Born on June 4, 1924, Dennis Weaver died on February 24, 2006. He was a well-known American actor who gained notoriety for his parts as Sam McCloud in the NBC police drama “McCloud” and Chester Goode in the CBS western “Gunsmoke.” Weaver was also the star of Steven Spielberg’s 1971 television film “Duel” and the Screen Actors Guild’s president from 1973 to 1975. After accounting for inflation and continuing royalties from his body of work, Dennis Weaver net worth increased from $16 million at the time of his death to $18 million by 2025. He had three kids with Gerry Stowell, his spouse.
Despite his public career, Weaver’s legacy lives on mostly because of his significant contributions and the ongoing profits his estate receives from residuals and wise investments.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Dennis Weaver |
| Birthdate | June 4, 1924 |
| Birthplace | Joplin, Missouri, USA |
| Death | February 24, 2006 (age 81) |
| Education | Joplin Junior College; University of Oklahoma (Drama) |
| Military Service | U.S. Navy pilot during World War II |
| Career Highlights | Actor known for Gunsmoke (Chester Goode), McCloud (Sam McCloud), Duel (1971 TV movie); President of Screen Actors Guild (1973–1975) |
| Awards | Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor (1959) |
| Family | Married to Gerry Stowell (1945–2006); three children |
| Estimated Net Worth (at death) | Approximately $16 million (in 2006), estimated to have grown to about $18 million by 2025 through royalties and investments |
Dennis Weaver Net Worth in 2025
Born on June 4, 1924, Dennis Weaver was a well-known American actor best known for his memorable parts in television shows like McCloud and Gunsmoke. His estate continues to make money despite his death in 2006 because to royalties, residuals from reruns and streaming services, as well as wise real estate and sponsorship deals. His estimated net worth as of 2025 is $18 million, which reflects both his careful estate management and the ongoing popularity of his work. Beyond his wealth, Weaver’s impact was further enhanced by his generosity and environmental activism.
| Peer | Approximate Net Worth at Death* |
|---|---|
| Dennis Weaver | $20 million |
| Burt Reynolds | $18 million (estimate) |
| James Arness | $10 million (estimate) |
| Milburn Stone | Not widely published |
| Amanda Blake | Not widely published |
Business Ventures and Income Sources
Dennis Weaver’s lucrative business endeavors and sources of wealth went far beyond his lucrative acting career. One of his most notable contributions to sustainable living initiatives was the construction of a massive, energy-efficient “Earthship” residence near Ridgway, Colorado, which uses recycled materials like used tires for insulation and passive solar mass. His dedication to sustainability and green technologies is reflected in this eco-friendly house.
Weaver’s net worth increased over time as a result of his wise real estate investments and other economic endeavors, such as his involvement in the hospitality and leisure sectors, in addition to his environmental undertakings. Royalties, revenues from these investments, and residual income from his numerous performing roles bolstered his financial holdings.
Connections to companies with competence in estate planning, commercial law, and real estate show that his family also maintains legal and business knowledge, which probably aids in the management and protection of the Weaver estate’s assets.
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Real State Ownership and Properties
Renowned real estate developer Dennis Weaver was well known for his eco-friendly Ridgway, Colorado, residences. His most well-known property was the “Earthship” house, a huge, energy-efficient, solar-powered house constructed out of recyclable materials including aluminum cans and tires filled with mud. This approximately 10,000-square-foot Earthship, which was one of the biggest of its kind at the time and represented Weaver’s love of the environment and sustainable living, was built on 20 acres alongside a river with views of the Rocky Mountains.
In 1988, Weaver bought his first property in Ridgway, and by 1990, he had made it his permanent residence. His estate recently sold both the Earthship and another nearby family home as part of the process of selling off his real estate assets. Plans for an eco-friendly housing development along the Uncompahgre River corridor were among the community-focused land development projects Weaver was involved in. These plans led to the posthumous creation of the Dennis Weaver Memorial Park and the RiverSage subdivision, with 60 acres of land donated to the town for preservation.
His family is still present in Ridgway, and he has left a legacy of philanthropy and active participation in local events. An era came to an end in 2024 when the Weaver estate handled his real estate holdings and memorabilia sales. All things considered, Dennis Weaver’s beliefs of sustainability, community, and harmony with nature were closely linked to his real estate holdings.
Dennis Weaver’s Personal Life
In 1945, Dennis Weaver wed Gerry Stowell, his boyhood sweetheart, and the two stayed together until his passing in 2006. The three sons of the couple are Rusty, Robert, and Rick. Despite his public profession, Weaver had a very private personal life and was well-known for his unwavering dedication to his family. In addition, he was an athlete who competed in the 1948 U.S. Olympic decathlon and flew for the Navy during World War II.
For moral grounds, Weaver became a vegetarian in the late 1950s and a fervent environmentalist. He developed the Earthship, a sustainable, solar-powered house made from recycled materials like discarded tires and cans, while residing with his family near Ridgway, Colorado. He and his wife were involved in their community, supporting philanthropy and environmentally responsible development. They donated land for parks and provided scholarships to local kids.
Weaver’s daughter-in-law, Lynne Ann Weaver, tragically lost her life in a car accident at the Santa Monica Farmers Market in 2003. In addition to his family, Dennis Weaver was a devout Democrat, a member of the spiritual community known as the Self Realization Fellowship, and a lifelong supporter of humanitarian organizations and environmental concerns. Through several charitable contributions and community involvement, his family maintains his legacy in the Ridgway community.
