Who Is Claude Akins? Age, Biography and Wiki
Claude Akins was born on May 25, 1926, in Nelson, Georgia, and passed away on January 27, 1994. He was a prominent figure in Hollywood, recognized for his versatility in both film and television. With a career spanning over four decades, Akins is best known for his performances in shows such as "B.J. and the Bear" and films like "The Killers." His ability to portray a wide range of characters earned him accolades that still resonate with fans even beyond 2025.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 25, 1926 |
| Age | 67 Years |
| Birth Place | Nelson, Georgia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Georgia |
| Date of death | 27 January, 1994 |
| Died Place | Altadena, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Claude Akins's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In terms of physical stats, Claude Akins stood at approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall (185 cm) and had a robust build typical of the leading men of his era. Although specific weight details are less documented, he was known for his strong and commanding presence, often embodying tough-guy roles on screen.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Claude Akins was married to actress and model Virginia Akins in 1948. Together, they raised three children. While details about his dating life were largely kept private, Akins’ marriage was a significant aspect of his personal life, showcasing his commitment to family amidst his demanding acting career.
Akins's other early appearances included a role as a policeman on Alfred Hitchcock Presents in "Place of Shadows" (1956) and "Reward to Finder" (1957).
He played another television cop, good-natured Sheriff's Detective Phillip Dix, in the first season of the Perry Mason in "The Case of the Half-Wakened Wife" (episode 1-26) that aired March 15, 1958. He was in a first-season episode of Maverick titled "Burial Ground of the Gods" (1958) that starred Jack Kelly.
In 1965, Akins played El Supremo in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." episode, "The Very Important Zombie Affair". In 1967, Akins played Lt. Finch in The Lucy Show episode, "Lucy Meets the Law".
Net Worth and Salary
Although exact figures fluctuate, Claude Akins' estimated net worth at the time of his death was around $10 million. His diverse career in acting, voiceover work, and television production contributed significantly to his financial standing. Today, his legacy continues to earn him posthumous recognition and accolades, underscoring his lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Akins' career began in the late 1940s, and he quickly rose to fame with a series of television appearances and theatre performances. He featured in numerous films and television shows throughout the 1950s to the early 1990s. Besides acting, he also ventured into directing and producing. His transition to television in the 1970s, especially with the hit series "B.J. and the Bear," marked a pivotal turn in his career, illustrating his adaptability in the evolving entertainment landscape.
In addition to his work in film and television, Akins was involved in various business ventures, which included investments in real estate and production companies.
Akins served in the Pacific with the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II. After the war, he graduated from Northwestern University in 1949, where he had majored in theatre arts and was trained in Shakespeare. He began his theatrical career at the Barter Theater in Abington, Virginia. He became an actor on Broadway in the late 1940s, and had a role in the play The Rose Tattoo.
Social Network
While social media was not prevalent during Akins' lifetime and he did not have a direct presence on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, his legacy is kept alive through fan pages and retro social networks that celebrate his contributions to cinema. Fans often share clips, memorabilia, and insights about his works, keeping the spirit of Claude Akins alive in contemporary culture.
He appeared once on Richard Diamond, Private Detective, Empire, Laredo ("The Treasure of San Diablo"), the syndicated series, Pony Express (in "The Story of Julesburg" with Sebastian Cabot and James Best), and The Oregon Trail, with Rod Taylor. He was cast as Jarret Sutton in "Escape to Memphis" (1959) and as Beaudry Rawlins in Duel on the River (1960) on Darren McGavin's NBC series, Riverboat.
Education
Claude Akins attended the University of Georgia, where he originally pursued a degree in journalism. However, his passion for acting led him to change paths and, after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he honed his craft in the performing arts. His educational background, paired with his natural talent, laid the foundation for his successful career in acting.
Akins was cast as Lou Myerson in the 1964 episode, "One Monday Afternoon", of the NBC education drama series, Mr. Novak, starring James Franciscus, and as Dr. Roy Kirk in an episode, "When Do They Hang the Good Samaritan?", of the CBS political drama, Slattery's People (which starred Richard Crenna).
He played a kidnapper in a 1964 episode of The Fugitive. In 1965, he was featured in an episode of Kraft Suspense Theatre, playing a German infiltrator who went unsuspected. Also that year, Akins portrayed the head of an Irish immigrant family in The Big Valley ("The Brawlers").
Akins had an earlier role in the first season of Barnaby Jones; episode titled "Murder Go-Round".
