Lee Majors is a renowned American actor celebrated for his iconic roles in television, particularly during the 1960s through the 1980s. He became a household name for his portrayal of Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man, a groundbreaking sci‑fi series that captured audiences with its blend of action and innovation. Majors also earned acclaim for his performances as Heath Barkley in the Western drama The Big Valley and as Colt Seavers in the action-packed series The Fall Guy. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has become a symbol of classic television, admired for his charismatic screen presence and versatile acting.
Early Life and Background
Lee Majors, born Harvey Lee Yeary on April 23, 1939, in Wyandotte, Michigan, faced significant tragedy early in life. His biological father died before he was born in a workplace accident, and his mother passed away in a car accident when he was a toddler. At the age of two, he was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Harvey and Mildred Yeary, and grew up in Middlesboro, Kentucky.
Raised in a close-knit household, Majors developed a strong sense of resilience and determination. Before pursuing acting, he worked as a recreation director in Los Angeles, where he became interested in performing arts. His early career involved studying acting and taking small roles in television and film, which eventually led to his breakthrough. Majors gained recognition for his role as Heath Barkley in The Big Valley (1965–1969) and later became a cultural icon portraying Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man (1973–1978). His rugged charm and versatile acting established him as one of the most enduring figures in American television.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Harvey Lee Yeary |
| Stage Name | Lee Majors |
| Date of Birth | April 23, 1939 |
| Age | 87 years (as of 2026) |
| Place of Birth | Wyandotte, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian (presumed) |
| Parents | Biological father: deceased before his birth; Biological mother: died in car accident; Adoptive parents: Harvey & Mildred Yeary |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1964–present |
| Education | Middlesboro High School; Eastern Kentucky University (History & Physical Education, 1962) |
| Breakthrough Role | Heath Barkley in The Big Valley (1965–1969) |
| Iconic Roles | Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man (1973–1978), Colt Seavers in The Fall Guy (1981–1986) |
| Video Game | Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) — Voice of Mitch Baker |
| Marriages | Kathy Robinson (1961–1964), Farrah Fawcett (1973–1982), Karen Velez (1988–1994), Faith Noelle Cross (2002–present) |
| Children | Lee Majors II, Nikki Loren, Dane Luke, Trey |
| Net Worth | $15 million (as of 2025) |
| Awards & Honors | Hollywood Walk of Fame star, TV Land Award – Superest Super Hero (2003), Golden Apple Life Career Award (2017), Golden Globe nomination, Saturn Award nomination |
Education
Lee Majors completed his early education at Middlesboro High School in Middlesboro, Kentucky, where he excelled in athletics, particularly football and track. After high school, he earned a football scholarship to Indiana University, though he later transferred to Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky.
During his time at Eastern Kentucky, a serious back injury ended his athletic pursuits, prompting him to explore acting. He participated in college theater productions while completing his studies and graduated in 1962 with a degree in history and physical education. Following college, Majors moved to Los Angeles to study acting professionally, training under notable coaches to prepare for his television and film career.
Career
Lee Majors began his acting journey in the mid-1960s with small roles in television and film, including an uncredited part in Strait-Jacket (1964) and guest appearances on shows like Gunsmoke. His breakthrough came in 1965 when he was cast as Heath Barkley in the popular Western series The Big Valley. This role, chosen from over 400 contenders, brought him national recognition and established him as a rising television star.
Following The Big Valley, Majors continued to build his reputation with roles on series such as Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law (1971–1974). His biggest success came in 1973 when he starred as Colonel Steve Austin in the television movie The Six Million Dollar Man. The film’s success led to a weekly series (1974–1978), in which Majors portrayed a former astronaut rebuilt with bionic technology. The character made him an international icon and a defining figure in 1970s pop culture.
In the 1980s, Majors achieved another long-running hit with The Fall Guy (1981–1986), playing Colt Seavers, a Hollywood stuntman who also worked as a bounty hunter. Majors even performed the show’s memorable theme song, The Unknown Stuntman, further cementing his connection with audiences.
