Sam Elliott, the Hollywood icon with the resonant baritone voice and the mustache that has become his signature, has graced the silver screen in countless beloved films. From his role as the gravelly narrator in The Big Lebowski—a personal favorite—to his appearances in Tombstone, A Star Is Born, and Netflix's The Ranch, Elliott’s presence has always been magnetic. But what makes him even more endearing to Oregonians is his lifelong connection to the Beaver State.
Though born in Sacramento, California, in 1944, Elliott moved to Portland with his family at the age of 13. He graduated from David Douglas High School in 1962, where he was deeply involved in student life, excelling in athletics, music, and leadership roles. After high school, he continued his education at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington, staying close to his Oregon roots. Those formative years in Portland laid the foundation for a deep and abiding love for the state.
In an interview during the Television Critics Association winter press tour in 2016, Elliott spoke to The Oregonian about his connection to Oregon, particularly his family’s home in Portland. “My mom’s house is still [in Portland], and we still own it,” Elliott shared, speaking fondly of the property he inherited after his mother’s passing. “I still spend a lot of time there. I’ve got a place in the Willamette Valley, down near Eugene. I’m ultimately hoping to move back to Oregon.”
That dream of returning full-time reflects Elliott’s lifelong love for the region. He and his wife, actress Katharine Ross, own a 200-acre ranch in Harrisburg, nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The ranch, acquired in the mid-1990s, serves as a tranquil escape from their primary residence in Malibu, California. Despite their Hollywood ties, Elliott and Ross have been known to spend about a month each year in Oregon, savoring its natural beauty and quiet charm.
Elliott’s connection to the state goes beyond owning property. He is often spotted around Eugene, blending effortlessly into the local scene. Whether buying steaks at Long’s Meat Market, picking up gardening supplies at Down to Earth, or grabbing groceries at Market of Choice, he’s as much a part of the community as any other Oregonian. During an interview in Eugene, Elliott mentioned that his increasing recognition by locals hasn’t stopped him from enjoying the area, even if it means pausing for a few selfies with fans.
One particularly memorable story comes from a personal friend of mine who works at Batteries Plus in Eugene. They had the honor of serving Elliott, who was as genuine and unassuming as one would imagine. It’s encounters like these that endear him even more to those lucky enough to cross his path.
While Elliott’s acting career has taken him around the world, Oregon holds a special place in his heart. He’s described the Willamette Valley as embodying the dream of a simpler, more grounded life. “At some point, that’s the dream,” he’s said, reaffirming his hope to eventually settle in Oregon year-round.
For Oregonians, Sam Elliott is more than a Hollywood legend. He’s a kindred spirit, a man who represents the state’s rugged charm and welcoming warmth. Whether he’s narrating cult classics or quietly enjoying the peace of his ranch, Elliott’s heart is firmly rooted in the Beaver State. To many, he’s not just an honorary Oregonian—he’s family.
