Lee Majors is an 86-year-old American actor best known for playing Colonel Steve Austin in “The Six Million Dollar Man” (1973-1978), Heath Barkley in “The Big Valley” (1965-1969), and Colt Seavers in “The Fall Guy” (1981-1986). Born Harvey Lee Yeary in 1939, he became one of television’s most recognizable faces across three decades.
Born in tragedy and raised through determination, Lee Majors transformed himself from an orphaned college football player into one of television’s most enduring icons. His journey from Harvey Lee Yeary to household name represents a distinctly American success story—one that resonates with fans who grew up watching him perform death-defying stunts in slow motion.
From Orphan to Actor: Lee Majors’ Early Life
Harvey Lee Yeary was born on April 23, 1939, in Wyandotte, Michigan. His father died in a work accident five months before his birth, and his mother was killed in a car accident when he was almost seventeen months old. At age two, his uncle and aunt adopted him and moved to Middlesboro, Kentucky.
The young Yeary excelled at Middlesboro High School in both track and football. He earned a scholarship to Indiana University in 1957, then transferred to Eastern Kentucky University after a fraternity house fight. In 1960, he played in his first football game but suffered a severe back injury, which left him paralyzed for two weeks and ended his college athletic career.
This devastating injury redirected his life. He began performing in plays at Pioneer Playhouse in Danville, Kentucky, discovering a new passion. After graduating in 1962 with degrees in history and physical education, he received tryout offers from professional football teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals. Instead, he chose Los Angeles, a hub of American television.
Working as a recreation director for the Los Angeles Parks Department, Majors met James Dean’s former agent, Dick Clayton. Clayton saw potential and invited him to his acting school. After one year of acting school, Clayton felt that Majors was ready to start his career. At this time, he picked up the stage name Lee Majors as a tribute to his childhood hero, Johnny Majors, who was a player and future coach for the University of Tennessee.
The Big Valley Breakthrough (1965-1969)
Majors’ first role came in “Strait-Jacket” (1964), playing Joan Crawford’s cheating husband in a flashback sequence. The part was uncredited, but it opened doors. After appearing in “Gunsmoke” and “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour” in 1965, his big break arrived.
Majors got his big break when he was chosen out of over 400 young actors, including Burt Reynolds, for the co-starring role of Heath Barkley in a new ABC Western series, “The Big Valley,” which starred Barbara Stanwyck.
Heath Barkley was the illegitimate son of the family patriarch, fighting to earn acceptance and respect. The character became a fan favorite, known for his signature phrase “Boy howdy!” The show ran for four seasons and 112 episodes, establishing Majors as a television star.
Barbara Stanwyck became his mentor and friend, guiding him through the challenges of American television. During an interview, Stanwyck said, “There are times in my life I’ve worked with an unknown young actor that I knew had the quality to make it big.” Her prediction proved accurate.
During the series, Majors appeared in Charlton Heston’s film “Will Penny” (1967) and the made-for-television movie “The Ballad of Andy Crocker” (1969), one of the first films addressing Vietnam veterans returning home. He even turned down “Midnight Cowboy” (1969) when “The Big Valley” was renewed—a role that went to Jon Voight.
The Six Million Dollar Man Era (1973-1978)
After “The Big Valley” ended in 1969, Majors signed with Universal Studios, setting the stage for his future in action series. He appeared in “Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law” (1971-1974) as Arthur Hill’s law partner. This steady work led to the role that would define his career.
Major’s co-starring role on “Owen Marshall” led him to a starring role as United States Air Force Colonel Steve Austin, an ex-astronaut with bionic implants in “The Six Million Dollar Man,” a 1973 television film broadcast on ABC.
The premise captured imaginations worldwide. Colonel Steve Austin, nearly killed in a test flight crash, was rebuilt with bionic legs, a bionic arm, and a bionic eye. The famous opening sequence explained it: “We can rebuild him. We have the technology. We can make him better than he was. Better, stronger, faster.”
In exchange for the $6 million operation, Austin became the first of a new “better, stronger, faster” breed of secret agent, capable of running more than 60 miles per hour, demolishing walls with his fist, and seeing in the dark.
