Who Is Sterling Hayden? Age, Biography and Wiki
Sterling Hayden was born on March 26, 1916, and as of 2025, he would have turned 109 years old. Although he passed away in 1986, his legacy continues to thrive in the film industry. Known for his rugged persona and deep voice, Hayden became a quintessential leading man in post-war American cinema.
Hayden's filmography includes classics such as "The Godfather," "Dr. Strangelove," and "The Killing." He was not only a talented actor but also a writer and a sailor, lending to his multifaceted personality.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1916 |
| Age | 70 Years |
| Birth Place | Upper Montclair, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Jersey |
| Date of death | 23 May, 1986 |
| Died Place | Sausalito, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Sterling Hayden's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Sterling Hayden was known for his tall and imposing frame, standing at approximately 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm). Throughout his career, he maintained a fit physique, with his weight varying between 180-200 lbs (82-91 kg) depending on the roles he was undertaking. While exact measurements are not readily available, his athletic build was notable in many of his films.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Sterling Hayden was married three times during his lifetime. His first marriage was to actress and model Betty Ann de Noon in 1944, which lasted until 1951. He later married his second wife, the actress and model, Mary E. "Mimi" O'Donnell, in 1950, a union that produced three children. His third marriage was to Catherine "Kay" McGowan in 1970, which lasted until his death in 1986. Although Hayden's romantic relationships were often impacted by his intense lifestyle and career, he remained dedicated to his family.
In terms of relationships in 2025, as he is a historical figure, there are no current updates, but his personal life remains of interest to film enthusiasts and historians alike.
After his father died, Sterling was adopted at age nine by James Hayden and renamed Sterling Walter Hayden. As a child, he lived in coastal towns of New England.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1986, Sterling Hayden's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, which is equivalent to approximately $2.5 million today when adjusted for inflation. His wealth was accumulated through a successful acting career, as well as earnings from his writing projects and various investments in real estate over the years.
Hayden often professed a distaste for acting and used his earnings to finance his numerous voyages as a sailor. He was also a decorated Marine Corps officer and an Office of Strategic Services' agent during World War II.
Career, Business and Investments
Sterling Hayden began his acting career in the 1940s, capturing audiences with his performances in film noir classics. He also directed and produced a few films, expanding his influence behind the camera. Outside of acting, Hayden was an avid sailor and wrote books based on his experiences on the sea, including his memoir "Wanderer."
In addition to his artistic contributions, he made savvy investments in real estate, which contributed to his financial success. His work continues to inspire up-and-coming actors and filmmakers.
Sterling Walter Hayden (born Sterling Relyea Walter; March 26, 1916 – May 23, 1986) was an American actor, author, sailor, and Marine.
A leading man for most of his career, he specialized in Westerns and film noir throughout the 1950s, in films such as John Huston's The Asphalt Jungle (1950), Nicholas Ray's Johnny Guitar (1954), and Stanley Kubrick's The Killing (1956). In the 1960s, he became noted for supporting roles, perhaps most memorably as General Jack D.
Ripper in Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964).
Social Network
As an iconic figure of classic cinema, Sterling Hayden's legacy lives on through various fan pages and tributes on social media platforms. Although he does not have personal accounts due to his passing, fan tributes on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook celebrate his work and influence in the film industry.
Hayden had a supporting role in a major studio picture, Prince Valiant (1954), playing Sir Gawain. He followed it with a conventional Western "B picture", Arrow in the Dust (1954). At first his next project, Johnny Guitar (1954), seemed like just another Western, but this one starred Joan Crawford and was directed by Nicholas Ray.
It became a box office hit and a cult favorite. It was financed by Republic Pictures, which used Hayden on several other occasions.
Education
Sterling Hayden's formal education was cut short when he dropped out of school to pursue a career in acting. He did not attend a traditional college, but his life experiences and self-discipline provided him with a rich education that complemented his artistic ambitions.
He skippered a trading schooner in the Caribbean after earning his master's license, and in 1937 he served as mate on a world cruise of the brigantine Yankee. After working as a sailor and fireman on larger vessels and sailing around the world several times, he was awarded his first command at age 22, skippering the square rigger Florence C.
Robinson 7,700 miles from Gloucester, Massachusetts, to Tahiti in 1938. Hayden spoke of his nautical experiences before the monthly meeting of the Adventurers' Club of New York on March 21, 1940.
