This is how the 1960s bombshell looks now, at the age of 83, after becoming a star thanks to “The Graduate.”

Katharine Ross is a remarkable actress whose career has spanned decades, making her an iconic figure in the world of film. Her journey from a young aspiring actress to Hollywood stardom is a testament to her talent and perseverance.

Born in 1940 in Hollywood, California, Katharine Ross didn’t come from a family involved in the acting industry. Her father was a U.S. Navy commander and an Associated Press correspondent, leading to frequent relocations during her childhood. She attended Las Lomas High School and later enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College, where her passion for acting was ignited.

After briefly attending college, she moved to a small apartment above a grocery store and joined The Actors Workshop in San Francisco. This marked the beginning of her acting career, and she honed her craft over three years, gaining experience and auditioning for various roles.

Ross’ talent and determination paid off as she secured bit parts in television shows, and she became known for her ability to excel in screen tests. Her early years in Hollywood were challenging, but her determination to succeed propelled her forward.

Her marriage to Joel Fabiani, her college sweetheart, marked the beginning of her personal and professional journey. She gained recognition through her appearances in Western television shows, where her beauty and acting skills shone. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of the 1960s, Ross continued to make her mark in the industry.

A significant turning point in her career came when Mike Nichols cast her as Elaine in “The Graduate,” alongside Dustin Hoffman. This iconic role catapulted her to fame and earned her critical acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination.

The ending of “The Graduate” left audiences with a sense of ambiguity as Benjamin and Elaine boarded a bus. Ross revealed that the conclusion wasn’t predetermined; it was improvised during filming, leaving the audience to interpret their fate.

In 1969, Ross starred in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” where she famously balanced on the handlebars of a bicycle. Little did she know that she would meet her lifelong love, Sam Elliott, on the set of this film.

Ross has been married five times, but her fifth marriage to Sam Elliott has endured for over 40 years. Their love story began on the set of “The Legacy,” and they eventually tied the knot in 1984. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Cleo Rose Elliott, in 1984.

Katharine Ross and Sam Elliott have continued to work together in various films, sharing a creative bond and enjoying the experience of making movies together. Their partnership is marked by mutual respect and a deep connection.

Although Ross hasn’t appeared in recent movies or television shows, she has ventured into writing children’s books, showcasing her creativity in a new way.

Katharine Ross and Sam Elliott have built a lasting and loving relationship, and their enduring marriage is a testament to their care for each other and their shared journey. Their story is a celebration of lasting love in Hollywood, a place where relationships can often be fleeting.