Trivia

Was a glider enthusiast off camera. Noted aircraft designer Harland Ross built for him a glider which became known as the Ross RS-1 Zanonia (the RS standing for "Ross Stephens"). Stephens himself organized professional glider competitions in the Southern California area. In 1966 he was inducted into the Soaring Hall of Fame for his work in this sport and later became an instructor for a time at the government glider training school at Wickenburg, Arizona.

Had two children, Peter and Jill, from his second marriage to assistant stage manager Barbara Adams. Adams was 14 years younger than Stephens.