You know Lee Majors as that guy who did that iconic slow-motion run. The guy who was a bionic superhero with superhuman strength on TV in the ’70s. But here’s what’s interesting. The real Lee Majors’ net worth is estimated to be around $15 million, far less than six million dollars adjusted for inflation. Not bad, still, for a man who began life as Harvey Lee Yeary from Wyandotte, Michigan.
The tale of how Majors made his fortune is not simply about landing one hit show. It’s about making smart decisions over 50 years, getting through the ups and downs of Hollywood and learning how to turn TV fame into true long-term wealth.
From Rough Start to Hollywood
Lee’s early life was rough. His father was killed in a workplace accident before he was born. His mom died in a car accident when he was barely two. He was ultimately adopted by his aunt and uncle in Kentucky. Not quite the Hollywood opening you might assume.
What saved him was sports. The man was a very good runner and football player. Got himself a scholarship to Indiana. But then he hurt his back, and that was about the end of his athletic career before it began. So he relocated to Los Angeles to try to figure out what came next.
Then one day, everything changed when he met James Dean’s agent. The agent suggested acting classes. Majors heeded the advice, adopted a new name, Lee Majors (after a football coach, Johnny Majors, his boyhood hero), and started auditioning.
The Big Valley Break
He had his first big break in 1965. He won the role of Heath Barkley in ABC’s western series “The Big Valley” over more than 400 actors, among them Burt Reynolds. That series lasted four seasons and put him on the map.
The star of the show, Barbara Stanwyck, gave him some advice that he followed for the rest of his career. “Get there on time, know your lines, hit your mark and keep your mouth shut.” Simple. Effective.
When “The Big Valley” ended in 1969, Universal Studios signed him to a long-term contract. He also acted in films, including “The Liberation of L.B. Jones” and various other series. But it was nothing compared to what came next.
The Six Million Dollar Man
In 1973, he was cast in the role of Colonel Steve Austin on “The Six Million Dollar Man”. The show exploded, turning into a monster hit. It aired in 70 countries. Children everywhere wanted the action figures and lunchboxes. The show turned Majors into a global household name.
In the series’ heyday, Majors was making as much as $50,000 per episode. Adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly $240,000 per episode today. Not bad for the ’70s. The show lasted until 1978 and should have guaranteed him financial comfort for the rest of his life.
But there was a complication. Majors held a contract that reportedly entitled him to 15% of the show’s net profits. That all sounds very good unless you know that Hollywood accounting can make profitable shows look like they lost money.
In 2003, Majors sued Universal Television Group for never having paid him what he was due. The case turned messy, involving claims about breach of contract and fraud.
The Farrah Years
Majors was married to Farrah Fawcett from 1973 to 1982. They were essentially Hollywood royalty at that time. She had “Charlie’s Angels.” He had “The Six Million Dollar Man.” They were everywhere.
Fawcett had even gone by Farrah Fawcett-Majors during their marriage. But being two massive stars with crazy schedules? That’s tough on any relationship. They split in 1982. In 1988, Majors wed Playboy Playmate Karen Velez. The couple had three children: a daughter and twin sons. They divorced in 1994.
How Old Is Lee Majors Wife Now?
Majors married actress and model Faith Cross in 2002. They’d been dating since 1995. Faith Majors was born on September 6, 1974, which makes her 51 years old as of December 2025. That means there’s a 35-year age gap between them, but they’ve been together for over 20 years already. She’s also president of Majors Production Company, so it’s not as if she is just waiting around.
Faith Majors’ net worth is approximately $4 million thanks to her modeling, acting and business ventures. With Lee’s $15 million, they’re doing all right.
The Fall Guy Era
After “The Six Million Dollar Man” went off the air, Majors could have disappeared. Instead, he followed that with another hit: “The Fall Guy”, which aired from 1981 to 1986. He portrayed Colt Seavers, a Hollywood stuntman who works as a bounty hunter in his downtime. The theme song of the show, which Majors himself sang, became almost as well known as the show.
That’s another five years of steady work and income.” And more crucially, yet another series is heading into syndication, meaning that he’ll keep receiving royalty checks.
Where Does Lee Majors Live These Days?
The Lee Majors house situation has changed over the years. He’s owned property in Malibu, Fort Lauderdale, and Beverly Hills. His Malibu place was reportedly 3,000 square feet with five bedrooms and four bathrooms.
California real estate has been smart for him. Property values have skyrocketed over the decades. Even if he’s sold some places, the appreciation likely added significantly to his wealth.
How the Money Actually Works
So where does $15 million come from? Multiple streams. Syndication royalties from both his big shows still bring in money. Those shows air worldwide and on streaming platforms.
He’s done guest appearances recently. Showed up in “Ash vs. Evil Dead” and had a cameo in the 2024 “Fall Guy” movie with Ryan Gosling. Fan convention appearances pay well. Licensing his image for merchandise brings cash.
Real estate investments have been solid. And he’s avoided the financial disasters that hit other stars from his era. No massive tax problems. No bankruptcies.
Still Working at 86
Here’s the thing. The guy’s 86 and still taking roles. Not because he has to, but because he wants to. “I’m still working,” he said recently. “What else are you going to do?”
That work ethic probably explains why Lee Majors’ net worth has held steady. He didn’t blow all his money in the ’70s and ’80s. He kept working. He made smart property investments. He diversified income.
Compare that to some contemporaries who ended up broke. Majors figured out the game early.
The Real Story
Lee Majors’ net worth of $15 million isn’t flashy by today’s standards. There are TikTokers worth more. But Majors built his wealth the old way through consistent work, smart investments, and avoiding major screw-ups.
He’s got four marriages behind him, including one to Farrah Fawcett. He’s survived career ups and downs. He has fought Hollywood accounting and lawsuits. But at 86, he’s comfortable, working when he feels like it, living life on his own terms.
Not bad for a Michigan kid who lost both parents before he could walk. The Six Million Dollar Man may have been make-believe, but that real fortune Lee Majors amassed? That’s all real, earned one role at a time.
