persona, and iconic roles in Westerns and dramas. With a career spanning over five decades, he has appeared in films like The Big Lebowski, Road House, Mask, and A Star Is Born. His net worth is estimated at $20 million, reflecting his long-standing success in Hollywood.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samuel Pack Elliott |
| Birthdate | August 9, 1944 |
| Birthplace | Sacramento, California, USA |
| Profession | Actor, Producer |
| Height | 6′ 2″ (1.88 m) |
| Breakthrough | Mask (1985), Road House (1989) |
| Net Worth | $20 million (2025) |
| Awards | Screen Actors Guild Award, Academy Award nomination |
| Spouse | Katharine Ross (m. 1984) |
| Children | 1 (Cleo Rose Elliott) |
| Recent Work | 1883 (2021), Landman (2025–2026) |
Early Life
Sam Elliott was born on August 9, 1944 in Sacramento, California. His full name is Samuel Pack Elliott. Raised in Portland, Oregon, after his family moved when he was 13, Elliott grew up with a strong sense of discipline and work ethic instilled by his parents. His father worked for the U.S. Department of the Interior, while his mother was a teacher. Elliott studied at the University of Oregon and later at Clark College, where he developed his passion for acting.
Career Timeline
1967–1979: Early Roles
- Film debut in The Way West (1967).
- Appeared in TV series such as Mission: Impossible and Once an Eagle.
- Gained recognition with Lifeguard (1976), establishing his rugged persona.
1980–1989: Rising Recognition
- Roles in The Shadow Riders (1982) and Mask (1985).
- Starred in Road House (1989), which became a cult classic.
- Known for his distinctive mustache, deep voice, and cowboy image.
1990–1999: Cult Status
- Played Virgil Earp in Tombstone (1993).
- Memorable role as “The Stranger” in The Big Lebowski (1998).
- Continued to appear in Westerns and dramas, solidifying his reputation.
2000–2010: Versatility
- Roles in We Were Soldiers (2002), Hulk (2003), and Ghost Rider (2007).
- Voice work in Up in the Air and The Good Dinosaur.
- Demonstrated range beyond Westerns, appearing in action and fantasy films.
2011–2020: Television and Resurgence
- Starred in Netflix’s The Ranch (2016–2020).
- Acclaimed performance in A Star Is Born (2018), earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
- Reinforced his reputation as a versatile and respected actor.
2021–2026: Continued Influence
- Starred in 1883 (2021), a prequel to Yellowstone, praised for his authenticity.
- Cast in Landman (2025–2026), continuing his collaboration with Taylor Sheridan.
- Remains active in Hollywood, admired for his longevity and consistency.
Personal Life
- Married actress Katharine Ross in 1984.
- They have one daughter, Cleo Rose Elliott, a musician.
- Known for his long-lasting marriage and private lifestyle, avoiding Hollywood scandals.
Marriage and Family
- Sam Elliott has been married to actress Katharine Ross since 1984.
- Their marriage is considered one of Hollywood’s most enduring relationships, lasting over four decades.
- Together they have one daughter, Cleo Rose Elliott, born in 1984, who is a musician and singer.
Lifestyle
- Elliott and Ross have lived a relatively private life, away from the constant spotlight of Hollywood.
- They own property in Malibu, California, and also maintain a ranch in Oregon, reflecting Elliott’s love for the outdoors and Western culture.
- Known for his rugged persona on screen, Elliott enjoys a quieter, family‑oriented lifestyle off screen.
Personal Interests
- Passionate about Western heritage, Elliott has often spoken about his admiration for cowboy culture and rural living.
- He values privacy and simplicity, preferring a low‑profile lifestyle compared to many of his Hollywood peers.
- He has also been involved in voice narration and commercials, using his iconic deep voice.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Katharine Ross (m. 1984) |
| Children | 1 daughter, Cleo Rose Elliott |
| Residence | Malibu, California & Oregon ranch |
| Passions | Western heritage, outdoors, family life |
| Lifestyle | Private, low‑profile, family‑oriented |
Net Worth
Net Worth Overview
- Estimated Wealth: $20 million (most sources) with some reports placing it closer to $25 million.
- Primary Sources of Income:
- Film & TV Salaries: Roles in Mask, Road House, Tombstone, The Big Lebowski, A Star Is Born, 1883, and Landman.
- Voice Work: His deep, iconic voice is widely used in commercials and narration.
- Residuals: Long‑running royalties from cult classics and TV syndication.
- Real Estate: Malibu property and Oregon ranch that appreciated significantly in value.
Comparison Table
| Source of Wealth | Contribution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acting (Film & TV) | Major | Steady career spanning 50+ years |
| Voiceover Work | Significant | National ad campaigns, narration |
| Residuals | Ongoing | Royalties from cult films & TV |
| Real Estate | Strong | Malibu property & Oregon ranch |
| Awards & Recognition | Indirect | Boosted career value with Oscar nomination |
Analysis
Sam Elliott’s fortune is not built on flashy blockbuster franchises but rather on steady, consistent work across decades. His career longevity, combined with smart property investments and one of the most recognizable voices in Hollywood, created a reliable financial foundation. Unlike actors who rely on short bursts of fame, Elliott’s wealth reflects sustained credibility and cultural relevance.
- Estimated at $20 million (2025).
- Sources of income:
- Acting salaries from films and TV.
- Voice acting and narration.
- Endorsements and appearances.
Analysis
Sam Elliott’s career reflects longevity, consistency, and authenticity. His rugged image and deep voice made him a natural fit for Westerns, but he proved his versatility in dramas, comedies, and action films. His late-career resurgence with A Star Is Born and 1883 shows his enduring appeal. Unlike many actors, Elliott maintained a stable personal life, which contributed to his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected figures.
Conclusion
Sam Elliott’s biography illustrates his evolution from a young actor in the 1960s to a Hollywood icon with a career spanning nearly six decades. With his distinctive voice, rugged persona, and consistent performances, Elliott remains one of the most respected and admired actors in American cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sam Elliott
Who is Sam Elliott?
Sam Elliott is an American actor born on August 9, 1944 in Sacramento, California. He is best known for his deep voice, rugged persona, and roles in Westerns and dramas such as Tombstone, The Big Lebowski, and A Star Is Born.
What is Sam Elliott’s net worth?
As of 2025–2026, Sam Elliott’s net worth is estimated at around $20 million, earned through acting, voice narration, and real estate investments.
What are his most famous movies and TV shows?
- Mask (1985)
- Road House (1989)
- Tombstone (1993)
- The Big Lebowski (1998)
- We Were Soldiers (2002)
- A Star Is Born (2018)
- The Ranch (2016–2020)
- 1883 (2021)
- Landman (2025–2026)
Has Sam Elliott won any awards?
Yes. He has received a Screen Actors Guild Award and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in A Star Is Born (2018).
Who is Sam Elliott married to?
He has been married to actress Katharine Ross since 1984. Their marriage is one of the longest‑lasting in Hollywood.
Does Sam Elliott have children?
Yes. He has one daughter, Cleo Rose Elliott, who is a musician.
Is Sam Elliott known for voice work?
Absolutely. His deep, resonant voice has been featured in commercials, narrations, and animated films, making him one of the most recognizable voices in Hollywood.