ABC turned the successful TV movie into a weekly series in 1974. The series became an international success, being screened in over 71 countries, turning Majors into a pop icon. The show spawned merchandise, action figures, and a cultural phenomenon. Kids everywhere imitated Austin’s slow-motion running accompanied by the iconic electronic sound effects.
Majors directed his first episode in 1975, “One of Our Running Backs Is Missing,” featuring professional football players Larry Csonka and Dick Butkus. He performed approximately 85 percent of his own stunts, a decision that would affect his health for decades.
The show’s success led to the spinoff “The Bionic Woman” (1976-1978), starring Lindsay Wagner as Jamie Sommers, Austin’s girlfriend, who also received bionic implants after a near-fatal accident. The two series dominated ratings, creating television history.
In 1977, contract disputes arose. Majors was fighting to have his own production company, Fawcett Majors Productions, brought on as an independent producer in association with Universal to make the company viable in the competitive landscape of television action series. Studio executives ultimately agreed, but ratings declined. Both “The Six Million Dollar Man” and “The Bionic Woman” were cancelled in 1978.
The character returned for three reunion TV movies between 1987 and 1994, partnering Majors with Lindsay Wagner and Richard Anderson again.
The Fall Guy Success (1981-1986)
Majors didn’t stay away from television long, quickly returning to the spotlight in various action series. Producer Glen A. Larson, who had worked with him on “The Six Million Dollar Man,” approached him with a new concept.
In 1981, Majors returned in “The Fall Guy.” Majors played Colt Seavers, a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a bounty hunter. Majors also sang its theme song, the self-effacing “The Unknown Stuntman.”
The show was pure entertainment. Colt Seavers tracked down criminals using his stunt driving skills and knowledge of Hollywood, all while driving a customized GMC pickup truck. The series ran for five seasons, ending in 1986.
As one of the producers, Majors invited former co-stars to guest star, including Linda Evans, Peter Breck, Lindsay Wagner, and Richard Anderson. The series featured spectacular stunts and maintained family-friendly content—a hallmark of Majors’ career choices.
The majors’ performance of the theme song became memorable. Majors’ theme tune for “The Fall Guy” and “The Unknown Stuntman” refers to Farrah Fawcett, and she made a cameo appearance in the series pilot.
In 2024, “The Fall Guy” was reimagined as a major motion picture starring Ryan Gosling. Majors reunited with Heather Thomas, his co-star from “The Fall Guy” TV series, for cameo appearances in the movie version, in which Ryan Gosling played Majors’ TV series character Colt Seavers.
Personal Life and Marriages
Majors’ romantic life attracted significant media attention, particularly his marriage to actress Farrah Fawcett.
His first marriage was to Kathy Robinson in 1961. They had one son, Lee Majors II (born April 8, 1962), before divorcing in 1964. Lee II later became an actor, appearing alongside his father in “The Fall Guy” and the “Six Million Dollar Man” reunion films.
Majors married Farrah Fawcett in 1973. During the first six years of their marriage, she went by the name of Farrah Fawcett-Majors. Their union created Hollywood’s golden couple. In 1976, they made television history—a husband and wife each starring in separate top-rated shows simultaneously.
The marriage struggled under the weight of their careers. Both worked demanding 14-hour days on their respective hit shows. They separated in 1979 and divorced in 1982. Fawcett died in 2009. Majors later called Fawcett shortly before her death, maintaining their friendship despite decades apart.
An interesting cultural footnote: The song “Midnight Train to Georgia” was inspired by Lee Majors and Farrah Fawcett, showcasing their influence on American television and music. Songwriter Jim Weatherly phoned his friend, Majors, one day, and the call was answered by Fawcett, who told him she was going to visit her mother and was taking “the midnight plane to Houston.” Weatherly used them as inspiration, though he changed the details—swapping genders, changing the plane to a train, and Houston to Georgia.
In 1988, Majors married Karen Velez, a Playboy Playmate. They had three children: daughter Nikki and twin sons Dane and Trey. They divorced in 1994. Karen Velez died on July 2, 2023.
Majors married Faith Noelle Cross on November 1, 2002. They met at a dinner party in Florida in December 1994. Despite their age difference—he was 55, she was 20—they connected immediately. Their first date was at the 1995 Super Bowl. After six years of dating, Majors proposed during a Super Bowl party with a 7.5-carat diamond ring shaped like a football. They married in Positano, Italy, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Their marriage has endured for over two decades.
