Who Is Jeffrey Hunter? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Jeffrey Hunter was born on November 25, 1926, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Known for his compelling performances in the 1950s and 1960s, Hunter made a significant impact on the film and television industry with his portrayals of complex characters. His most notable roles include playing Christopher Pike in the original "Star Trek" pilot episode, "The Cage," and starring in classic films such as "King of Kings" and "The Last Frontier."
Tragically, Hunter's life was cut short when he passed away on May 27, 1969, at the age of 42. Despite his relatively brief career, he left a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with fans and actors alike. As of 2025, Hunter's contributions to cinema remain influential, prompting a resurgence of interest in his life and work.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 25, 1926 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 27 May, 1969 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Jeffrey Hunter's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jeffrey Hunter stood at an impressive height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and weighed around 170 lbs (77 kg). His athletic build and striking features contributed to his status as a leading man in Hollywood during his career. With dark hair and captivating blue eyes, Hunter’s on-screen presence made him a memorable figure in classic cinema.
Nicholas Ray cast Hunter in the role of Jesus Christ in the $8 million epic King of Kings (1961), produced by Samuel Bronston. "I've broken my shackles at last", said Hunter at the time. He told Louella Parsons, "Christ was a carpenter and 33 years old, and I am 33, and I suppose my physical measurements fitted the description in the New Testament.
At the time of His death, He was robust, and not a delicate man."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
During his lifetime, Jeffrey Hunter was married to actress and producer Barbara Rush from 1950 to 1955 and later to Imogene Coca. While Hunter was known to have several relationships throughout his life, specific details about his dating history and current relationship status are largely unrecorded due to his untimely death. Nevertheless, his charisma and charm earned him admiration from many fans and peers in the industry.
Marilyn Monroe later gave an interview where she discussed Hunter's appeal: "To me, Jeff is the acme of young American manhood. Why, he looks like he just stepped off a college campus. He's extremely handsome, but this is not what impresses me. He has sort of — well, an all-encompassing type of magnetism.
And he's a walking advertisement for marriage. You can't be with Jeff more than two minutes without realizing that he takes his marriage seriously, and adores his wife and child. He talks about them constantly, and with extreme pride ... You would be certain to guess, even without knowing, that Jeff is the real athletic type.
He likes to ski especially, and can you think of anyone who would look better soaring down a mountain?"
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1969, Jeffrey Hunter's estimated net worth was around $500,000, a substantial sum in today's terms, particularly for an actor of his era. While exact figures regarding his salary during his career remain undisclosed, he was considered one of the more bankable stars of his time, and his work in both film and television likely contributed significantly to his financial success.
Career, Business, and Investments
Jeffrey Hunter's career trajectory included a variety of roles in film and television, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He made notable appearances in films like "Soldier of Fortune" and "The Searchers," bringing depth to his characters and earning critical acclaim.
In addition to acting, Hunter explored business ventures that were aligned with his artistic background, though concrete details about specific investments or entrepreneurial efforts are scarce. His legacy, however, has inspired countless actors and filmmakers, leading to various projects revisiting his work and a renewed interest in his life story.
From 1942 to 1945, he spent his summers appearing in small roles for a touring summer-stock theater company from New York called the Northport Players. He made his professional radio debut in his senior year in high school on a program called Those Who Serve, playing a G.I.
After graduating from high school in 1945, Hunter joined the United States Navy. He completed a naval radar course at the Radio Technical School and was assigned to Communications Division, Headquarters of the Ninth Naval District in Great Lakes, Illinois.
Although he served during World War II, he did not see any battle duty because of a broken arch bone suffered in a high-school football injury.
Social Network
Although Jeffrey Hunter did not have access to modern social media platforms during his lifetime, his continued relevance has led fans to commemorate him on various channels today. Many Facebook groups, Instagram accounts, and fan pages celebrate his work, sharing memorabilia, photographs, and discussions around his contributions to film and television.
He supported Robert Ryan in a Western, The Proud Ones (1956). Hunter went over to Universal Studios and supported another older star, Fred MacMurray, in another Western, Gun for a Coward (1957), in a role originally meant for James Dean.
Back at Fox, Hunter was reunited with Wagner as the James brothers in The True Story of Jesse James (1957), directed by Nicholas Ray (Hunter played Frank); it was mildly popular, although considered a critical disappointment.
Education
Jeffrey Hunter's educational background includes his time at the University of New Orleans. His studies in drama and theater laid the foundation for his successful acting career. Hunter's education equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the competitive landscape of Hollywood, helping to propel him to stardom.
His family was of Scottish ancestry. After 1930, he was reared in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Whitefish Bay High School. He was involved in school sports and began acting in local theater and radio in his early teens.
