Current Age and Birth Details
Lorne Greene was born on 12 February 1915 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. As of 2025, he would have been 110 years old if alive. He died on 11 September 1987, at age 72, meaning he has not been alive in recent years. His recorded date of birth and death are consistent across authoritative biographies and archival sources.
Age at Key Career Milestones
Early Radio and Television Work
In the late 1940s and 1950s, Greene established himself as a distinctive voice on Canadian radio and early television. His role in various dramas preceded his major network breakthrough.
Breaking: Bonanza (1959–1973)
Greene rose to international prominence as Ben Cartwright on the NBC series Bonanza, which ran from 1959 to 1973. He was approximately 44 at the series premiere in September 1959 and was 58 when the show concluded in 1973.
Below is a compact timeline of his notable ages at pivotal events:
| Date or Period | Event | Age | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Feb 1915 | Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | 0 | Starting point for all career calculations |
| 1940s | Early radio and CBC television roles | 25–30 | Established him as a versatile voice actor |
| 1959 | Premiere of Bonanza (September) | 44 | Brought him widespread recognition as Ben Cartwright |
| 1964 | Peak popularity of Bonanza | 49 | One of the most-watched programs on U.S. television |
| 1973 | Bonanza finale | 58 | End of his signature network-television role |
| 11 Sep 1987 | Died in Los Angeles, California | 72 | End of his professional and public life |
Age Relative to Co-Stars and Industry Peers
During Bonanza, Greene was among the older leads compared with some co-stars, which contributed to his authoritative on-screen presence. His voice and measured delivery were well suited to the patriarch role, and age further emphasized his gravitas. This dynamic differed from many family-oriented shows of the era, where leads were often closer in age.
Legacy and Longevity in Memory
Although Lorne Greene has not been alive for several decades, his work remains a touchstone of television history. Discussions of his age typically reference either his birth year (1915) or his enduring reputation as a calm, commanding presence. For biographical and timeline purposes, he is remembered as having lived 72 years.
Common Misconceptions and Status Clarifications
- He is not alive today; he died in 1987 at age 72.
- His age at Bonanza’s start was 44, not 40 or 50.
- His birth date, 12 February 1915, is consistently documented across archives.
- No credible source lists a different year of birth or death.
Summary
Lorne Greene was born 12 February 1915 and died 11 September 1987 at age 72. He would be 110 years old today if still alive. His age at major career moments is well established, with his breakthrough role on Bonanza occurring when he was 44. Current references to his age should treat his birth and death dates as fixed biographical facts.