Who Is David Canary? Age, Biography and Wiki
David Canary was a talented American actor born on August 25, 1938. He passed away on November 16, 2015, but his legacy continues to live on through his extensive body of work in television and film. Notably known for his roles in daytime soap operas like All My Children and Bonanza, Canary made a significant impact on the entertainment industry.
In 2025, we reflect on his illustrious career and the contributions he made to the acting world.
| Occupation | Soap Opera Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 25, 1938 |
| Age | 77 Years |
| Birth Place | Elwood, Indiana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 16 November, 2015 |
| Died Place | Wilton, Connecticut, U.S. |
Popularity
David Canary's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
David Canary was known for his commanding presence on screen. Standing at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall, he had a weight of around 185 lbs (84 kg). His robust stature contributed to his roles as strong and powerful characters, particularly in western-themed genres. Unfortunately, specifics about his body measurements remain less documented but can be appreciated through his performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
David Canary was married to his long-time partner, Maureen Maloney, from 1966 until his passing in 2015. The couple shared a fulfilling life together and had three children: a son, and two daughters. Despite his public persona, Canary maintained a relatively private personal life, away from the media's scrutiny, often prioritizing family over fame.
As of 2025, there is no speculation or inquiry into his relationships beyond his marriage, as his commitment to Maureen remained well-known throughout his life.
Canary was married to actress Maureen Maloney, with whom he had a son, Chris, and a daughter, Kate. With his first wife, actress Julie M. Anderson, he had a daughter, Lisa.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, David Canary's net worth was estimated to be around $3 million. His financial success stemmed from his extensive acting career, which included roles in various television series, films, and stage productions. His enduring appeal and recognition in the world of soap operas contributed significantly to his overall earnings and financial stability throughout his career.
After a semi-regular role as Russ Gehring in the primetime serial Peyton Place, Canary came to international prominence in 1967 on the Western series Bonanza. In 1967, he appeared in the now-classic Western movie Hombre with Paul Newman, Richard Boone, and Cameron Mitchell.
Canary guest-starred in the two-part episode of CBS's Gunsmoke entitled "Nitro" (S12E28-29) as George McClaney, a poor man who found high pay creating nitroglycerin. He also played mobster Frank Gusenberg in the film The St. Valentine's Day Massacre and appeared on the short-lived CBS Western Dundee and the Culhane.
Career, Business and Investments
David Canary's career spanned several decades, beginning in the late 1950s. He gained immense popularity for his dual roles in the soap opera All My Children, where he portrayed Adam and Stuart Chandler. His portrayal won him multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in daytime television.
Beyond acting, David was also invested in theater, and his tenure on Bonanza further showcased his versatility as an actor. While there is limited public information about any business ventures or investments, it is clear that his contributions to acting were the cornerstone of his financial success.
Instead of signing with the Broncos, he opted to head to New York City to become an actor. He served two years in the United States Army, where he entered an All-Army Entertainment Contest in 1963. After ending his service, Canary moved to Los Angeles to continue his acting career.
Social Network
David Canary actively engaged with fans and followers throughout his career, however, as a traditional actor from an earlier era, he did not maintain a substantial online social media presence. His legacy continues to inspire many through various fan pages and tributes available online, although these are largely curated by admirers rather than Canary himself.
A contract dispute that year between Leonard Nimoy and the producers of Star Trek forced Herb Solow, Robert H. Justman, and Gene Roddenberry to compile a list of candidates for consideration to take over the role of Mr. Spock. As revealed in Solow and Justman's book, Star Trek - The Inside Story, Canary was one of these candidates.
Education
Before embarking on his professional career, David Canary graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he studied drama. His formal education provided him with a strong foundation that helped him develop his craft, paving the way for his successful career in acting.
Canary starred as an end on both offense and defense on the football team at Massillon Washington High School, where he graduated in 1956. The school honored him as a Distinguished Citizen 35 years later in 1991.
He earned a football scholarship to the University of Cincinnati, where he was a three-year letterman from 1957 to 1959 and the recipient of the John Pease Award, as the program's best lineman, in his junior and senior years.
Canary trained as a singer at the university's College of Arts and Sciences and received his bachelor's degree in music in 1960. He was picked by the Denver Broncos in the inaugural 1960 American Football League (AFL) draft.
Commenting on the selection in a 2004 interview for the Archive of American Television, he said, "I thought they were out of their minds. I was 172 pounds, I wasn't very fast, and I couldn't catch a pass. They called me stone fingers."
