How much does Katharine Ross earn, and what are her biggest financial assets? Best known for her roles in The Graduate and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, she has built a lasting Hollywood legacy.
With a career spanning decades, Ross’s earnings come from blockbuster films, television, and smart real estate investments.
But how has her wealth evolved over time, and what are her most valuable assets today? Let’s explore Katharine Ross net worth, her financial journey, salary details, and investment choices that shaped her fortune.
Katharine Ross Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Katharine Juliet Ross |
| Popular Name | Katharine Ross |
| Birth Date | January 29, 1940 |
| Age | 85 (As of 03/06/2025) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Santa Rosa Junior College, Diablo Valley College, Las Lomas High School |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Sam Elliott (m. 1984), Previously married to Joel Fabiani, John Marion, Conrad L. Hall, Gaetano Lisi |
| Children | 1 (Cleo Rose Elliott) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Dudley Ross, Katharine W. Hall |
| Height | 1.6 meters |
| Net Worth | $20 million (Estimated) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Television, Real Estate Investments |
What is the Net Worth of Katharine Ross in 2025?
Katharine Ross has an estimated net worth of $20 million, a figure that includes her combined wealth with her husband, Sam Elliott.
Much of her financial success stems from her legendary acting career, featuring iconic roles in The Graduate and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Additionally, real estate investments in Malibu and Oregon contribute significantly to her assets.
When compared to other Hollywood veterans, her fortune aligns with stars who thrived in classic cinema. While she may not be among the highest-paid modern actresses, her influence in Hollywood remains invaluable.
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Want to explore the wealthiest Hollywood stars? Check out this list of the world’s richest celebrities.
Katharine Ross Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does She Earn from Her Acting Career?
Katharine Ross’s career spanned from 1962 to 2019, generating significant wealth through film and television. Her breakout role in The Graduate earned her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination, solidifying her status as a Hollywood star.
She also secured high-profile roles in:
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
- Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here
- The Stepford Wives
- Voyage of the Damned
- The Final Countdown
Her role in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid reportedly earned her $175,000, a considerable sum for that era.
She later transitioned into television, starring in The Colbys and various TV movies, which further bolstered her finances.
What Are Her Major Sources of Wealth?
Ross’s primary income source is acting, but she has also benefitted from real estate investments. Additionally, residuals from classic films contribute to her wealth, thanks to the enduring popularity of movies like The Graduate.
Some of her financial pillars include:
- Hollywood earnings – Income from decades in the industry
- Television roles – Recurring TV work and made-for-TV films
- Award winnings – BAFTA and Golden Globe recognitions helped her career longevity
- Real estate – Property investments in California and Oregon
What Properties and Assets Does She Own?
Ross and Sam Elliott own a 2.6-acre Malibu property, which is now valued between $6 million and $10 million. They also hold a property in Willamette Valley, Oregon, and Elliott inherited his childhood home in Portland after his mother’s passing.
Real estate has been a wise investment for the couple, with the Malibu home alone appreciating significantly over the decades.
How Has Her Wealth Grown Over Time?
Ross’s career earnings peaked in the 1960s and 70s, thanks to major Hollywood productions. She later transitioned into television, ensuring a steady income stream through guest roles and TV movies.
Notable financial growth moments:
- 1967 – Breakthrough with The Graduate
- 1969 – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and BAFTA win
- 1975 – The Stepford Wives boosts earnings
- 1980s-1990s – TV roles and semi-retirement
- 2001 – Return with Donnie Darko
Even though she eventually stepped away from Hollywood, her investments and residuals continue to sustain her wealth.
How Does She Manage Her Finances?
Unlike many celebrities who indulge in extravagant spending, Ross and Elliott live a relatively low-key lifestyle. They have made strategic real estate investments, which provide long-term financial security.
Her financial approach includes:
- Minimal Hollywood excess
- Investment in properties instead of excessive spending
- Steady, long-term career choices instead of short-term fame
How Does Her Wealth Compare to Her Husband, Sam Elliott?
Both Ross and Sam Elliott have had long, successful Hollywood careers. Their combined net worth of $20 million is primarily attributed to:
- Elliott’s enduring success in Westerns and television
- Ross’s early success in classic Hollywood films
- Joint real estate investments in California and Oregon
While Elliott has maintained a more active career in recent years, Ross’s past earnings and strategic financial decisions keep their wealth stable.
What Are the Financial Challenges She Has Faced?
Despite her success, Ross has faced some financial and career challenges, including:
- Studio contract limitations in the early days
- Declining film offers after refusing roles like Airport (1970)
- Shifts in Hollywood trends, leading to fewer roles in later years
However, her smart financial decisions helped her maintain stability, unlike many actors who struggled financially post-fame.
What Legacy Does She Leave in Hollywood and Finance?
Ross’s impact on Hollywood extends beyond just her wealth. She leaves behind a legacy of financial responsibility and career longevity, proving that actors from the Golden Age can still thrive financially decades later.
Her key contributions:
- Setting a standard for classic Hollywood actresses
- Encouraging financial prudence over excessive spending
- Maintaining long-term value through royalties and residuals
Conclusion
Katharine Ross has built a strong financial foundation through smart career moves and strategic investments. Her wealth, largely from acting and real estate, has sustained her through decades of Hollywood changes.
For more in-depth celebrity finance insights, visit Aupeo and explore the latest updates on Hollywood’s biggest stars. Don’t forget to share your thughts in the comments!
