Lee Majors: A Legendary Icon With A Net Worth Of $15 Million

What’s Behind Lee Majors’ $15 Million Net Worth?

Lee Majors, the legendary American actor, has built an impressive net worth of $15 million through a career that spans multiple decades. Known for his unforgettable roles as Heath Barkley in the 1960s TV series "The Big Valley" and Colonel Steve Austin in the iconic 1970s series "The Six Million Dollar Man," Majors became a household name. He continued to captivate audiences in the '80s as Colt Seavers in "The Fall Guy." His talent, charm, and versatility have kept him relevant in the entertainment industry for over half a century.

Early Life: A Rocky Start to an Extraordinary Journey

Lee Majors, born Harvey Lee Yeary on April 23, 1939, in Wyandotte, Michigan, faced unimaginable challenges from the start. Tragically, his father passed away in a work-related accident before he was born, and his mother died in a car crash when he was just a toddler. Despite these early hardships, Majors found a sense of family with his aunt and uncle, who adopted him and moved to Kentucky. There, he excelled in high school athletics, earning accolades for both track and football. His athletic prowess would eventually lead him to college scholarships, setting the stage for his future success.

Athletic Aspirations Cut Short

Majors' athletic career took off when he earned a scholarship to Indiana University. However, he later transferred to Eastern Kentucky University in 1959. His promising sports career came to an abrupt halt in 1960 when a severe back injury during a football game left him paralyzed for two weeks. This life-changing event forced him to reconsider his future plans. Though he dreamed of becoming a football coach, Majors decided to focus on academics and graduated in 1962 with a degree in History and Physical Education. Little did he know, his true calling awaited him elsewhere.

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A Career That Defined Television History

After graduation, Majors briefly considered trying out for the St. Louis Cardinals football team but instead moved to Los Angeles, where he worked as a Recreation Director for North Hollywood Park. It was there that he met James Dean's agent, who encouraged him to take acting classes. Inspired by his childhood hero, Johnny Majors, he changed his name to Lee Majors and embarked on a new journey.

His big break came in 1965 when he landed the role of Heath Barkley in the hit TV western "The Big Valley." This role not only showcased his acting skills but also introduced him to millions of viewers. While still working on "The Big Valley," Majors starred in several made-for-TV movies and was even offered the lead in "Midnight Cowboy." Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts with "The Big Valley" prevented him from accepting the role, which ultimately went to Jon Voight.

After "The Big Valley" ended in 1969, Majors took on smaller roles until he landed the role of a lifetime in 1973. As Steve Austin in "The Six Million Dollar Man," he played a former astronaut turned secret agent with bionic limbs and a robotic eye. The show became a cultural phenomenon, running for five seasons and spawning countless merchandise, including action figures and lunchboxes. The success of "The Six Million Dollar Man" also led to a spin-off, "The Bionic Woman," starring Lindsay Wagner.

Majors wasn't done yet. In 1981, he took on the role of Colt Seavers in "The Fall Guy," a show about a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a bounty hunter. The series ran for five seasons and solidified his status as a television icon. Even in recent years, Majors continued to act, appearing in "The Game" on The CW from 2006 to 2009.

Personal Life: Love and Legacy

Lee Majors' personal life has been as colorful as his career. He has been married four times and has four children. His first marriage was to Katy Robinson from 1961 to 1964, with whom he had one child. His most famous union was with Farrah Fawcett, one of the biggest stars of the 1970s. Their marriage lasted from 1973 to 1982, and together they formed a Hollywood power couple. During their time together, Fawcett adopted Majors' last name, becoming Farrah Fawcett-Majors.

In 1988, Majors married Playboy Playmate Karen Velez. The couple had a daughter and twin sons before divorcing in 1994. Majors found love again in 2002 when he married actress Faith Cross, adding another chapter to his storied life.

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Honors and Legacy: A Star on the Walk of Fame

In recognition of his contributions to television and film, Lee Majors was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 5, 1984. This honor is a testament to his enduring impact on the entertainment industry. Majors' legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and fans alike, cementing his place as one of Hollywood's true icons.