According to a "Classic Images" article on Ross written by John R. Allen, Jr., Ross had an unhealthy obsession with Warner Bros. star Bette Davis that lasted for years. He wanted desperately to appear in a romantic picture with her to prove himself to her. This unreciprocated attention apparently annoyed Davis who supposedly taunted Ross and complained to studio higher-ups.
According to a Movie Mirror article published shortly after his death, Ross was married, at age 18, to an older woman and had a daughter. The union was supposedly short-lived and never proved as no woman or daughter ever surfaced.
Became a close friend to Henry Fonda in 1933 while both were performing together in summer stock. Fonda would serve as best man to Ross and Aleta when they married at Aleta's sister's home in East Orange, New Jersey the following year.
His wife Aleta Friele, despondent over marriage and career problems, killed herself with a .22 rifle outside their Laurel Canyon home in December of 1935. Remarrying and moving to Encino, Ross committed suicide with a .22 target pistol shortly after the first anniversary of his wife's death. Both shot themselves in the temple.
Met first wife Aleta, the daughter of a physician, while they were appearing with the University Players Theater in Cape Cod during the summer season of 1930.
On Broadway, Ross' first wife, Aleta Friele went by the stage name of Aleta Freel.
Screen and stage actor.