Who Is Michael Nesmith? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Michael Nesmith, born on December 30, 1942, was an influential American musician, songwriter, and actor who became widely known as a member of the iconic pop band The Monkees. His unique blend of talents allowed him to carve out a significant niche in the entertainment industry during the 1960s and 70s. As of 2025, we remember his legacy and contributions to music and television, despite his passing on December 10, 2021.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1942 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 10 December, 2021 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Michael Nesmith's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Throughout his life, Nesmith stood at an estimated height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm). Known for his distinctive style that often combined cowboy hats with casual attire, he had a persona that reflected his artistic spirit. His weight fluctuated throughout his life, but he was commonly noted for his lean physique and charismatic bearing.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Michael Nesmith was married three times during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Paulie Ziegler, which ended in divorce; he later married and divorced Anne Milner. His final marriage was to Kathryn "Kathy" Smith, with whom he had a son, Christian, and who remained a significant part of his life until his passing. Although there were various rumors about his relationships, Nesmith maintained a relatively private life, focusing on his family and career.
He was an only child; his parents, Warren and Bette Nesmith (née McMurray), divorced when he was four. His mother married Robert Graham in 1962, and they remained married until 1975. Nesmith and his mother moved to Dallas to be closer to her family.
She took temporary jobs ranging from clerical work to graphic design, eventually attaining the position of executive secretary at Texas Bank and Trust. When Nesmith was 13, his mother invented the typewriter correction fluid later known commercially as Liquid Paper.
Over the next 25 years, she built the Liquid Paper Corporation into an international company, which she sold to Gillette in 1979 for $47.5 million. She died a few months later at the age of 56.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2021, Michael Nesmith's estimated net worth was around $50 million. His wealth was primarily amassed through his successful music career, television roles, songwriting, and other entertainment ventures. Nesmith's steady income from royalties, merchandise, and live performances contributed significantly to his financial legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
Nesmith's career began with The Monkees, a television series that launched in 1966 and became a cultural phenomenon. After the show's end, he pursued a solo career, showcasing his songwriting and musical prowess. Over the years, he released several albums and singles, many of which became hits. Additionally, Nesmith ventured into film and television production, including the groundbreaking work in music videos and earning an MTV Video Music Award in 1982.
Beyond music, he was also known for his investments in various media projects, including the pioneering "pop-oriented" cable television network, which showcased his foresight into the entertainment industry's future.
After leaving the Monkees in 1970, Nesmith continued his successful songwriting and performing career, first with the seminal country rock group the First National Band, with which he had a top-40 hit, "Joanne" (1970). As a solo artist, he scored an international hit with the song "Rio" (1977). He often played a custom-built Gretsch 12-string electric guitar both with the Monkees and afterward.
Social Network
Michael Nesmith was active on social media platforms during his lifetime, notably leveraging them to connect with fans about his works and interests. While he has passed away, his legacy continues to influence many aspiring musicians and entertainers who follow him on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
For the remaining five Monkees LPs, ironically, the original Kirshner formula of hired studio musicians and songwriters again became the norm, although Nesmith, Tork, Dolenz and Jones contributed about 50 percent of the original compositions, Nesmith the majority of those.
By the end of the Monkees run, Nesmith was withholding many of his original song ideas from Monkees albums, planning to release them in his post-Monkees solo career.
Education
Nesmith attended San Antonio College and later completed his education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Although he left UCLA prior to graduating, his time there enriched his understanding of the entertainment landscape, equipping him with knowledge that contributed to his later success as an artist and producer.
Nesmith attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas, where he participated in choral and drama activities, but enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1960 before graduating.
He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, was trained as an aircraft mechanic at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, and was permanently stationed at Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base near Burns Flat, Oklahoma. He obtained a GED certificate and was honorably discharged in 1962.
