Who Is Will Geer? Age, Biography and Wiki
Will Geer was born on March 9, 1902, and passed away on April 22, 1978. He was an American actor, renowned for his stage and television performances, particularly for his role as Grandpa Zebulon Walton in the iconic television series The Waltons. Geer was also an accomplished playwright and activist throughout his life, contributing significantly to the arts and human rights movements. In 2025, he would have been 123 years old, and while he is no longer with us, his legacy in American entertainment remains strong.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 9, 1902 |
| Age | 76 Years |
| Birth Place | Frankfort, Indiana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 22 April, 1978 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California |
Popularity
Will Geer's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Will Geer was known for his tall and commanding presence. Although exact measurements fluctuate based on available records, it is estimated that he stood around 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighed approximately 170 lbs (77 kg) during his adult life. His rugged features were often complemented by a bushy beard, which added to his charming yet tough persona in various roles.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Will Geer had a rich personal life, marrying his wife, Herta Ware, whom he met during his early acting years. The couple shared a profound bond, both personally and professionally, producing several theatrical works together. They had two children, who have continued to cherish and honor their father's legacy. Although his career saw numerous ups and downs, his family remained a central pillar in his life.
His father left the family when he was 11 years old. Will was deeply influenced by his grandfather, who taught him the botanical names of the plants in Indiana, his native state. Will began to be a botanist; he received a master's degree in botany at the University of Chicago. He was also a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1978, Will Geer had an estimated net worth of around $1 million. This wealth accrued primarily from his significant contributions to theater, film, and television. Even though inflation affects past financial estimates, his legacy continues to uphold the values of artistic expression, making his personal brand invaluable.
Career, Business and Investments
Will Geer's career began in theater, where he gained recognition for his talents on stage. His transition to film and television was marked by significant roles that showcased his versatile acting skills. Geer was also involved in various business endeavors, including establishing the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, an outdoor theater in California dedicated to promoting the arts. His contributions as an activist and advocate for civil rights further enriched his legacy beyond the screen.
Anglicizing his name, Will Geer began his acting career touring in tent shows and on riverboats. He worked on several social commentaries for documentaries, including narrating Sheldon Dick's Men and Dust about silicosis among miners.
Social Network
Despite the digital landscape being absent during Geer's lifetime, his enduring influence continues through various platforms. Official fan pages and organizations dedicated to preserving his memory often post tributes on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Conversations about his groundbreaking work are frequently shared, highlighting his contributions to entertainment and activism.
Geer was a Communist Party member since the 1930s and made “repeated appearances at fundraisers for the American Communist Party” over the years. Because of this, Geer was blacklisted in the early 1950s for refusing to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities. As a result, he appeared in very few films over the next decade.
Among those was Salt of the Earth (1954). He starred in it; it was produced, directed, and written by blacklisted Hollywood personnel. It told the story of a miners' strike in New Mexico from a pro-union standpoint. The film was denounced as "subversive", consequently it faced difficulties during production and in distribution.
Education
Will Geer pursued education in the arts, studying at both the University of Chicago and the University of Washington. His formal training and passion for theater laid the groundwork for his successful career in acting and activism. Geer's educational background played a significant role in shaping him as an artist, highlighting the importance of education in creative fields.
