Who is Harvey Yeary? Actor’s Birth Name Revealed

Who Is Harvey Yeary?

Harvey Yeary, widely known by his stage name Lee Majors, is an iconic American actor born on April 23, 1939, in Wyandotte, Michigan. Raised in Kentucky after losing both parents at a young age, he initially pursued a career in sports before a severe injury led him to acting. Adopting the name Lee Majors, he rose to fame with starring roles in popular TV series such as The Big Valley (1965–1969), The Six Million Dollar Man (1973–1978), and The Fall Guy (1981–1986). Majors’ portrayal of action-oriented, rugged characters made him a beloved figure in television history, and he remains celebrated for his contributions to 1970s and 1980s pop culture.

What Actor’s Birth Name is Harvey Yeary?

Harvey Lee Yeary, later known as Lee Majors, adopted his now-famous stage name as a tribute to Johnny Majors, a football coach and player whom Yeary admired. This name change proved to be a pivotal move in shaping his acting career and public persona.

Lee was not always destined to be an actor. His early life revolved around athletics, where he showed great promise in football and track. However, fate had other plans for him, and a life-changing injury led him down a different path, one that made him a household name in the entertainment industry.

What Is Harvey Yeary’s Ethnicity and Nationality?

Harvey Yeary, born and raised in the United States, is of American nationality. Ethnically, he is White, with his roots tracing back to European ancestry. His parents, Carl and Alice Yeary, both belonged to European descent, although specific details of their heritage have not been widely documented.

After his parents’ untimely deaths, Harvey was raised by his uncle and aunt, Harvey and Mildred Yeary, in Middlesboro, Kentucky. Despite the hardships of losing his biological parents at a young age, his adoptive family provided him with a stable and nurturing environment, helping him overcome adversity.

Harvey Yeary’s Family: All We Know About Him

Harvey Yeary’s early life was marked by tragedy. His father, Carl Yeary, passed away in a work-related accident before Harvey was born. His mother, Alice Yeary, was killed in a car accident when he was just 18 months old. As a result, young Harvey was taken in by his uncle and aunt in Kentucky.

Over the course of his life, Majors married four times and fathered four children. Here’s what we know about his family.

• Kathy Robinson: Majors’ first marriage was to Kathy Robinson in 1961. The couple had one son, Lee Majors II, who followed in his father’s footsteps and entered the entertainment industry. However, this marriage was short-lived and ended in divorce in 1964.
• Farrah Fawcett: Majors’ most publicized marriage was to actress Farrah Fawcett. The two were married from 1973 to 1982, during which time they were considered one of Hollywood’s “It” couples. Their high-profile relationship dominated media headlines, although they did not have any children together.
• Karen Velez: Majors’ third marriage was to former Playboy model Karen Velez, with whom he had three children, Nikki Majors, and twin sons, Dane Luke Majors and Trey Kulley Majors. This marriage lasted from 1988 to 1994.
• Faith Cross: In 2002, Majors married actress and model Faith Noelle Cross. They have remained married since then, although they do not have any children together.

Despite the ups and downs in his personal life, Majors has maintained strong bonds with his children and remains a private yet respected figure in the entertainment world.

Harvey Yeary’s Education

Harvey Yeary grew up in Middlesboro, Kentucky, and attended Middlesboro High School, where he excelled as an athlete. His natural talent for sports, especially football and track, earned him a scholarship to Indiana University. However, his academic journey took a turn when he decided to transfer to Eastern Kentucky University.

While at Eastern Kentucky, Yeary continued to pursue athletics, but his promising football career was cut short by a severe back injury. The injury left him paralyzed for two weeks, ending his dreams of becoming a professional athlete. This life-altering event led him to a new passion—acting. He soon found himself performing in plays at the Pioneer Playhouse in Danville, Kentucky, and after graduating with a degree in history and physical education in 1962, he moved to Los Angeles to chase his new dream.

Harvey Yeary’s Career: From Sports to Stardom

Let’s explore Harvey Yeary’s (Lee Majors’) career in detail.

• Early Struggles and Name Change: After moving to Los Angeles, Majors worked at the Los Angeles Park and Recreation Department while attending acting school. It was during this time that he adopted the stage name “Lee Majors” in tribute to his childhood hero, football coach Johnny Majors.
• Initial Roles: Majors started with small, often uncredited roles. His first break came in 1964 with an uncredited appearance in the Joan Crawford thriller Strait-Jacket.
• Breakthrough Role in The Big Valley (1965–1969): In 1965, Majors landed his first major role as Heath Barkley in the Western TV series The Big Valley. This role catapulted him to stardom, and his rugged, handsome portrayal of a rancher won him a dedicated fanbase.
• Iconic Role in The Six Million Dollar Man (1973–1978): Majors’ career reached its peak with his portrayal of Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man. Playing a former astronaut with bionic implants, Majors became a pop culture icon as the show tapped into the era’s fascination with technology and human enhancement.
• Success in The Fall Guy (1981–1986): Following The Six Million Dollar Man, Majors starred as Colt Seavers, a stuntman and part-time bounty hunter, in the action-packed series The Fall Guy. This role further established him as a television star, thanks to his physicality and charismatic screen presence.
• Later Career: Majors continued working steadily in television and film. He had a recurring role in Tour of Duty (1987–1990) and starred in Raven (1992–1993), portraying a former Special Forces operative.
• Guest Appearances: In his later career, Majors made guest appearances in popular shows like Will & Grace, According to Jim, and Community, often playing versions of himself or characters that referenced his past as an action hero.

What Is Harvey Yeary’s Net Worth?

As of 2024, Lee Majors is estimated to have a net worth of around $15 million. This impressive figure is the result of decades of work in television and film, as well as wise investments over the years. Majors earned significant paychecks during his peak years in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly for his roles in The Six Million Dollar Man and The Fall Guy.

While Majors may no longer be a constant presence on the screen, his legacy remains strong. He is fondly remembered as one of television’s quintessential action stars, and his contribution to the entertainment industry has left an indelible mark.

You May Also Like

• Who is Eddie Rivera? Meet Big Brother’s Brooklyn Rivera’s Husband
• Is Drew Romo Related To Tony Romo?
• Who Is Lee Najjar? Meet Kim Zolciak’s Boyfriend, Big Poppa

Summary

Harvey Lee Yeary, famously known as Lee Majors, is a symbol of resilience and adaptability. From an aspiring athlete to a Hollywood star, Majors rose to fame with iconic roles in The Six Million Dollar Man and The Fall Guy, leaving a lasting mark on pop culture. Despite personal tragedies and a sports career setback, Majors’ determination and talent led him to success in the entertainment world. His journey from small-town Kentucky to Hollywood stardom continues to inspire, and his legacy remains strong.

FAQs Related to The “Who is Harvey Yeary? Actor’s Birth Name”