Billy Dennis Weaver (June 4, 1924 – February 24, 2006) was an American actor and president of the Screen Actors Guild, best known for his television and film work from the 1950s to 2006.
His most famous roles were Chester Goode on Gunsmoke and Sam McCloud on McCloud. He starred in Duel (1971), the first film directed by Steven Spielberg, and played the twitchy motel attendant in Touch of Evil (1958), directed by Orson Welles. Weaver had a long, diverse, and impactful career in entertainment.
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Dennis Weaver Net Worth
Dennis Weaver had a net worth of $16 million at the time of his death. He was best known for his acting roles and was a passionate environmentalist. He founded the Institute of Ecolonomics in 1993 in Berthoud, Colorado, promoting alternative fuels like hydrogen and wind power.
The term “Ecolonomics” combines ecology and economics. He was also involved with John Denver’s WindStar Foundation and founded L.I.F.E. (Love is Feeding Everyone), which provided food to 150,000 people weekly in Los Angeles.
Early life
Billy Weaver was born on June 4, 1924, in Joplin, Missouri, to Walter Leon “Doc” Weaver and Lenna Leora (née Prather). He dreamed of acting from childhood. He lived in Shreveport, Louisiana, and briefly in Manteca, California. Weaver studied at Joplin Junior College and the University of Oklahoma at Norman, where he excelled in drama and track.
During World War II, he served as a U.S. Navy pilot, flying Grumman F4F Wildcat fighters. After the war, he married Gerry Stowell; they had three children. He placed sixth in the 1948 U.S. Olympic decathlon trials before focusing on acting.
Career
Billy Weaver’s first Broadway role was as understudy to Lonny Chapman for Turk Fisher in Come Back, Little Sheba, later taking over on the national tour. He joined the Actors Studio, where he met Shelley Winters, who helped him get a Universal Studios contract in 1952.
He debuted in The Redhead from Wyoming and worked odd jobs. In 1955, he landed the role of Chester Goode on Gunsmoke, acting alongside James Arness. The show became a TV legend, and Weaver won an Emmy in 1959.
Personal life
Billy Weaver was a vegetarian from 1958 for ethical reasons but occasionally ate fish. He married Gerry Stowell after World War II, and they had three sons: Richard, Robert, and Rustin Weaver. Gerry died in 2016.
Weaver’s home in Ridgway, Colorado, called Earthship, was designed by architect Michael Reynolds using recycled materials and passive solar power, reflecting his environmental commitment. In 2003, Weaver’s daughter-in-law, Lynne Ann Weaver, wife of Robby Weaver, was tragically killed in the Santa Monica Farmers Market attack.
What happened to Dennis Weaver?
Dennis Weaver died of complications from prostate cancer at his home in Ridgway, Colorado, on February 24, 2006. His passing marked the end of an era for fans of classic television and film.
Conclusion
Dennis Weaver’s legacy in Hollywood as a cowboy hero and versatile actor remains unparalleled. With a career that spanned over five decades, Weaver not only entertained millions around the world but also left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His commitment to environmental causes and his pioneering efforts in sustainable living further amplify his contributions beyond the screen.
FAQs about Dennis Weaver
- Did Dennis Weaver receive any awards for his acting?
- Yes, Dennis Weaver received an Emmy Award in 1959 for Best Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Series for his role in Gunsmoke.
- Was Dennis Weaver involved in environmental causes?
- Yes, Dennis Weaver was a pioneer environmentalist, known for his commitment to sustainable living and his innovative eco-friendly home called Earthship.
- Did Dennis Weaver have any involvement in sports?
- Yes, before his acting career, Weaver was an accomplished athlete who tried out for the 1948 U.S. Olympic team in the decathlon.
- How did Dennis Weaver contribute to the acting community?
- Beyond his acting roles, Weaver served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1973 to 1975, contributing to the welfare of actors and the industry.
- What was Dennis Weaver’s last acting role?
- Weaver’s last work was on the ABC Family cable television show Wildfire, where he played Henry Ritter, the co-owner of Raintree Ranch.
