Discovering My Family Connection to Hollywood Legend Lee Marvin

Yet another Hollywood legend has been added to my family tree — the unforgettable Lee Marvin, whose rugged face and commanding presence became iconic in Westerns, war films, and classic television from the 1950s through the 1980s. Best known for his tough-guy roles, Lee Marvin remains one of the most recognizable figures in mid-20th-century American cinema.

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Lee Marvin’s Early Life and Family Lineage

Lee Marvin was born on February 19, 1924, in New York City, to Lamont Waltman Marvin and Courtenay Washington Davidge.

Through his mother’s lineage, Lee and I share a common ancestry—we both descend from the same family line that also connects us to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, on her maternal side.

In addition, Lee Marvin was related to Confederate General Robert E. Lee—Lee being the General’s first cousin, four times removed, while he is my tenth cousin, eight times removed.

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Lee Marvin’s Military Service in World War II

At just 18 years old, Lee Marvin left school on August 12, 1942, to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served honorably during World War II and was wounded in action during the Battle of Saipan when struck by enemy machine gun fire. Due to the severity of his injuries, Lee was later medically discharged from the Marines.

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From Plumber’s Assistant to Hollywood Star

After the war, Lee Marvin worked as a plumber’s assistant at a community theater in upstate New York. When an actor suddenly fell ill, Lee was asked to fill in—and the experience sparked his passion for acting. He soon began performing regularly, earning a modest $7 a week.

Lee later moved to Greenwich Village in New York City, where he studied acting and performed in local theater productions. In 1949, he appeared in two plays at the Experimental Theatre, marking the start of his professional career.

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Lee Marvin’s Rise to Hollywood Fame

By 1951, Lee Marvin landed a small role on Broadway in the play Uniform of Flesh. That same year, he made his film debut in You’re In The Navy Now, alongside future stars Charles Bronson and Jack Warden.

His career quickly gained momentum, and over the years, Lee shared the screen with Hollywood greats such as Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, Robert Mitchum, James Stewart, John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, Burt Lancaster, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland, and Clint Eastwood—who, like John Wayne, also happens to be a distant cousin of mine.

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Oscar-Winning Performance and Career Highlights

In 1965, Lee Marvin earned an Academy Award for Best Actor for his unforgettable dual role in Cat Ballou, starring opposite Jane Fonda. This performance cemented his legacy as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and talented actors.

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Personal Life and Family

Lee Marvin married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Betty Ebeling in February 1951, with whom he had four children:

• Christopher (1952–2013)

• Courtenay (born 1954)

• Cynthia Louise (born 1956)

• Claudia Leslie (1958–2012)

After divorcing in 1967, Lee later married his high school sweetheart, Pamela Feeley, in October 1970. They remained together until his passing in 1987.

Between marriages, from 1965 to 1970, Lee was involved with Michelle Triola, who later filed the landmark palimony lawsuit that helped establish legal rights for unmarried partners living together.

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Final Years and Legacy

Lee Marvin passed away on August 29, 1987, at the age of 63, after suffering a heart attack. His health had been declining since late 1986. He was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, a fitting tribute to his service and sacrifice.

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Remembering Lee Marvin

From Marine hero to Oscar-winning actor, Lee Marvin’s life embodies resilience, courage, and transformation. His powerful performances and lasting influence on American film continue to inspire generations—and I’m honored to call him family.