Who Is Fess Parker? Age, Biography and Wiki
Fess Parker was born on August 16, 1924, in Fort Worth, Texas. He became a cultural icon through his portrayal of historical figures such as Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone in various television series during the 1950s. Parker’s charisma and acting prowess made him a beloved figure in American entertainment. He passed away in 2010, but his legacy continues to inspire new generations.
Occupation | Republicans |
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Date of Birth | August 16, 1924 |
Age | 85 Years |
Birth Place | Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. |
Horoscope | Leo |
Country | U.S |
Date of death | 18 March, 2010 |
Died Place | Santa Ynez, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Fess Parker's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At the peak of his career, Fess Parker stood tall at 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm). His commanding presence and physicality played a crucial role in his casting as larger-than-life characters. Though his precise weight during his active years isn't widely documented, he maintained a healthy physique throughout his life, contributing to his status as a leading man.
Discharged in 1946, he enrolled at Hardin–Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, with assistance from the GI Bill. After an automobile collision, he was stabbed in the neck by the other driver during an argument.
He was an active member of the H-SU Players Club and transferred to the University of Texas at Austin in 1947 as a history major and continued to be active in drama. One of his roommates there was the future actor L.Q. Jones. Parker graduated from UT in 1950 with a degree in history. He had been initiated into the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
Having one year remaining on his GI Bill benefits, he studied drama at the University of Southern California, where he pursued a master's degree in theater history.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Fess Parker was married to Marcella Rinehart in 1963 until his death in 2010. Together they had two children, a son named Stephen and a daughter named Ashley. His family remained close-knit and maintained his legacy, with the estate even continuing to operate the Fess Parker Winery in California. Throughout his life, Parker kept his private life relatively low-key, emphasizing family values over Hollywood scandals.
His father – born Fess Parker but later added the initial "E." – was a tax assessor. The name Fess had been given to him in honor of the educator and politician Simeon D. Fess. The future actor decided to change his name from F. E. Parker Jr. to Fess Elisha Parker Jr.
He selected the middle name himself, when he was a teenager (about 1937), because it sounded rhythmic and matched his middle initial.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Fess Parker had an estimated net worth of approximately $20 million. His wealth came from his successful acting career, television shows, and later ventures in winemaking and real estate. His iconic status and savvy business moves have allowed his legacy and estate to flourish, generating ongoing revenue from various investments.
Career, Business and Investments
Parker's career spanned several decades, initially rising to fame in the 1950s. He starred in successful television shows and films, cementing his status as a pop culture icon. Beyond acting, Parker ventured into the wine industry with the establishment of the Fess Parker Winery in Santa Barbara County, California. His business acumen extended to real estate, where he invested wisely, ensuring his financial stability after retiring from acting.
Parker began his show-business career in the summer of 1951 when he had a $32-a-week job as an extra in the play Mister Roberts, although he is credited with the voice of Leslie the chauffeur in the 1950 film Harvey. Within months, he was on location with a minor part in Untamed Frontier with Joseph Cotten and Shelley Winters.
Social Network
Although Fess Parker passed away in 2010, his influence has continued on social media platforms through fan pages and tributes. His legacy is celebrated on various networks where tributes from fans and historians often discuss his contributions to American culture. While Parker himself may not have been active on social media, his family and winery often share updates, allowing new audiences to connect with his legacy.
Education
After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Parker attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied drama. His education laid the foundation for his successful acting career, and he often spoke about the importance of preparation and education in the arts. This solid educational background contributed to his impressive performances and became essential in his business endeavors.