Dennis Weaver was an American Actor. He was prominent for his work in both television and film from the 1950s to early 2000s.
Dennis Weaver Net Worth
Dennis Weaver’s net worth at his death was $16 million. He got this through his long career as an actor and TV personality.
Two of his most popular roles were as Marshal Matt Dillon’s trusty partner Chester Goode/Proudfoot on the CBS western “Gunsmoke” from 1955 to 1964 and as Deputy Marshal Sam McCloud on the NBC police drama “McCloud” from 1970 to 1977.
He also served as the former president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1973 to 1975.
A year before his death,Weaver sold a property in Colorado for $4.5 million and a property in Malibu for $5 million.
Personal Life
Dennis Weaver was born June 4, 1924, in Joplin, Missouri. HIs parents are Walter Leon “Doc” Weaver and Lenna Leora. Since he was a child, he aspired to be an actor. Their family lived in Shreveport, Louisiana, for a number of years and in Manteca, California for a short time.
He attended Joplin Junior College, then transferred to the University of Oklahoma where he studied drama. At the University, he was also a track athlete and even set multiple records.
In World War II, he was a pilot in the United States Navy. After the war, Weaver married his childhood Steward Gerry Stowell and they had three sons together.
He tried out for the 1948 Olympic trials and placed sixth in the decathlon. However, only the top three made Team USA and traveled to London to compete.
He decided to live in New York and try his hand at acting.
He had been a vegetarian since 1958 and a Democrat all his life. Dennis Weaver passed away on February 24, 2006 at 81 years old.
Professional Career
Dennis Weaver got his first Broadway gig as an understudy to Lonny Chapman as Turk Fisher in “Come Back, Little Sheba.” He took over the role eventually. He then enrolled in Actors Studio. When he was starting out as an actor, he supported his family by doing several jobs including delivering flowers and selling pantyhose.
He met Shelly Winters in Actors Studio and she helped him get a contract with Universal Records. His first film was “The Redhead from Wyoming.” After, he got his big break when he portrayed Chester Goode in the television series “Gunsmoke.” He received an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1959 for his portrayal.
In 1971, he starred in “Duel,” which is the debut film of Steven Spielberg.
He played many characters before he landed the lead role of NBC’s “McCloud,” for which he received two Emmy Award nominations.
Aside from the mentioned shows and films, he has over 100 credits under his name. He was active until the early 2000s.
He was given a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions in the industry.
Dennis Weaver Relationship Status
Dennis Weaver married Gerry Stowell, his childhood sweetheart, after World War II. They had three sons – Richard, Robert, and Rustin Weaver.
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