Lorenzo Lamas is an American actor, television star, martial artist, and helicopter pilot with an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. Best known for starring in the hit television series Falcon Crest and Renegade, Lamas built a successful career spanning several decades in television, action films, theater, and reality TV.
Despite enjoying years of success in Hollywood, Lamas has experienced significant financial setbacks, including two personal bankruptcy filings, multiple divorces, and substantial tax and support obligations that affected his overall wealth.
- Lorenzo Lamas Net Worth: $1.5 Million
- Date of Birth: January 20, 1958
- Place of Birth: Santa Monica, California
- Nationality: American
- Career: actor, television star, martial artist, and helicopter pilot
Early Life
Lorenzo Lamas was born on January 20, 1958, in Santa Monica, California.
He comes from a famous Hollywood family. His father was Argentine actor Fernando Lamas, while his mother was Norwegian-American actress Arlene Dahl. After his parents divorced, his father later married swimming champion and actress Esther Williams.
Lamas spent part of his childhood in California before moving to New York, where he attended Admiral Farragut Academy and graduated in 1975.
Acting Career
After studying acting at Tony Barr’s Film Actors Workshop, Lamas began landing television roles during the mid-1970s.
He made appearances in several popular television series, including Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, Hotel, Switch, and Secrets of Midland Heights. He also appeared briefly in the 1978 musical film Grease.
These early roles helped establish him as a rising television actor.
Breakthrough with Falcon Crest
Lamas achieved his major breakthrough in 1981 after being cast as Lance Cumson in the CBS prime-time drama Falcon Crest.
The series became one of television’s biggest hits of the 1980s, running for nine seasons. Lamas appeared in all 227 episodes, making him the only cast member to remain throughout the show’s entire run.
His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination and established him as one of television’s leading stars.
Becoming an Action Star
While still starring in Falcon Crest, Lamas expanded into action films.
He appeared in movies such as Body Rock, Snake Eater, Bounty Hunter, Gladiator Cop, CIA: Code Name Alexa, and Terminal Justice. Many of these productions became popular in the direct-to-video market, where Lamas developed a loyal fan base.
His martial arts skills allowed him to perform many of his own fight scenes and action sequences, helping define his on-screen image.
Success with Renegade
In 1992, Lamas landed another career-defining role as Reno Raines in the syndicated television series Renegade.
The show followed a police officer wrongly accused of murder who became a bounty hunter while trying to clear his name.
Renegade ran for five seasons and was broadcast in more than 100 countries, significantly increasing Lamas’ international popularity.
The series remains one of his most recognizable television roles.
Television, Stage and Aviation Career
Following Renegade, Lamas continued working steadily in television and film.
He appeared in series including The Bold and the Beautiful, Jane the Virgin, Big Time Rush, Workaholics, and Lucha Underground. He also competed on Celebrity Apprentice and starred in the family reality series Leave It to Lamas.
Away from television, Lamas expanded into theater with productions including The King and I, Dracula, The Fantasticks, and A Chorus Line.
Outside entertainment, he pursued another passion by becoming a licensed helicopter pilot, later working professionally as a charter pilot and conducting sightseeing flights.
Financial Problems
Despite decades in the entertainment industry, Lamas has faced serious financial difficulties.
He filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy twice, first in 2004 and again in 2014.
Court filings revealed debts related to taxes, vehicle loans, aircraft financing, alimony, child support, and other financial obligations. His second bankruptcy filing showed that he owed more than $300,000, with most of the debt consisting of unpaid taxes and support payments that could not be discharged.
The financial challenges significantly reduced his overall wealth despite years of successful acting work.
Personal Life
Lorenzo Lamas has been married six times and is the father of six children.
His former spouses include Victoria Hilbert, Michele Smith, Kathleen Kinmont, Shauna Sand, Shawna Craig, and Kenna Scott. His daughter, Shayne Lamas, gained national attention after winning The Bachelor.
Outside acting, Lamas has long been dedicated to martial arts. He holds multiple black belts, including a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and has trained in karate, jujitsu, aikido, and Shotokan.
Real Estate
Over the years, Lamas has owned several homes in California and Nevada.
He previously owned luxury properties in Los Feliz and Poway, California, before relocating to Las Vegas. In 2022, he purchased a home in Las Vegas, which remains his primary residence.
Author: Andrew Walyaula
Andrew Walyaula is a seasoned multimedia journalist. Email: [email protected]