Throughout the late 1980s and beyond, Majors reprised his Steve Austin character in several made-for-TV movies and made guest appearances on popular series such as Dallas, Tour of Duty, Weeds, and Raising Hope. He also appeared in feature films and contributed his voice to projects like the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
Spanning over five decades, Lee Majors’ career reflects his versatility and enduring appeal. He is celebrated for his iconic roles in classic television action and drama, leaving a lasting mark on the entertainment industry.
Movies & TV Shows
Television (Selected Roles):
- The Big Valley (1965–1969) — Heath Barkley
- Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law (1971–1974) — Jess Brandon
- The Six Million Dollar Man (1973–1978) — Colonel Steve Austin
- The Fall Guy (1981–1986) — Colt Seavers
- Tour of Duty (1990) — “Pop” Scarlet
- Raven (1992–1993) — Herman “Ski” Jablonski
- Dallas (2013) — Ken Richards
- Raising Hope (2013–2014) — Ralph
- Ash vs Evil Dead (2016–2018) — Brock Williams
- Fuller House (2018) — James
- Magnum P.I. (2019) — Russell Harlan
- Voice roles in G.I. Joe: Renegades (2010) and Thunderbirds Are Go! (2019)
Movies (Selected Roles):
- Will Penny (1968) — Supporting Role
- Killer Fish (1979) — Adventure Thriller
- Agency (1980) — Political Thriller
- The Last Chase (1981) — Sci‑Fi Action
- Scrooged (1988) — Cameo as Himself
- Big Fat Liar (2002) — Supporting Comedy Role
- Do You Believe? (2015) — Drama
- Renegades (2022) — Action Thriller (Carver)
- A Gettysburg Christmas (2023) — Seasonal Role
Video Games:
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) — Voice of Mitch Baker
Personal Life and Family
Lee Majors, born Harvey Lee Yeary, faced early tragedy when both of his biological parents died—his father before his birth and his mother in a car accident when he was a toddler. He was adopted at age two by his aunt and uncle, Harvey and Mildred Yeary, who raised him in Middlesboro, Kentucky.
Marriages and Relationships
Majors has been married four times:
- Kathy Robinson (1961–1964) — They had one son, Lee Majors II.
- Farrah Fawcett (1973–1982) — The Hollywood actress; they had no children together but were one of the era’s most high-profile couples.
- Karen Velez (1988–1994) — A former Playboy Playmate; they had three children together: daughter Nikki Loren and twin sons Dane Luke and Trey.
- Faith Noelle Cross (2002–present) — Actress and model; their marriage has lasted over two decades.
Majors has also had other notable relationships with actresses during his career, including Sally Field and Heather Thomas.
Children
Lee Majors is the father of four children:
- Lee Majors II — with Kathy Robinson
- Nikki Loren — with Karen Velez
- Dane Luke and Trey — twin sons with Karen Velez
His children have pursued careers in entertainment and other fields, with Lee Majors II making appearances in television projects linked to his father’s iconic shows.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Lee Majors has an estimated net worth of $15 million. His wealth comes primarily from a long and successful career in television and film, spanning over five decades. Majors earned significant income from his leading roles in iconic TV series such as The Six Million Dollar Man, The Big Valley, and The Fall Guy.
In addition to acting salaries, he has benefited from syndication deals, residuals, merchandise, and guest appearances. These combined sources have helped maintain his financial stability and reflect his enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
Is Lee Majors Still Alive?
Yes, Lee Majors is still alive. Born on April 23, 1939, he is currently 87 years old (as of 2026). Majors, renowned for his iconic roles in The Six Million Dollar Man, The Big Valley, and The Fall Guy, continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide. While mostly retired from full-time acting, he still makes occasional public appearances, attends fan conventions, and participates in special projects, maintaining his legacy as a beloved figure in television history.
Lee Majors Today
As of 2026, Lee Majors is 87 years old and remains a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry. While largely retired from full-time acting, he continues to make public appearances at fan conventions and special events, connecting with audiences who grew up watching his iconic roles in The Six Million Dollar Man, The Big Valley, and The Fall Guy.
Majors has occasionally reprised his classic characters in cameo appearances, voice roles, and interviews, keeping his legacy alive for both longtime fans and new generations. He enjoys a quiet life with his wife Faith Noelle Cross, and his contributions to television remain widely recognized, securing his status as a lasting icon of American TV history.
