Who Is Lorne Greene? Age, Biography and Wiki
Lorne Greene was born on February 12, 1915, and passed away on September 11, 1987. He was a celebrated Canadian actor, broadcaster, and singer, often recognized for his deep voice and commanding presence. Greene gained widespread fame for his role as Ben Cartwright in the classic television series "Bonanza." With a career that spanned several decades, he became a staple in the entertainment industry, garnering a large fanbase and several accolades along the way.
| Occupation | Country Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 12, 1915 |
| Age | 72 Years |
| Birth Place | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Canada |
| Date of death | 11 September, 1987 |
| Died Place | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Lorne Greene's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Lorne Greene's stature contributed to his memorable screen presence. While specific details about his weight and measurements during his lifetime are not extensively documented, he was approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall, which complemented his roles in authoritative characters throughout his career.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Lorne Greene was married twice in his lifetime. His first marriage was to Rita Hands in 1940, with whom he had two daughters, Charles and Linda. The couple divorced in 1960. He then married Nancy Deale in 1961, with whom he remained until his death in 1987. There are no widely known details about any romantic relationships or boyfriends posthumously. Greene's family has continued to celebrate his legacy, with children who have contributed to the arts in their own right.
He was called "Chaim" by his mother, and his name is shown as "Hyman" on his school report cards. In a biography of him, written by his daughter, she wrote that it was unknown when he began using the name Lorne, nor when he added an "e" to Green.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Lorne Greene's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. His successful career in acting, coupled with his ventures in music and television production, contributed significantly to his wealth. In 2025, his estate continues to generate income through posthumous projects and the ongoing popularity of his work, particularly "Bonanza."
Greene left the CBC and became a freelancer after the war when the network ordered staff announcers to turn over a large percentage of any income they earned from film narration. Greene continued to appear on CBC on a freelance basis while becoming the newsreader for private radio station CKEY in Toronto, while also returning to acting work both on stage and in radio plays.
Career, Business and Investments
Lorne Greene's career began as a radio broadcaster in Canada before transitioning to television and film. He became a household name with "Bonanza," which aired from 1959 to 1973. Alongside acting, he produced and directed several projects, showcasing his multifaceted talents in the entertainment industry. Greene also found success in music, releasing albums that featured his baritone voice. Beyond entertainment, he made wise investments that included real estate, further solidifying his financial status.
He gave up on a career in chemical engineering, and upon graduation, found a job as a radio broadcaster for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
Social Network
While Lorne Greene passed away long before the rise of social media, his legacy continues to thrive in various online platforms. Fans and admirers often share tributes and memories on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, celebrating his impressive contributions to television and beyond. Despite the time that has passed, the impact of his work remains influential among fans of classic cinema and television.
Education
Lorne Greene attended Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, where he studied to become an engineer before realizing his passion lay in the arts. He later transferred to the University of Toronto, where he graduated with a degree in drama. His education laid the groundwork for his illustrious career, equipping him with the skills necessary to succeed in multiple facets of the entertainment industry.
Greene began acting while attending Queen's University in Kingston, where he acquired a knack for broadcasting with the Radio Workshop of the university's Drama Guild on the campus radio station CFRC.
