Clint Walker, an American actor, was known for his iconic cowboy role in the television series Cheyenne. His towering height, standing at 6 ft 6 in (198 cm), and his remarkable talent made him a household name during the 50s and 60s. In this article, we will delve into Clint Walker’s net worth, his career achievements, personal life, and the legacy he left behind.

Early Life and Start in the Entertainment Industry

Clint Walker, born as Norman Eugene Walker on May 30, 1927, in Hartford, Illinois, had a humble beginning. Raised by his mother after his parents’ divorce, Walker left school at a young age and took up various odd jobs, including metal worker, nightclub bouncer, doorman, and undercover detective. He also served in the United States Merchant Marine during the last months of World War II, which added to his life experiences.

After working various jobs, Walker pursued an acting career and caught the attention of renowned Hollywood talent agent Henry Wilson. Under Wilson’s guidance, he was cast in his first role and given the stage name Jett Norman. This paved the way for his entry into the entertainment industry.

Achieving an Impressive Filmography

Walker’s breakthrough came when he was hired by Cecil B. DeMille to appear in the Bible-based epic film The Ten Commandments (1956). The movie achieved great success and catapulted Walker into the spotlight. Warner Bros noticed his talent and physical appearance, leading to a major role in the popular television series Cheyenne. Walker portrayed the character of Cheyenne Bodie in the series, appearing in 108 episodes. From then on, he continued using the name Clint Walker.

With the success of Cheyenne, Walker’s career flourished. He starred in several films, including Fort Dobbs (1958), Yellowstone Kelly (1959), Gold of the Seven Saints (1961), and The Night of the Grizzly (1966), among others. His roles brought a glamorous touch to the cowboy archetype, captivating audiences and contributing to the popularity of Westerns.

In addition to his film career, Walker appeared in numerous television series, including Yuma, Killdozer!, and Scream of the Wolf. He also took on roles in big Hollywood movies such as The Dirty Dozen (1967) and None but the Brave (1965). By the end of his acting career, which spanned 44 years, Clint Walker had accumulated an impressive filmography with 42 credits to his name. His last role was a voice role in the 1998 film Small Soldiers as Nick Nitro.

Dissecting Clint Walker’s Net Worth

After a successful career in acting and writing, Clint Walker amassed a net worth of $4 million. His income primarily came from his long career as an actor and his 2003 novel Yaqui Gold, co-authored with Western writer Kirby Jonas. Walker’s contributions to television and movies were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. He also received the Golden Boot Award in 1997, cementing his place in the entertainment industry.

Personal Life and Marriages

Throughout his lifetime, Clint Walker was married three times. His first marriage was to Verna Garver in 1948, and they were together until their divorce in 1968. They had one daughter named Valerie, born in 1950. Walker’s second marriage was to Giselle Hennessy, lasting for twenty years until her death in 1994. Three years after Giselle’s passing, he married Susan Cavallari, who remained his wife until his death in 2018.

Surviving a Near-Fatal Skiing Accident

Clint Walker’s life took a dramatic turn in May 1971 when he survived a near-fatal skiing accident at Mammoth Mountain, California. A fall from a ski lift resulted in a ski pole piercing his heart. Initially presumed dead, he was later discovered to have faint signs of life at the hospital. Urgently rushed into surgery, his damaged heart was repaired. Just two months after the surgery, Walker was back on his feet and returning to work, demonstrating his resilience and determination.

Clint Walker’s Passing and Legacy

After a fulfilling life filled with accomplishments and recognition, Clint Walker passed away on May 21, 2018, at the age of 90, shortly before his 91st birthday. The cause of his death was congestive heart failure at his home in Grass Valley, California. He was survived by his daughter Valerie Walker, who carved her own path as one of the first female airline pilots in America.

Clint Walker’s legacy as an actor and singer lives on. He left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, particularly through his iconic portrayal of Cheyenne Bodie in Cheyenne. With his tall stature, talent, and charm, Clint Walker will always be remembered as one of the influential figures who contributed to the growth of television and the popularity of Westerns.