Lee Majors – Biography, Net Worth and Iconic TV Career
Lee Majors, born Harvey Lee Yeary on April 23, 1939, in Wyandotte, Michigan, rose from a tragic childhood to become one of television’s most recognizable action stars. After losing both parents before he turned two, he was adopted by his uncle and aunt and raised in Middlesboro, Kentucky. A football scholarship to Indiana University ended with a severe back injury that left him temporarily paralyzed, but Majors pivoted to acting, moving to Los Angeles and training at MGM. By the mid-1960s, he had landed a breakout role as Heath Barkley on the Western series The Big Valley, setting the stage for a career that would define 1970s pop culture.
Majors is best known for his portrayal of Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man (1974–1978) and Colt Seavers in The Fall Guy (1981–1986). These roles earned him international fame, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and an estimated net worth of $15–$20 million. Now in his late 80s, Majors remains a beloved figure in entertainment, frequently appearing at fan conventions.
Who Is Lee Majors? Biography and Early Life
| Full Name | Harvey Lee Yeary |
| Born | April 23, 1939 (age 86) |
| Birthplace | Wyandotte, Michigan, USA |
| Height | 5′ 11″ (1.80 m) |
| Net Worth (est.) | $15–20 million |
| Notable Roles | The Six Million Dollar Man, The Fall Guy, The Big Valley |
Key Insights
- Lee Majors is best known for his iconic 1970s television roles that defined the action-hero genre.
- He has been married three times, with his most high-profile marriage to Farrah Fawcett (1973–1982).
- Despite his age, he remains active in pop culture through conventions and occasional appearances.
- His son, Lee Majors II, followed him into the entertainment industry as a producer and actor.
- The Six Million Dollar Man franchise continues to generate residual income, contributing to his lasting net worth.
Quick Facts About Lee Majors
| Born Harvey Lee Yeary on April 23, 1939. |
| Rose to fame as Heath Barkley on The Big Valley (1965–1969). |
| Portrayed Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man (1974–1978). |
| Starred as Colt Seavers in The Fall Guy (1981–1986). |
| Married to Farrah Fawcett (1973–1982), Kathy Smith (1961–1964), and Faith Cross (2002–present). |
| Has two children: Lee Majors II (son) and Nikki Majors (daughter). |
| Estimated net worth around $12 million as of 2025. |
Lee Majors’ Family: Spouse, Children, and Daughter
Spouses
Majors has been married four times. His first marriage was to Kathy Robinson in 1961; they divorced in 1965. His second marriage, to actress Farrah Fawcett, lasted from July 28, 1973, to February 16, 1982, and produced no children. In 1988 he married Karen Velez, with whom he had three children before divorcing in 1994. Since November 9, 2002, he has been married to Faith Cross; the couple resides in Houston, Texas.
Children
Majors has four children: Lee Majors II (from his first marriage), Nikki Majors (from his marriage to Karen Velez), and twin sons Dane and Trey (also with Velez). Lee Majors II has worked as a producer and actor.
Lee Majors II is frequently mistaken for the actor himself due to the identical name. He was born during Majors’ first marriage and is not the son of Farrah Fawcett, as sometimes incorrectly reported.
Lee Majors’ Iconic TV Shows and Movies
The Six Million Dollar Man
In 1973, Majors starred in the TV movie The Six Million Dollar Man as Colonel Steve Austin, an ex-astronaut rebuilt with bionic implants. The movie became a weekly series that ran from 1974 to 1978, airing in over 71 countries. Majors reportedly earned $50,000 per episode, the equivalent of about $240,000 in 2014. According to Wikipedia, the series remains a cultural benchmark.
The Fall Guy
From 1981 to 1986, Majors played Colt Seavers, a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a bounty hunter. The show became another hit and cemented his status as a television icon. He revisited the role in a 2024 film reboot cameo. More background is available on the show’s Wikipedia page.
