Lee Majors, one of television’s most recognizable action stars, is very much alive as of 2025. With a career spanning over six decades, he remains a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and talent in the entertainment world. While public appearances have become less frequent, his legacy continues to influence generations of actors and fans alike. This article takes a closer look at his life, health status, and ongoing legacy—offering an accurate, well-structured overview for readers who want to know the truth about this enduring star.
Who Is Lee Majors?
Lee Majors was born as Harvey Lee Yeary on April 23, 1939, in Wyandotte, Michigan. His early life was marked by tragedy. He lost both of his parents in separate accidents before the age of two. Raised by relatives in Kentucky, Majors channeled his energy into athletics and earned a football scholarship. He attended Indiana University before transferring to Eastern Kentucky University, where he sustained a back injury that ended his dreams of becoming a professional athlete.
After recovering, Majors shifted his focus to acting. He moved to Los Angeles and studied at Estelle Harman’s acting school, where he honed his craft alongside future Hollywood stars. His athletic build and on-screen charisma quickly landed him roles, and he made his official acting debut in the 1960s.
Rise to Fame with “The Big Valley”
Lee Majors’ first major role came in 1965 when he was cast as Heath Barkley in the Western television series The Big Valley. Starring alongside Barbara Stanwyck, Majors portrayed a rugged and resourceful character who was revealed to be the illegitimate son of the family patriarch. The role introduced him to American households and earned him recognition as a serious and talented actor.
This series laid the foundation for his action-hero image, which would define his most iconic roles in the decades that followed.
The Six Million Dollar Man: A Television Phenomenon
Majors achieved international stardom when he starred as Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man, a science fiction action series that aired from 1974 to 1978. The show followed a former astronaut who is rebuilt with bionic implants after a devastating crash. Equipped with enhanced strength, speed, and vision, Steve Austin worked as a secret agent for the U.S. government.
The series was a massive hit. It captured imaginations across the globe and helped define the genre of science fiction television. Majors’ performance combined strength, vulnerability, and intelligence, earning him admiration from both audiences and critics.
The show also spawned multiple television movies and spin-offs, further solidifying his place in pop culture history.
Continued Success with “The Fall Guy”
Following the success of The Six Million Dollar Man, Majors returned to television in the 1980s with another major hit—The Fall Guy. In this series, he played Colt Seavers, a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a bounty hunter. The show blended action, humor, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood life, and it ran from 1981 to 1986.
Majors not only acted in the series but also performed many of his own stunts. His portrayal of a rough-and-tumble hero once again appealed to viewers and strengthened his status as a reliable, tough, and likable star.
Health and Personal Life: Challenges and Resilience
As of 2025, Lee Majors is alive and celebrating his 86th year. Like many individuals in their later years, he has faced health issues, including undergoing heart bypass surgery in 2003. Despite this, he has remained active in select public appearances, interviews, and fan conventions.
Majors’ personal life includes four marriages, the most notable being to actress Farrah Fawcett, whom he married in 1973. The couple was considered a Hollywood power pair before their separation in 1979 and divorce in 1982. Since 2002, Majors has been married to Faith Noelle Cross, and the two reside in Houston, Texas.
Over the years, Majors has maintained a level of privacy regarding his personal health but continues to express gratitude to fans through occasional public messages and appearances.
Professional Work in Later Years
Even as he entered his 70s and 80s, Majors remained involved in the entertainment industry. He made guest appearances on various popular shows including Will & Grace, Cold Case, Community, and Ash vs. Evil Dead. These roles often played off his iconic action-hero persona, showing his willingness to embrace his legacy while also demonstrating a sense of humor.
Majors has also appeared in voiceover roles and smaller film projects, choosing work that reflects his values and passions. His continued involvement has allowed him to connect with newer generations while remaining relevant to longtime fans.
The Legacy of Lee Majors
Lee Majors’ impact on television is far-reaching. He helped define a generation of TV action heroes and influenced the portrayal of strong, silent types with a moral code. His performances in The Six Million Dollar Man and The Fall Guy created lasting impressions and set a standard for action and science fiction shows.
Moreover, his ability to remain relevant over several decades speaks to his adaptability and enduring appeal. While many actors peak early and fade away, Majors’ career shows a pattern of reinvention, passion, and consistency.
His work also paved the way for more diverse and complex characters in action television. Modern shows that feature technologically enhanced protagonists or high-stakes stunt-based stories owe a debt to Majors’ foundational work.
Public Perception and Cultural Importance
Despite the passage of time, Lee Majors is still remembered fondly by fans and industry peers. He is often cited in retrospectives on classic television and continues to be celebrated at fan events and conventions. His contributions are not just nostalgic; they remain relevant in the context of storytelling, representation of masculinity, and television history.
Younger actors often refer to Majors as a source of inspiration. His roles presented men who were not only physically strong but also emotionally complex. These depictions helped challenge narrow portrayals of masculinity in media during the 1970s and 1980s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lee Majors still alive?
Yes, as of 2025, Lee Majors is alive and recently celebrated his 86th birthday.
What is Lee Majors best known for?
He is best known for his roles as Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man and Colt Seavers in The Fall Guy.
What is his current health status?
While he has undergone medical treatments in the past, such as heart bypass surgery, Majors is currently doing well and continues to make occasional public appearances.
Is he still working in television or film?
Though not as active as during his peak, Majors still takes on select roles in television and film, often appearing in guest roles or as a nod to his iconic status.
Where does he live now?
Lee Majors resides in Houston, Texas, with his wife Faith Noelle Cross.