Health and Later Career
In 2003, Majors underwent heart bypass surgery. The physical demands of decades performing his own stunts took their toll. He’s mentioned needing knee replacement surgery, joking about life imitating art—his bionic character might have predicted his real health needs.
After “The Fall Guy” ended in 1986, Majors took a 10-year break, moving to Florida. He later returned to acting with supporting roles in various projects, marking his presence in the action series genre. His work spans voice acting for video games (Grand Theft Auto: Vice City), appearances in films like “Big Fat Liar” (2002) and “The Brothers Solomon” (2007), and television roles in “Community,” “Weeds,” and “Raising Hope.”
From 2015 to 2017, Majors appeared in “Ash vs Evil Dead” as Brock Williams, father of protagonist Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell). The role showed his range—a completely different character from his action hero persona.
He voiced Jeff Tracy in “Thunderbirds Are Go” (2019) and appeared in a 2018 Honda commercial featuring an animated “Six Million Dollar Man” action figure. Recent projects include “A Gettysburg Christmas” (2023), now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, and upcoming films scheduled for 2025.
Current Life at 86
Lee Majors turned 86 in April 2025, celebrating a long career in American television. He remains active on social media, where he posted: “Another year around the sun…and while the calendar might say 86, I like to think of it more as ’68’ with a few bonus chapters. Grateful for life, love, and all the blessings. Here’s to living well, staying sharp, and aging as the legends do.”
He regularly appears at fan conventions with Lindsay Wagner, meeting the multiple generations of fans his three hit shows created. The Valley Dwellers, a “Big Valley” fan group in the UK, have been writing to him for decades—many now in their sixties and seventies. His convention appearances span Retro Con, Missouri Horror Con, and Fanboy Expo, showcasing his legacy in the action series realm.
Majors owns a Hollywood Walk of Fame star and remains beloved by fans worldwide. His impact on television action programming influenced countless shows that followed, including the television action series “The Fall Guy.” Characters like RoboCop and the Terminator trace their lineage back to Colonel Steve Austin.
In 2024, he surprised fans by appearing in Ryan Gosling’s “The Fall Guy” movie, passing the torch to a new generation while reminding audiences why Colt Seavers became a cultural icon.
Lee Majors’ Lasting Legacy
Three iconic roles across three decades. Each show ran for multiple seasons, solidifying his status in American television history. Each character became part of American pop culture, especially in action series.
Heath Barkley brought complexity to the Western genre. Colonel Steve Austin pioneered the cyborg hero. Colt Seavers celebrated the unsung heroes of Hollywood while delivering pure entertainment.
Majors’ commitment to performing his own stunts added authenticity to his action sequences. His choice to maintain family-friendly content meant multiple generations could enjoy his work. His willingness to sing “The Unknown Stuntman” showed self-awareness and humor.
Beyond the characters, Major’s personal story resonates. Orphaned as a baby. Athletic dreams destroyed by injury. Finding a new path through determination. Building a career that lasted six decades. Maintaining dignity through public relationships and private struggles.
At 86, Lee Majors continues living the values he portrayed on screen: resilience, professionalism, and grace.
FAQs
Is Lee Majors still alive in 2025?
Yes, Lee Majors is alive and active at age 86. He celebrated his birthday in April 2025 and continues making convention appearances and acting in new projects.
How many times has Lee Majors been married?
Lee Majors has been married four times: to Kathy Robinson (1961-1964), Farrah Fawcett (1973-1982), Karen Velez (1988-1994), and Faith Majors (2002-present).
What is Lee Majors’ real name?
His birth name is Harvey Lee Yeary. He adopted the stage name “Lee Majors” after his childhood hero, football coach Johnny Majors of the University of Tennessee.
How old was Lee Majors in The Six Million Dollar Man?
Lee Majors was 34 years old when “The Six Million Dollar Man” premiered as a TV movie in 1973. He was 35 when the weekly series began in 1974 and 39 when it ended in 1978.
Did Lee Majors have children?
Yes, Lee Majors has four children: Lee Majors II (born 1962) from his first marriage, and Nikki, Dane, and Trey from his third marriage to Karen Velez.
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