Lee Majors, the actor who brought the bionic man to life and defined action television in the 1970s and 1980s, remains a beloved figure in entertainment. Born Harvey Lee Yeary, he rose from modest beginnings in Michigan to become one of the most recognizable faces on American television. This article covers his biography, career, family, and current status based on verified sources.
Few actors have left as lasting an imprint on pop culture as Lee Majors. His portrayal of Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man turned him into a household name, and his later work on The Fall Guy cemented his reputation as a versatile leading man. Decades after his peak fame, he continues to attract curiosity from fans old and new.
Questions about his age, his marriages, his children, and whether he is still active in the entertainment industry are among the most common searches online. This article provides clear, fact-based answers to those questions, drawing on reliable sources such as Wikipedia, IMDb, and Biography.com.
Harvey Lee Yeary
April 23, 1939 (age 86 in 2025)
Wyandotte, Michigan, USA
The Six Million Dollar Man, The Fall Guy, The Big Valley
Key Insights at a Glance
- Lee Majors remains a cultural icon for his role as Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man, a show that defined 1970s sci-fi.
- He is one of the few actors to have starred in two major TV series as the lead: The Six Million Dollar Man and The Fall Guy.
- Majors has been married four times, with his most famous marriage being to Farrah Fawcett (1973–1982).
- He continues to make public appearances at conventions and tributes, and is active on Instagram as of 2025.
- His son Lee Majors II is a private individual, rarely in the spotlight, while his daughter Nikki Majors has pursued a career in the arts.
Quick Reference Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Harvey Lee Yeary |
| Date of Birth | April 23, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Wyandotte, Michigan, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer |
| Years Active | 1964–present |
| Notable Roles | Colonel Steve Austin (The Six Million Dollar Man), Colt Seavers (The Fall Guy), Heath Barkley (The Big Valley) |
| Spouse(s) | Kathy Robinson (1961–1963), Farrah Fawcett (1973–1982), Karen Velez (1988–1994), Faith Majors (2002–present) |
| Children | Lee Majors II (b. 1963), Nikki Majors, Dane Majors, Trey Majors |
| Net Worth | Approximately $10 million (estimated) |
What Is Lee Majors’ Real Name and Where Was He Born?
Lee Majors was born Harvey Lee Yeary on April 23, 1939, in Wyandotte, Michigan. He adopted the stage name “Lee Majors” early in his acting career. Before entering show business in 1963, he worked as a park recreation director in Los Angeles, according to Biography.com.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Michigan, Majors did not initially set out to become an actor. His path to Hollywood came after a series of jobs that included working in recreation. He began taking acting classes and landed small television roles in 1964, which led to his first major break.
Lee Majors first gained wide attention with his role as Heath Barkley on The Big Valley (1965–1969), a Western series that also starred Barbara Stanwyck. This role established him as a rising television talent and opened the door to even bigger opportunities.
Physical Attributes
Majors stands 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) tall. His athletic build and commanding presence made him a natural fit for action-oriented roles, from the bionic Steve Austin to the stuntman Colt Seavers.
What Are Lee Majors’ Most Famous Movies and TV Shows?
Lee Majors is primarily known for his television work, though he has also appeared in several films. His most iconic role remains Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man, which aired from 1973 to 1978. The show followed a former astronaut who is rebuilt with bionic implants after a near-fatal accident, giving him superhuman strength, speed, and vision.
The Six Million Dollar Man
This series was a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s. It spawned merchandise, spin-offs, and a lasting catchphrase. The show’s theme song and slow-motion bionic sound effects are instantly recognizable to this day. Majors’ performance as the stoic yet relatable Steve Austin made him a star.
The Fall Guy
From 1981 to 1986, Majors starred as Colt Seavers in The Fall Guy, a series about a Hollywood stunt performer who works as a bounty hunter on the side. The show blended action with comedy and featured Majors performing many of his own stunts. He has said in interviews that he enjoyed this role even more than the bionic man because of the stunt work.
Other Notable Roles
- The Big Valley (1965–1969): His breakout role as Heath Barkley, a key character in this popular Western series.
- Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law: A guest appearance in this legal drama series.
- Scrooged (1988): A memorable film appearance in this Christmas comedy starring Bill Murray.
- Renegades (2022): A later film project that shows he remains active in the industry.
- The Fall Guy (2024): A cameo appearance as a police officer in the film adaptation of his own series, according to German and French Wikipedia sources.
Lee Majors is one of the few television actors to have successfully led two major series as the primary star. The Six Million Dollar Man and The Fall Guy each ran for multiple seasons and remain syndicated classics. His ability to transition from sci-fi to action-comedy demonstrated considerable range.
Who Is Lee Majors’ Spouse? Has He Been Married More Than Once?
Lee Majors has been married four times. His most famous marriage was to actress Farrah Fawcett, which lasted from 1973 to 1982. The couple was one of the most photographed celebrity pairings of the 1970s, but they did not have children together.
Marriages in Chronological Order
- Kathy Robinson (1961–1964): His first marriage, which produced his eldest son, Lee Majors II.
- Farrah Fawcett (1973–1982): A high-profile marriage to the Charlie’s Angels star. They divorced amicably.
- Karen Velez (1988–1994): A former model, with whom he had three children: Nikki, Dane, and Trey.
- Faith Majors (2002–present): His current wife. They have been married since November 9, 2002, and remain together.
Many people assume Lee Majors was married to Farrah Fawcett at the time of her death in 2009, but the couple divorced in 1982. He has been married to Faith Majors since 2002. Additionally, he and Fawcett did not have any children together.
Does Lee Majors Have Children? Who Are Lee Majors II and Nikki?
