Lamont Waltman “Lee” Marvin Jr. was born on February 19, 1924, and died on August 29, 1987 with a heart attack. Lee Marvin was a film and television actor from the United States. He is primarily known for playing hardboiled “tough guy” roles and for his bass voice and premature white hair. Although he was first cast as the “heavy” (i.e., evil) character, he rose to prominence by playing anti-heroes such as Detective Lieutenant Frank Ballinger on the television series M Squad (1957-1960).
Lee Marvin Biography
Lamont Waltman “Lee” Marvin Jr, popularly known as Lee Marvin, was born on February 19, 1924, and died on August 29, 1987; he was a film and television actor from the United States.
Marvin began his career in supporting parts, primarily as criminals, soldiers, and other hardboiled characters. Detective Lieutenant Frank Ballinger played a crucial role on television in the NBC crime series M Squad (1957-1960).
Cat Ballou (1965), a comedic Western in which he played multiple parts, was one of Marvin’s most memorable cinematic efforts. Lee Marvin earned numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor as gunfighter Kid Shelleen and criminal Tim Strawn, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, an NBR Award, and the Silver Bear for Best Actor.
| Full Name | Lamont Waltman “Lee” Marvin Jr |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | Actor |
| Date of Birth | February 19, 1924 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 63 years before his death |
| Date of Death | August 29, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | New York, New York, United States of America |
| Nationality | American |
| Place of Death | Tucson, Arizona, United States of America |
| Place of Burial | Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, United States |
| Star Sign | Pisces |
| University/College | Manumit School St. Leo College Preparatory School |
| Educational Qualifications | Graduated |
Career
Marvin was asked to replace an actor who had gotten ill during rehearsals after the war while working as a plumber’s helper at a small community theatre in upstate New York. He was bitten by the acting bug and landed a position with the firm for $7 a week. He relocated to Greenwich Village and attended the American Theatre Wing on the G.I. Bill.
He made his theatrical debut in Uniform of Flesh, the original version of Billy Budd (1949). It was staged at the Experimental Theatre, where Marvin would later star in The Nineteenth Hole of Europe (1949).
Marvin began appearing on TV series such as Escape, The Big Story, and Treasury Men in Action.
In February 1951, he made his Broadway debut in a small role in a revival of Uniform of Flesh, now renamed Billy Budd.
Related: Karl Dargan’s Biography, Net Worth, Career, Personal Life.
Net Worth
Lamont Waltman “Lee” had an estimated net worth of $11.5 million before his death.
| Estimated Net Worth | $11.5 million |
| Salary/Wage | N/A |
| Income Sources | Acting |
Personal Details & Death
Marvin, a chronic smoker and drinker, had health issues near the end of his life. Marvin was hospitalized for over two weeks in December 1986 due to a coccidioidomycosis-related ailment. He had respiratory distress and was given steroids to assist him in breathing.
As a result, he developed severe intestine ruptures and had to have a colectomy. Marvin died on August 29, 1987, at the age of 63, of a heart attack. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
| Height | 6 ft 2 in / 187 cm |
| Weight | 187 lb / 85 kg |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Parents | N/A |
| Children | Christopher Marvin, Claudia Marvin, Courtenay Marvin, Cynthia Marvin |
| Relationship Status | Married (Pamela Marvin (m. 1970–1987), Betty Ebeling (m. 1951–1967) |
| Siblings | Robert Marvin |
Social Media Platforms
The late actor and film industry veteran Lee Marvin has no known presence on social media platforms. Marvin’s career as a legendary character in Hollywood lasted several decades, including significant performances in films such as “The Dirty Dozen” and “Cat Ballou.” However, because Marvin lived before the advent of social media, there is no record of his having active profiles on sites such as Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
While his contributions to film can still be appreciated, viewers may rely on traditional media and biographical sources to discover more about his life and work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Lee Marvin buried?
Lee Marvin was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, United States.
What is Lee Marvin’s real name?
Lee Marvin’s real name is Lamont Waltman “Lee” Marvin Jr
Where was Lee Marvin born?
Lee Marvin was born in New York, New York, United States
What was Lee Marvin’s date of death
Lee Marvin was born on August 29, 1987
What is Lee Marvin’s spouse’s name?
Lee Marvin’s spouse’s name is Pamela Marvin (m. 1970–1987), Betty Ebeling (m. 1951–1967)
What is Lee Marvin’s ethnicity?
Lee Marvin’s ethnicity is White
Which university did Lee Marvin attend?
Lee Marvin attended Manumit School St. Leo College Preparatory School
Gallery Photos of Lee Marvin
Summary
Lee Marvin was a well-known American actor recognized for his challenging and diverse roles. Marvin was born in New York City on February 19, 1924, and served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II before pursuing a career in acting. He rose to prominence for his parts in films such as “The Dirty Dozen,” “Point Blank,” and “Cat Ballou,” for which he received an Academy Award nomination.
Marvin was a beloved figure in the business due to his unique personality, dominating screen presence, and ability to portray heroic and evil roles. His contributions to filmmaking are still being recognized, and he remains a significant character in cinematic history.
