Lee Majors
- Apr 22, 1939
- 4 min read
DOB: April 23, 1939 | Birthplace: Wyandotte, Michigan | Profession: Actor
Lee Majors is an American actor and producer best known for his role as Colonel Steve Austin in the science-fiction action series The Six Million Dollar Man (1973–1978). His portrayal of the bionic ex-astronaut, combined with his rugged charm, made him a pop culture icon, with the series airing in over 70 countries. Majors also gained fame for roles in The Big Valley (1965–1969) and The Fall Guy (1981–1986).
Early Life
Lee Majors was born Harvey Lee Yeary on April 23, 1939, in Wyandotte, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. His father, Carl Yeary, died in a work accident before his birth, and his mother, Alice Yeary, was killed in a car accident when he was 17 months old. At age two, Majors was adopted by his paternal uncle and aunt, Harvey and Mildred Yeary, and moved with them to Middlesboro, Kentucky. He excelled in track and football at Middlesboro High School, graduating in 1957. Majors played football at Indiana University (1957–1958) before transferring to Eastern Kentucky University, where he earned degrees in history and physical education in 1962. A severe back injury during college football ended his NFL aspirations, leading him to pursue acting.
Career Beginnings
Majors began his acting career at 25, adopting the stage name Lee Majors as a tribute to his childhood hero, University of Tennessee football player and coach Johnny Majors. After moving to Los Angeles, he worked as a recreation director while studying acting with Estelle Harmon at MGM and Dick Clayton, a former agent of James Dean. His first role was an uncredited part in the horror film Strait-Jacket (1964), followed by a credited role in a 1965 episode of Gunsmoke and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (“The Monkey’s Paw – A Retelling”). His early work showcased his physicality and charisma, paving the way for his breakout role.
Breakthrough with The Big Valley
In 1965, Majors was cast as Heath Barkley in the ABC Western series The Big Valley (1965–1969), beating out over 400 actors, including Burt Reynolds. Playing the illegitimate son of a ranching family alongside Barbara Stanwyck, whom he credited as a mentor, Majors appeared in 112 episodes, gaining widespread recognition. The role, mirroring his own adoption, marked his rise to stardom and led to a long-term contract with Universal Studios.
Film and Television Roles
Beyond The Big Valley, Majors starred as Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man (1973–1978), a role that made him a global icon. He reprised the character in several TV movies and directed an episode of the series. He played Colt Seavers, a stuntman-turned-bounty hunter, in The Fall Guy (1981–1986), also singing the theme song, “The Unknown Stuntman,” a minor country hit. Other notable roles include The Virginian (1970–1971), Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law (1971–1974), Scrooged (1988), and Ash vs Evil Dead (2016–2018) as Brock Williams. He voiced characters in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) and Thunderbirds Are Go (2019) and made a cameo in the 2024 The Fall Guy film.
Personal Life
Majors has been married four times: to Kathy Robinson (1961–1964), with whom he has one son, Lee Majors II; to actress Farrah Fawcett (1973–1982), a high-profile marriage that drew intense media attention; to Karen Velez (1988–1994), with whom he has a daughter, Nikki, and twin sons, Dane and Trey; and to actress and model Faith Cross (2002–present). He underwent heart bypass surgery in 2003 and is known for his love of classic cars and philanthropy, supporting various causes. Majors splits his time between homes in California and vacation properties.
Top 10 Films/TV Shows
The Big Valley (1965–1969) — Heath Barkley
The Six Million Dollar Man (1973–1978) — Colonel Steve Austin
The Fall Guy (1981–1986) — Colt Seavers
Scrooged (1988) — Supporting Role
The Ballad of Andy Crocker (1969) — Andy Crocker
Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law (1971–1974) — Jess Brandon
The Virginian (1970–1971) — Roy Tate
High Noon, Part II: The Return of Will Kane (1980) — Will Kane
Ash vs Evil Dead (2016–2018) — Brock Williams
Ben 10: Race Against Time (2007) — Grandpa Max
Honors and Recognitions
Majors was nominated for a Golden Globe for The Six Million Dollar Man in 1977. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984 for his contributions to television. His role as Steve Austin earned him a place on TV Guide’s list of the “25 Greatest Sci-Fi Legends” in 2004, alongside The Bionic Woman’s Jaime Sommers. His work in The Fall Guy and The Six Million Dollar Man continues to influence pop culture, with references in media like The Simpsons and the Beastie Boys’ song “Lee Majors Come Again.”
Conclusion
Lee Majors’s portrayal of Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man redefined the sci-fi action hero, blending strength with vulnerability, and his work in The Fall Guy showcased his versatility. With a career spanning television, film, and voice acting, he remains a beloved figure in entertainment, celebrated for his enduring contributions to iconic TV series.
About the Author
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