Who Is Lee Van Cleef? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on January 9, 1925, Lee Van Cleef would have celebrated his 100th birthday in 2025. An American icon, he garnered fame as a significant figure in Spaghetti Westerns during the 1960s, including noteworthy films like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and For a Few Dollars More. His career spanned several decades, during which he showcased his distinctive screen presence and rugged persona, making him a beloved figure in cinematic history.
| Occupation | Sailor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 9, 1925 |
| Age | 64 Years |
| Birth Place | Somerville, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Jersey |
| Date of death | 16 December, 1989 |
| Died Place | Oxnard, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Lee Van Cleef's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Lee Van Cleef was known for his striking features, including his tall stature. Standing at 6 feet (183 cm), he had a commanding presence on screen. Throughout his life, he maintained a fit build; during his acting career, he weighed approximately 180 lbs (82 kg), though variations may have occurred due to his diverse roles. His distinctively angular face, prominent cheekbones, and piercing eyes added to his on-screen charisma.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In terms of personal life, Lee Van Cleef was married twice. His first marriage to Dorothy Stack in 1943 lasted until their divorce in the early 1950s. He later tied the knot with Joanne Van Cleef, with whom he remained until his death in 1989. While he had children, much of his family life remained relatively private compared to his professional endeavors. As of 2025, discussions around his romantic life primarily focus on his enduring legacy within cinematic history rather than any contemporary relationships.
His father was a pharmacist and his mother a concert pianist, both of Dutch descent. Lee graduated from Somerville High School and enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1942.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1989, Lee Van Cleef's estimated net worth was around $2 million. His earnings were primarily derived from his extensive acting career, which included roles in films, television, and stage. Though his wealth might not rival some contemporary stars, Van Cleef's contributions to film continue to be celebrated, making him an enduring figure in Hollywood history.
Career, Business and Investments
Lee Van Cleef's career took off in the 1950s, but he gained international recognition through his work in Spaghetti Westerns during the 1960s. His roles in films like High Noon, Shane, and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly established him as a legendary anti-hero. In addition to acting, Van Cleef occasionally ventured into directing and producing, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry. Although he had no known significant business investments posthumously, his estate continues to profit from his iconic status.
Clarence LeRoy Van Cleef Jr. (January 9, 1925 – December 16, 1989) was an American actor.
He appeared in over 170 film and television roles in a career spanning nearly 40 years, but is best known as a star of spaghetti Westerns, particularly the Sergio Leone-directed Dollars Trilogy films, For a Few Dollars More (1965) and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966).
In 1983, he received a Golden Boot Award for his contribution to the Western film and television genre.
Social Network
Despite his passing, Lee Van Cleef remains a significant figure in popular culture. His legacy is honored across various social media platforms through fan pages and discussion forums. Websites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter frequently share tributes, retrospectives, and analysis of his work, keeping the spirit of his performances alive for new generations.
Education
Details about Lee Van Cleef’s education are limited, but it is known that he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before embarking on his acting career. He later attended Loyola University in Los Angeles, where he focused on drama. This formal education, coupled with his military experience, helped shape his abilities as an actor, contributing to his captivating performances on stage and screen.
Van Cleef later appeared in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966), The Big Gundown (1967), Death Rides a Horse (1967), Day of Anger (1967), Beyond the Law (1968), Commandos (also 1968), Sabata (1969) and its sequel Return of Sabata (1971), Barquero (1970), El Condor (also 1970), Captain Apache (1971),The Magnificent Seven Ride!
(1972), The Grand Duel (also 1972), Mean Frank and Crazy Tony (1973), The Stranger and the Gunfighter (1974), Take a Hard Ride (1975), God's Gun (1976), The Rip-Off (1978), television film The Hard Way (1979), The Octagon (1980), Escape from New York (1981), Code Name: Wild Geese (1984), and Armed Response (1986).
He played the lead role of John Peter McAllister on the martial-arts television series The Master (1984).
