Who Is Clayton Moore? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Clayton Moore, the legendary American actor, was born on September 14, 1914, and passed away on December 28, 1999. Known primarily for his portrayal of the Lone Ranger in the television series that ran from 1949 to 1957, Moore became a cultural icon. His ability to captivate audiences with his charisma and heroic antics made him a beloved figure in American entertainment history.
As of 2025, Moore would have celebrated his 111th birthday, a testament to his enduring legacy in the film and television industry. His life story continues to inspire generations of actors and fans alike.
Occupation | Actors |
---|---|
Date of Birth | September 14, 1914 |
Age | 85 Years |
Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Horoscope | Virgo |
Country | U.S |
Date of death | 28 December, 1999 |
Died Place | West Hills, Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Clayton Moore's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Clayton Moore's physical stature played an essential role in his on-screen persona. Although precise measurements may not be widely documented, he was known to stand at approximately 6 feet tall and maintain a fit physique befitting his action-oriented roles.
- Height: 6 ft (183 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 180 lbs (82 kg)
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Clayton Moore was known for maintaining a relatively private personal life. He was married to his first wife, Mildred (Mimi) Moore, and they had one child together, a son named Clayton Moore Jr. After their marriage ended in divorce, Moore later found love with his longtime partner, Gail Moore, although they never formally wed.
While details about his dating history remain sparse, his dedication to his family was evident in his choices and lifestyle, often prioritizing them over the glitz of Hollywood.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1914, Jack Carlton Moore was the youngest of three sons of Theresa Violet (née Fisher) and Charles Sprague Moore. Moore's father, according to the federal census of 1930, was a native of New York and supported his family in Chicago by working as a real estate broker.
That same census also documents that a full-time maid, Amelia Hirsch, lived with the Moore family, an indication of the household's relative prosperity at the time.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1999, Clayton Moore's estimated net worth was around $2 million. His income was primarily derived from his career in film and television, with notable earnings from merchandise related to the Lone Ranger brand and appearances in various productions over the decades.
Today, his legacy continues to resonate financially through collectibles and memorabilia, preserving his status as a timeless figure in American culture.
Career, Business, and Investments
Moore's career was not limited to television; he also made appearances in films, including "The Lone Ranger" movies. Throughout the 1960s, he made guest appearances on several television shows, further solidifying his place in Hollywood history.
In addition to acting, Clayton pursued various business ventures, including a line of products related to his iconic character. His shrewd investments in real estate and memorabilia also provided financial stability throughout his life.
Moore appeared in other television series during his Lone Ranger run, including a 1952 episode of Bill Williams' syndicated Western The Adventures of Kit Carson. He guest-starred in two episodes of Jock Mahoney's series The Range Rider in 1952 and 1953. Silverheels and he also starred in two feature-length Lone Ranger motion pictures.
After completion of the second feature, The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold, in 1958, Moore began 40 years of personal appearances (including for the short-lived Lone Ranger Restaurants in Southern California ), TV guest spots, and classic commercials as the legendary masked man.
Silverheels joined him for occasional reunions during the early 1960s. Throughout his career, Moore expressed respect and love for Silverheels.
Social Networks
Although Clayton Moore was not part of the social media generation, his legacy thrives on various platforms today. Fans celebrate his life and career on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, sharing memorable clips, quotes, and tributes that keep his spirit alive.
Various fan clubs and websites dedicated to the Lone Ranger continue to flourish, further solidifying Clayton Moore's status as a beloved American icon.
One of Moore's personal appearances in character became the basis of a story that actor Jay Thomas told every year around Christmas beginning in 2000 on The Late Show with David Letterman.
Thomas was a radio disc jockey at the time in North Carolina and happened to be doing a show at a car dealership where Moore was appearing in character as The Lone Ranger. Moore had been stranded at the dealership, and Thomas offered him a ride back to his hotel.
On the way, a passing motorist struck Thomas' Volvo with enough force to break a headlight. Thomas gave chase and eventually cornered the man in a parking lot where he threatened to press charges.
The driver of the other car taunted Thomas by saying nobody would believe his story, but Moore emerged from the back seat of the car — still wearing his costume — and said "they'll believe me, citizen" to the stunned driver.
With one exception, Thomas returned to Letterman's show to tell the story every December until Letterman's retirement.
Education
Clayton Moore's early life consisted of a mix of education and the arts. He studied at Los Angeles Junior College and later pursued acting at the University of Southern California, where he honed his craft. His participation in theatre during his college years laid the groundwork for his successful acting career, proving that passion and education in the performing arts can lead to monumental achievements.
Highly athletic as a boy, "Jack" became a circus acrobat by age eight, and later, in 1934, he appeared at the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago with a trapeze act. He graduated from Stephen K. Hayt Elementary School, Sullivan Junior High School, and Senn High School on the far North Side of Chicago.