Dennis Weaver’s Acting Career and Major Works
Over the course of her five-decade career, Weaver starred in numerous TV series and movies. Among his most enduring roles are:
- Gunsmoke (1955–1964): Weaver won an Emmy Award and received a lot of praise for his devoted sidekick role as Deputy Chester Goode. Though specific wages vary by source, his income during Gunsmoke increased as the show gained success, reflecting his growing stature.
- McCloud (1970–1977): Weaver became a major TV sensation by portraying Marshal Sam McCloud, a western lawman who was moved to New York City. He was known for his captivating demeanor and slow Texan drawl.
- Weaver’s portrayal of a driver threatened by a relentless truck driver garnered great acclaim in Steven Spielberg’s spooky television film Duel (1971).
- His versatility was cemented by his several roles in feature films, including Touch of Evil (1958) and The Bridges at Toko-Ri.
Weaver also produced and directed throughout his career, most notably directing Gunsmoke episodes. He started the anti-hunger group LIFE and served as president of the Screen Actors Guild in the early 1970s.
Physical Measurements
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 174–180 pounds (79–81 kg)
- Hair Color: Black (in youth), later grey
- Eye Color: Brown
Struggles with Mental Health, Addiction & Homelessness
There are no reliable rumors or proof that Dennis Weaver battled addiction, homelessness, or mental health problems during his lifetime. Rather, the records and biographies that are currently accessible emphasize his consistent career as a prosperous actor and union leader, as well as his commitment to philanthropy, environmental advocacy, and community service. Despite the typical difficulties of a professional actor’s early career, such as taking on odd jobs to help support his family, there is no sign that he struggled with addiction or homelessness personally.
Weaver, who was president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1973 to 1975 and a known activist for the “little guy,” fought for the rights of actors, including residual payments. With his wife and three sons, he maintained a solid family life. Later, he moved to Ridgway, Colorado, where he was actively involved in environmental projects and humanitarian endeavors to help feed underprivileged families. Community members and his personal assistant have characterized him as kind, involved, and charitable; they have made no reference to his battles with homelessness or addiction.
Current Status
Dennis Weaver died in 2006, but his influence is still felt today, especially in Ridgway, Colorado, where he moved in 1990 to pursue environmental activism and sustainable living. His most well-known property there was a huge Earthship residence that was powered by solar energy and constructed from recycled materials, demonstrating his dedication to environmental responsibility. Even though Weaver is no longer with us, his family is still very much a part of the Ridgway community, upholding his charitable endeavors and land management.
The RiverSage community and Dennis Weaver Memorial Park serve as enduring memorials to his goal, conserving natural spaces and the riverfront for next generations. Rick and Rusty, his sons, reside in Ridgway, and Rusty assists with the upkeep of the memorial site. Recently, Weaver’s estate sold off some of its remaining properties, signaling a change but guaranteeing ongoing support for the neighborhood he loved. As a result, even though Dennis Weaver is no longer with us, his cultural, humanitarian, and environmental impact endures in 2025 thanks to both community involvement and physical markers.
Public Perception & Media Coverage
Public opinion and media coverage of Dennis Weaver have been overwhelmingly positive, which is indicative of his lasting legacy as a devoted humanitarian and a well-liked actor. His classic television roles, including Chester Goode on Gunsmoke and Sam McCloud on McCloud, have gained him both critical and popular praise and solidified his place in American pop culture. His adaptability, unique presence, and genuine, approachable “Everyman” attitude that connected with audiences are frequently highlighted in media narratives.
Weaver was well-known for his philanthropy and environmental advocacy outside of his acting profession. He improved his reputation as a progressive supporter of sustainability by founding the Institute of Ecolonomics and constructing a ground-breaking eco-friendly “Earthship” residence in Colorado. His good reputation was further enhanced by his charity endeavors, which included land grants and community assistance in Ridgway, Colorado. He is portrayed by the media as someone who used his notoriety to support worthy causes, giving his legacy more substance and longevity than just being an entertainer.
His estate is still making money as of 2025 from royalties and wise investments, which keeps his work current on streaming services and in reruns. This enduring appeal fuels continued media attention, with stories frequently highlighting the ways in which his humanitarian efforts and artistic achievements combine to form a rich, enduring legacy. All things considered, Dennis Weaver is seen as a gifted entertainer as well as a kind and moral public figure whose impact never stops motivating.
FAQs about Dennis Weaver
What was Dennis Weaver’s net worth when he died?
little over $20 million.
How much did he earn from Gunsmoke?
Although exact numbers are unknown, Weaver’s pay increased dramatically over the course of nine seasons, which was in line with his Emmy-winning performance.
Was Dennis Weaver a pilot in the military?
During World War II, he flew as a fighter pilot for the United States Navy.
What was the cause of his death?
Prostate cancer complications.
How tall was Dennis Weaver?
Approximately 6′ 2″.
Did James Arness and Dennis Weaver get along?
They did had a good working relationship both on and off the Gunsmoke set.
Who are Dennis Weaver’s sons?
Rusty Weaver, Rob, and Rick.
What were his most famous movies and TV shows?
McCloud, Gunsmoke, and the television film Duel.
Conclusion
Decades after his death, Dennis Weaver’s influence as an environmentalist and trailblazing actor endures. Weaver’s life was distinguished by his skill, moral character, and determination, from his pivotal parts in McCloud and Gunsmoke to his dedication to sustainability. His contributions to green living and vintage television are still praised by fans of both genres. In order to preserve the memory of this extraordinary man, readers are encouraged to submit their favorite quotes or moments from Dennis Weaver’s work.
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