Who Is Dennis Weaver? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Dennis Weaver was born on June 4, 1924, and sadly passed away on February 24, 2006. He was an iconic American actor known for his versatile roles in popular television shows and films. Best known for his portrayal of Chester Goode on "Gunsmoke" and his role in the film "Duel," Weaver's career spanned several decades, remaining active in the entertainment industry until his retirement.
| Occupation | Environmentalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 4, 1924 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | Joplin, Missouri, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 24 February, 2006 |
| Died Place | Ridgway, Colorado, U.S. |
Popularity
Dennis Weaver's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Dennis Weaver is no longer alive as of 2025, during his lifetime, he stood at an impressive height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and had a weight that fluctuated around 175 lbs (79 kg). His fit physique contributed to his roles, particularly in action-packed films and television series.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dennis Weaver was a family-oriented man. He married his longtime girlfriend, Gerry, in 1945, and the couple shared a strong bond until his passing. They had three children together: a son and two daughters. Throughout his life, Weaver was known to be a devoted family man, often prioritizing his relationships.
In 1957, Weaver appeared as Commander B.D. Clagett in a single episode of the television series The Silent Service titled "Two Davids and Goliath".
Having become famous as Chester, he was next cast in an offbeat supporting role in the 1958 Orson Welles film Touch of Evil, in which he played a face-twisting, body-contorting eccentric employee of a remote motel who nervously repeated, "I'm the night man." In 1960, he appeared in an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents titled "Insomnia", in which
his character suffers from sleeplessness owing to the tragic death of his wife.
He also co-starred in a 1961 episode of The Twilight Zone titled "Shadow Play". In that episode, Weaver's character is trapped inside his own revolving nightmare, repeatedly being tried, sentenced, and then executed in the electric chair.
In 1964, Weaver left Gunsmoke to star as a friendly veterinary physician raising an adopted Chinese boy as a single father in NBC's one season comedy drama Kentucky Jones. He had a significant role in the 1966 western Duel at Diablo, with James Garner and Sidney Poitier.
His next substantial role was as Tom Wedloe on the CBS family series Gentle Ben, with co-star Clint Howard, from 1967 to 1969.
Decades earlier, as a student at Oklahoma University in the mid-1940s, it was Weaver who had introduced Clint's parents, Rance Howard and Jean Speegle Howard, to one another when the three of them were theater students at OU.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Dennis Weaver's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. His wealth was accumulated through his prolific acting career, endorsement deals, and other investments. While specific figures for his salary per project aren’t widely documented, his status in Hollywood certainly garnered him substantial earnings throughout his life.
Career, Business and Investments
Weaver's career began in the 1950s, with important roles in both film and television. His performance on "Gunsmoke" solidified his fame, leading him to appear in various notable productions including "McCloud" and films like "Touch of Evil" and "Duel." Beyond acting, Weaver became involved in environmental activism, contributing his time and resources to various initiatives. He also invested in real estate and engaged in other entrepreneurial ventures, which helped him build his wealth over the years.
For his contribution to the television industry, Dennis Weaver was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6822 Hollywood Blvd, and on the Dodge City (KS) Trail of Fame. In 1981, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers with the Bronze Wrangler Award at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Social Network
During his lifetime, Dennis Weaver was actively involved in social causes and community service. He supported numerous charities and environmental initiatives, often leveraging his fame for the greater good. Today, fans can follow his legacy through various fan pages and tribute accounts on social media platforms, where admirers continue to celebrate his work and contributions.
Weaver's first role on Broadway came as an understudy to Lonny Chapman as Turk Fisher in Come Back, Little Sheba. He eventually took over the role from Chapman in the national touring company. Solidifying his choice to become an actor, Weaver enrolled in the Actors Studio, where he met Shelley Winters.
In the beginning of his acting career, he supported his family by doing odd jobs, including selling vacuum cleaners, tricycles, and women's hosiery. In 1952, Shelley Winters helped him get a contract from Universal Studios. He made his film debut that same year in the movie The Redhead from Wyoming.
Over the next three years, he played in a series of movies, but still had to work odd jobs to support his family. In 1955 he appeared in an episode of The Lone Ranger "The Tell-Tale Bullet", which is viewable on YouTube.
While delivering flowers, he heard he had landed the role of Chester Goode, the limping, loyal assistant of Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) on the new television series Gunsmoke.
It was his big break; the show went on to become the highest-rated and longest-running live action series in United States television history (1955 to 1975), an honor now held by Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He received an Emmy Award in 1959 for Best Supporting Actor (Continuing Character) in a Dramatic Series.
Education
Dennis Weaver attended the University of Oklahoma, where he initially pursued a degree in drama and later earned a degree in radio and television. His education laid the groundwork for his successful acting career and equipped him with the skills necessary for the performing arts.
Weaver wanted to be an actor from childhood. He lived in Shreveport, Louisiana, for several years and for a short time in Manteca, California. He studied at Joplin Junior College, then transferred to the University of Oklahoma at Norman, where he studied drama and was a track star, setting records in several events.
During World War II, he served as a pilot in the United States Navy, flying Grumman F4F Wildcat fighter aircraft. After the war, he married Gerry Stowell (his childhood sweetheart), with whom he had three children. Under the name Billy D. Weaver, he tried out for the 1948 U.S.
Olympic team in the decathlon, finishing sixth behind 17-year-old high school track star Bob Mathias. However, only the top three finishers were selected. Weaver later commented, "I did so poorly [in the Olympic Trials], I decided to ... stay in New York and try acting."
