Claude Marion Akins was an actor born on 25th May 1926 in Nelson, Georgia USA, and despite his long and fulfilled career, he is probably best remembered for his role of Sheriff Lobo in “B.J. and the Bear“ TV series and its later spin-off series “The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo“. Claude passed away in 1994.
Have you ever wondered how rich Claude Akins was? According to sources it has been estimated that Claude Akins’ overall net worth was $2 million., acquired through a prosperous acting career which spanned for four decades starting from the early ’50s. During his long career he appeared in vast number of productions both in movies and on television, which significantly influenced his net worth and popularity.
Claude Akins Net Worth $2 Million
Although born in Nelson, Georgia, Claude grew up in Bedford, Indiana. As a teenager and adolescent, Akins served with the US Army Signal Corps in Burma and the Philippines during World War II. In 1949 he graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Theatre, and was a Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity member.
Having attended acting-related studies which were his main interest, Akins decided to pursue an acting career. His first film appearance was a secondary role in the 1953 film “From Here to Eternity“, next to Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift and Frank Sinatra. The following year he played next to Lee Marvin in “The Caine Mutiny“ and continued with a series of roles in films such as “Rio Bravo“, “Don’t Give Up the Ship“, “Merrill’s Marauders“, “The Devil’s Brigade“, and “Comanche Station“ among many others. Claude’s another notable movie appearance was with Yul Brynner and Robert Fuller in “Return of the Seven“(1966), all of which added to his net worth.
In addition to his productive film career, Akins also had a fruitful career as a television actor. He was cast in a great number of TV series, including “The Adventures of Superman“, “Crusader“ and “I Love Lucy“. However, his more notable roles were in westerns such as “Northwest Passage“, “Boots and Saddles“, “Sheriff of Cochise“ and “Wagon Train“ among many others. These roles made him a familiar television personality and brought him significant popularity, as he continued to play ’the tough guy’ in various productions.
Claude also appeared in the role of a rodeo clown convicted of armed robbery in an episode of the NBC series “Star Stage“, which then launched the syndicated police drama “State Trooper“.
Before landing his signature role of Sheriff Lobo, Akins starred next to Frank Converse in the NBC series “Movin’ On“ from 1974 to 1976, and appeared in a made-for-TV movie “In Tandem“.
However, his best-known role on TV in the series “B.J. and the Bear“ started as a recurring role, but the popularity of his character garnered him his own show – „The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo“.
Having built a name and net worth for himself in the entertainment industry, Claude did various testimonial TV commercials for brands such as PoliGrip, AAMCO Transmissions and Rollins Truck Leasing in the late ’70s and early ’80s. He continued appearing in films and TV productions until his passing.
When it comes to his private life, Akins was married to Therese Fairfield from 1952 until the end of his life, and the couple had three children. He was a life-long passionate golfer and a small golf tournament in Bendrofd, Indiana bears his name. Claude died death from cancer on 27th January 1994 in Altadena, California, USA.
