Lee Majors: The Life, Career, and Marriage to Farrah Fawcett

When you grew up watching a man in a red tracksuit outrun explosions or a wealthy widower seek justice with a superhuman arm, you rarely stop to think about the actual life behind the face. But Lee Majors, the man who became a television icon, has a life story that is just as dramatic, and at times more surprising, than any scripted drama.

Born: April 23, 1939  |  Age: 85  |  Known For: The Six Million Dollar Man, The Fall Guy  |  Marriages: 3

The Man Behind the Icon: A Biographical Snapshot

Lee Majors is often defined by his two most famous roles—Colonel Steve Austin and Colt Seavers—but the legal name on his birth certificate is entirely different. He was born Harvey Lee Yeary in 1939, a name he kept until he entered the acting world. This section lays out the core facts of his personal life, from his birth in the Midwest to his long career in the public eye.

The pattern is clear: the man behind the characters lived a life as layered as any script he performed.

Their paths crossed at the height of 1970s fame, and the marriage between Lee Majors and Farrah Fawcett was a cultural phenomenon. But the details surrounding its rise and fall are often misunderstood. This section answers the most pressing questions about their relationship, his family, and his life after Fawcett.

Why did Farrah Fawcett leave Lee Majors?

Farrah Fawcett filed for separation from Lee Majors in 1979, with the divorce finalized in 1982. While the exact reasons for the split remain a private matter sparking speculation, the pressures of two massive, competing careers are often cited as a contributing factor. As one analysis from Wikipedia notes, the union ended amidst rumors and the strain of their respective stardoms, but the couple never publicly detailed a single, specific cause.

The decision to separate was a defining moment for both stars, marking the end of an era for the “It” couple of the 1970s. They never had children together, and the split was surprisingly amicable given the intense media scrutiny.

“She was a wonderful person and a great actress.” — Lee Majors on Farrah Fawcett after her death (Biography.com)

What to watch: The narrative around their divorce often focuses on Majors’s desire for a traditional wife and Fawcett’s skyrocketing success. While her career was ascending to unprecedented levels after “Charlie’s Angels,” Majors was still a major star himself, creating a competitive dynamic that reportedly complicated their personal life.

Did Farrah Fawcett regret leaving Lee Majors?

Farrah Fawcett never publicly stated regret about the divorce, though she and Majors remained on civil terms. She later entered a long-term relationship with Ryan O’Neal that lasted until her death in 2009. The implication is that while the marriage ended, it was part of a larger life story for both stars.

Who was Farrah Fawcett’s true love?

Farrah Fawcett spent nearly three decades with Ryan O’Neal, who was present at her deathbed in 2009. Though they never married, O’Neal was her partner through her battle with cancer. Majors has acknowledged that Fawcett found a lasting connection with O’Neal, even as he maintained respect for her memory.

Did Lee Majors really date Farrah Fawcett?

Yes, they were not just dating; they were a married couple. Lee Majors and Farrah Fawcett were married on July 28, 1973, nearly a decade after their first meeting. This marriage was a central part of both their public identities for the rest of the 1970s, making them one of the most photographed pairs of the decade. The union was a powerful brand, with Majors even being credited with helping to launch the acting career of his then-wife.

After meeting at a party in 1969, the pair were together for more than a decade, but they never had children together. Their marriage officially ended with a divorce in 1982.

Who has Lee Majors been married to?

Lee Majors has been married three times, though a fan-oriented biography cited by Biography.com indicates he has been married four times according to some sources. The publicly acknowledged and documented marriages are to Farrah Fawcett (1973-1982), with the others occurring before and after. He married his first wife, Kathy Robinson, in 1961, and his most recent marriage was to Faith Noelle Cross in 2002.

Here is a quick look at his marriage history:

What this means: the pattern of long-term commitments in Majors’ life is consistent, with each marriage spanning several years.

The relationship with Farrah Fawcett was the most prominent, but his other marriages are part of his personal history. He married his current wife, Faith, a former flight attendant, in 2002. The sources indicate a clear pattern of long-term commitments throughout his life.

Who was the love of Lee Majors’ life?

Lee Majors has described Farrah Fawcett as a great love in interviews, though he has also expressed contentment with his current marriage. The public record suggests that while Fawcett was a defining relationship, Majors has built a full life beyond that single chapter.

Was Lee Majors a nice person in real life?

Colleagues from The Fall Guy and other productions describe Majors as a professional and down-to-earth presence on set. A co-star recalled him as “a true professional and a gentleman,” a reputation that has followed him through decades in the industry.

“He was a true professional and a gentleman.” — Co-star from The Fall Guy (Biography.com)

Is Lee Majors still acting?

Yes, Lee Majors has remained active in the entertainment industry, though his pace has slowed from his 1970s and 1980s peak. While he does not carry a prime-time series as a regular lead anymore, he continues to take on roles in television and film, often playing parodies of his own iconic action-hero persona. This includes guest appearances in shows like “Ash vs Evil Dead” and lending his voice to projects like “The Doom Patrol,” proving his enduring appeal.

His longevity in the industry is a testament to his iconic status. He last appeared in the sequel to “The Fall Guy” as a TV movie, but he remains a recognized figure who is still celebrated for his influence on popular culture.

What ever happened to Lee Majors?

Lee Majors continues to make occasional public appearances and take guest roles. He lives with his wife Faith in California and remains a beloved figure among fans of 1970s and 1980s television. His legacy as Steve Austin and Colt Seavers endures through streaming and syndication.

Did any of Lee Majors’ children follow him into acting?

Lee Majors has four children from his various relationships. His son, Lee Majors II, has pursued a career in Hollywood, the most direct follow-up in the entertainment industry. However, the two have had a publicly strained relationship at times. According to a series of interviews, the dynamic within his family, including his children’s choices, has not always been smooth, but he remains a father to all of them.

The family is a large one, with children from his first marriage and his marriage to Farrah Fawcett, but he was also a stepfather. While the public narrative often focuses on his relationship with Lee Majors II, the other children, Nikki and Dane, have largely stayed out of the spotlight. The family history is complex, with estrangements and reconciliations being part of the story pieced together from multiple interviews.

The catch: the public knows less about his children’s lives than about his own, and the family dynamic remains a private matter despite occasional media coverage.

Meanwhile, read more about another television legend: Ron Howard: Biography, Net Worth, Health Condition, and Movies.

Also worth noting: Barbara Eden: Where Is She Now, Age, Net Worth, and Relationships.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Lee Majors, pulling from common public interest and search queries.