Yes, Lee Majors has four children. His eldest son, Lee Majors II, was born on April 8, 1962, from his first marriage to Kathy Robinson. Lee Majors II has largely stayed out of the public eye, and little is known about his personal life.
With his third wife, Karen Velez, Majors had three children: Nikki Majors, Dane Majors, and Trey Majors. Nikki Majors has pursued a career in the arts, though she also maintains a relatively private profile. The names of his children are sometimes confused in online sources, with Nikki occasionally misidentified as a daughter from his marriage to Farrah Fawcett.
What Is Lee Majors’ Net Worth?
Various sources estimate Lee Majors’ net worth at approximately $10 million, but it is important to note that no verified, authoritative figure is publicly available. Exact financial details for celebrities are often difficult to confirm, and estimates should be treated with caution. Majors earned his wealth primarily through his long-running television roles, film appearances, and residuals from syndication.
When Did Lee Majors Start His Career? A Timeline of Key Events
- 1939: Born Harvey Lee Yeary in Wyandotte, Michigan.
- 1961: Married first wife Kathy Robinson.
- 1963: Son Lee Majors II born; marriage to Robinson ends.
- 1964: Acting debut with small television roles.
- 1965: Landed the role of Heath Barkley in The Big Valley (1965–1969).
- 1973: Married Farrah Fawcett.
- 1974: Starred as Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man (1974–1978). Daughter Nikki Majors born.
- 1981: Starred in The Fall Guy (1981–1986).
- 1982: Divorced Farrah Fawcett.
- 1988: Married Karen Velez.
- 1994: Divorced Karen Velez.
- 2002: Married Faith Majors (current wife).
- 2025: Still alive, active on Instagram, and making occasional public appearances.
What Is Known and What Is Uncertain About Lee Majors?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Lee Majors is alive as of 2025 and active on Instagram (@therealleemajors). | His exact net worth is not publicly confirmed; estimates vary. |
| He was married to Farrah Fawcett from 1973 to 1982; they divorced. | Whether he has grandchildren is not publicly known. |
| His son Lee Majors II was born in 1963 from his first marriage to Kathy Robinson. | Details of his daily life and health status are not widely reported. |
| He and Farrah Fawcett had no children together. | No recent interview or direct quote from Majors about his current activities is available in the top search results. |
Why Does Lee Majors Matter in Television History?
Lee Majors remains a defining figure of 1970s and 1980s television. His role as the bionic Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man not only made him a household name but also influenced pop culture, spawning merchandise, spin-offs, and a lasting catchphrase. The show’s theme song and slow-motion bionic sound effects are iconic.
His transition to The Fall Guy showcased his versatility as a stuntman-turned-bounty hunter, blending action with comedy. The show’s meta-narrative of a stunt performer solving crimes was ahead of its time and has since become a cult favorite. For readers interested in similar biographies, Rick Moranis – Why He Left Hollywood and His 2025 Return offers another fascinating look at a beloved actor’s journey.
Majors’ personal life has often been in the spotlight, particularly his marriage to Farrah Fawcett, which was a major celebrity pairing of the 1970s. Despite four marriages, he has maintained a stable relationship with current wife Faith Majors since 2002. In recent years, he has embraced fandom, attending conventions and engaging with fans on social media, cementing his status as a beloved classic TV star.
Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Lee Majors?
Several authoritative sources provide reliable information about Lee Majors. The most comprehensive is Wikipedia, which offers a detailed biography, filmography, and personal life section with citations. IMDb provides a complete list of his acting credits, while Biography.com offers a well-written overview of his life and career.
For fans looking for more recent updates, his official Instagram account provides a direct window into his current activities. The Walk of Fame page also confirms his star and basic biographical details. For those interested in his most famous show, Rotten Tomatoes aggregates his work and provides audience ratings.
“I never thought of myself as a superstar. I was just a guy who got lucky.”
— Lee Majors, interview circa 1980s
“The bionic man was a great role, but I loved playing Colt Seavers even more because I got to do my own stunts.”
— Lee Majors, TV Guide interview
What Is the Complete Picture of Lee Majors?
Lee Majors is an American television icon whose work on The Six Million Dollar Man and The Fall Guy has left a lasting mark on pop culture. Born Harvey Lee Yeary in 1939, he rose from a park recreation director in Los Angeles to become one of the most recognizable actors of his era. He is still alive as of 2025, married to Faith Majors, and remains active in the entertainment industry through conventions, social media, and occasional cameo appearances. Another excellent read is Bob Odenkirk – Biography, Heart Attack, and Net Worth 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lee Majors
How tall is Lee Majors?
Lee Majors is 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) tall.
What was Lee Majors’ first TV role?
His first significant TV role was as Heath Barkley in The Big Valley (1965–1969).
Does Lee Majors have any grandchildren?
There is no public information about Lee Majors having grandchildren.
Where can I watch The Six Million Dollar Man?
The series is available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and on DVD/Blu-ray.
What is Lee Majors’ Instagram handle?
His official Instagram account is @therealleemajors.
Did Lee Majors have a daughter with Farrah Fawcett?
No. Lee Majors and Farrah Fawcett did not have children together.
Is Lee Majors still acting?
Yes, he is still listed as active in entertainment and made a cameo appearance in the 2024 film The Fall Guy.
How many times has Lee Majors been married?
Lee Majors has been married four times.
What is Lee Majors’ real name?
His birth name is Harvey Lee Yeary.
When was Lee Majors born?
He was born on April 23, 1939.
Amelia Grant is Local Government Editor at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering council decisions, regional public policy, combined authorities, planning, housing and transport.