Achievements
Lee Majors has enjoyed a long and distinguished career, leaving a lasting mark on television and popular culture. His notable achievements include:
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Honored with a star, recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry.
- TV Land Award – Superest Super Hero (2003): Celebrated for his iconic role as Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man.
- Golden Apple Awards – Life Career Award (2017): Acknowledged for his enduring career in television and film.
- Golden Globe Nomination: Nominated for Best Actor in a Television Series for The Six Million Dollar Man during the 1970s.
- Saturn Award Nomination: Recognized for Best Supporting Actor on Television for his work in Ash vs Evil Dead.
Beyond formal awards, Majors’ achievements include leading three major television series across three decades — The Big Valley, The Six Million Dollar Man, and The Fall Guy — establishing him as a television icon and inspiring generations of fans worldwide.
Legacy and Impact
Lee Majors is widely recognized as a television icon whose work has left a lasting mark on popular culture. His portrayal of Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man became one of the most memorable action-hero characters in TV history, defining the rugged, capable hero archetype of the 1970s.
Majors’ performances helped popularize the concept of “bionic” enhancement — humans improved through technology — which became a cultural phenomenon and inspired later science-fiction franchises. Signature elements from the series, such as slow-motion running and the iconic theme music, remain instantly recognizable and continue to appear in merchandise, parodies, and media references.
Beyond The Six Million Dollar Man, Majors’ roles in The Big Valley and The Fall Guy demonstrated his versatility, blending Western, action, and drama genres to influence the structure and tone of television series for decades. His work has inspired countless actors, while his appearances at conventions and fan events keep his legacy alive for new generations.
Through his enduring career and cultural impact, Lee Majors has become more than an actor; he is a symbol of classic television, innovation in storytelling, and the timeless appeal of the action hero.
Conclusion
Lee Majors’ remarkable career has left an indelible mark on television and popular culture. From his breakout role as Heath Barkley in The Big Valley to his iconic portrayal of Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man and his dynamic performance in The Fall Guy, Majors has demonstrated versatility, charisma, and enduring appeal. Beyond acting, he helped define the action-hero archetype and inspired generations of viewers and performers alike. Even today, his legacy continues through fan admiration, conventions, and media references, securing his place as a true television legend whose impact will be remembered for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lee Majors?
Lee Majors, born Harvey Lee Yeary, is an acclaimed American actor known for iconic television roles such as Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man, Heath Barkley in The Big Valley, and Colt Seavers in The Fall Guy.
When and where was Lee Majors born?
He was born on April 23, 1939, in Wyandotte, Michigan, USA.
How did Lee Majors start his acting career?
Majors began with small television and film roles in the mid-1960s, including guest appearances on Gunsmoke and an uncredited role in Strait-Jacket (1964), before landing his breakthrough as Heath Barkley in The Big Valley (1965–1969).
What are Lee Majors’ most famous TV roles?
He is best known for Heath Barkley (The Big Valley), Colonel Steve Austin (The Six Million Dollar Man), and Colt Seavers (The Fall Guy).
What movies has Lee Majors appeared in?
Selected films include Will Penny (1968), Killer Fish (1979), Agency (1980), The Last Chase (1981), Scrooged (1988), Big Fat Liar (2002), and Renegades (2022).
Is Lee Majors still alive?
Yes, as of 2026, Lee Majors is alive and 87 years old. He occasionally makes public appearances and participates in fan events.
Who has Lee Majors been married to?
He has been married four times: Kathy Robinson, Farrah Fawcett, Karen Velez, and Faith Noelle Cross (2002–present).
Does Lee Majors have children?
Yes, he has four children: Lee Majors II, Nikki Loren, and twins Dane Luke and Trey.
What is Lee Majors’ net worth?
As of 2025, his estimated net worth is $15 million, earned through television, films, syndication deals, and residuals.
Has Lee Majors received any awards or recognition?
Yes, he has a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, TV Land Award for Superest Super Hero, Golden Apple Life Career Award, and nominations for a Golden Globe and Saturn Award.
What is Lee Majors doing today?
He lives a quieter life with his wife Faith Noelle Cross, makes occasional appearances at conventions, and participates in special projects while maintaining his legacy.