Other Notable Roles
- Heath Barkley on The Big Valley (1965–1969)
- Appearances on The Virginian and Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law
- TV movies such as Agency (1980), High Noon, Part II (1980), The Last Chase (1981), and Starflight (1983)
- Cameo in Scrooged (1988) and a recurring role on Son of the Beach in the 2000s
Lee Majors Net Worth and Earnings
Majors’ net worth is widely estimated between $15 million and $20 million, derived from decades of acting, residuals from The Six Million Dollar Man and The Fall Guy, and paid personal appearances. While exact figures are not publicly confirmed, his iconic status ensures continued income from licensing and nostalgia-driven events. Some sources offer lower estimates of around $10–15 million, reflecting the variability of celebrity net worth calculations.
Like many classic TV stars, Majors benefits from residual payments when his shows are syndicated or streamed. The Six Million Dollar Man franchise remains popular in reruns and home media, providing a steady income stream.
Lee Majors’ Career Timeline: Key Milestones
- : Born in Wyandotte, Michigan
- : First major role as Heath Barkley on The Big Valley
- : Married Farrah Fawcett
- : Premiere of The Six Million Dollar Man
- : Premiere of The Fall Guy
- : Divorced Farrah Fawcett
- : Married Faith Cross
- : Made cameo in The Fall Guy movie reboot (rumored)
- : Continues to attend conventions; still active on Instagram
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Lee Majors?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Lee Majors was born on April 23, 1939. | Exact net worth varies by source (reported between $8 million and $20 million). |
| He starred in The Six Million Dollar Man and The Fall Guy. | Specific earnings per episode for The Six Million Dollar Man are not publicly confirmed. |
| He was married to Farrah Fawcett. | Details about his relationship with his first wife Kathy Smith are sparse. |
| He has a son named Lee Majors II and a daughter named Nikki Majors. | – |
Why Does Lee Majors Remain a Cultural Icon?
Lee Majors remains a cultural touchstone for 1970s television. His portrayal of Steve Austin made bionic technology a household concept, and The Fall Guy cemented his status as a lovable stuntman. Despite his age, he continues to generate interest through nostalgia and social media. According to Wikipedia and IMDb, his career spans over 60 years, and his personal life — including his famous marriage to Farrah Fawcett — remains a point of curiosity. No major controversies or legal issues exist; his legacy is largely positive.
For more profiles of classic Hollywood stars, read Kurt Russell – Biography, Movies, Net Worth and Partner and Leonard Nimoy – Cause of Death, Net Worth and Spock Legacy.
What Do Sources and Colleagues Say About Lee Majors?
“I’ve been very, very lucky. I’ve had a wonderful career.” – Lee Majors in a 2014 interview.
“He was a big star, but he was always very down-to-earth.” – Co-star Richard Anderson.
These quotes, drawn from interviews and archival recordings, reflect the respect Majors earned from peers and fans alike. His Rotten Tomatoes page shows generally favorable reviews for his work, and his official Instagram account offers a glimpse into his current life.
What’s Next for Lee Majors?
Lee Majors is currently retired from regular acting but makes occasional appearances at fan conventions and on social media. There is no confirmed upcoming project as of 2025. Fans may expect a potential cameo in future reboots of his classic shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Lee Majors?
Lee Majors was born on April 23, 1939, making him 86 years old as of 2025.
What is Lee Majors’ height?
Lee Majors is 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) tall.
Who is Lee Majors II?
Lee Majors II is his son, born from his marriage to Farrah Fawcett. He is a producer and actor.
Does Lee Majors have a daughter?
Yes, he has a daughter named Nikki Majors from his first marriage.
Is Lee Majors still alive?
Yes, Lee Majors is alive as of 2025.
What was Lee Majors like when he was young?
He grew up in poverty after losing his father, but became a star athlete and later an actor.
How much is Lee Majors worth?
Estimates range from $10 to $15 million, primarily from his iconic TV roles and residuals.
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