Lee Majors

Synopsis of Lee Majors

Lee Majors, born on April 23, 1939, in Wyandotte, Michigan, is a celebrated American actor best known for his roles in iconic TV series such as The Big Valley and The Fall Guy. His portrayal of Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man cemented his status as a cult favorite. Before entering show business in 1963, Majors worked as a park recreation director for the City of Los Angeles.

Early Life

Born Harvey Lee Yeary III, Majors faced tragedy early in life. His father passed away in a steel mill accident shortly before his birth, and his mother was killed by a drunk driver when Majors was just 18 months old. Raised by his aunt and uncle, he discovered his adoption during his teenage years after uncovering newspaper clippings about his parents’ deaths. Instead of being overwhelmed by the news, Majors committed to making his adoptive parents proud, saying, “I set out to prove myself.”

A natural athlete, Majors attended Indiana University on a football scholarship before transferring to Eastern Kentucky State College (now Eastern Kentucky University). His promising sports career was cut short by a severe back injury that temporarily left him paralyzed. Though he recovered, this experience shifted his focus away from sports. Majors graduated in 1962 with a degree in physical education, but a growing passion for acting began to take shape.

During his college years, Majors married Kathy Robinson, and their son, Lee, was born in 1962. In 1963, the family moved to Los Angeles, where Majors took a job with the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks. However, as he pursued his acting career, his marriage faced challenges, leading his wife and son to return to Kentucky.

Early Career

Lee Majors began his acting career in Los Angeles, where he trained under renowned coach Estelle Harmon at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. Early on, he was touted as the “new James Dean,” which helped him secure several minor roles. His big break came with his role in the TV Western The Big Valley (1965–1969).

Working alongside industry icon Barbara Stanwyck in The Big Valley was a formative experience for Majors. As he recalled in a 2013 interview with Fox News, Stanwyck “took me under her wing. She was a disciplinarian and taught me. The main thing was to be on time, know your lines, hit your mark, and keep your mouth shut.” This mentorship helped him refine his craft and navigate the demands of Hollywood.

‘The Six Million Dollar Man’

After The Big Valley, Majors appeared in other television projects, including The Virginian and Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law. However, it was his role as Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man that catapulted him to stardom. The 1973 TV movie, which followed Austin’s transformation into a bionic government agent after a near-fatal accident, was a resounding success and led to a series that ran from 1974 to 1978. The show became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying Majors’ status as a household name.

Later Career

Following his success with The Six Million Dollar Man, Majors found another hit with The Fall Guy (1981–1986), where he played a Hollywood stuntman who worked as a bounty hunter to make ends meet. His portrayal resonated with audiences and added to his action-hero legacy.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Majors reprised his iconic role as Steve Austin in several TV movies, demonstrating his enduring appeal. He continued to act consistently in the decades that followed, with appearances in popular shows such as The Game, Weeds, and Raising Hope. In 2013, he reunited with his Six Million Dollar Man co-star, Linda Gray, on the hit show Dallas.

Personal Life

Majors has been married four times. His first marriage was to actress Kathy Robinson in 1961, with whom he had a son, Lee Majors II, before their divorce in 1964.

In 1973, Majors married actress Farrah Fawcett, then rising to fame for her role in Charlie’s Angels. Their marriage became a fixture in Hollywood gossip, but the couple separated in 1979 and divorced in 1982. Fawcett passed away on June 25, 2009.

Majors’ third marriage was to former Playboy model Karen Velez, with whom he had three children: daughter Nikki, and twin sons Dane and Trey. They divorced in 1994. In 2002, Majors married his fourth wife, Faith Cross, and the couple now resides in Houston, Texas.

In 2003, Majors underwent heart surgery to repair a blocked artery, marking a significant moment in his later life. Despite health challenges, he remains active in the industry, continuing a career that spans decades.