Larry Wilcox is an American actor, producer, and director, best known for his iconic role as Officer Jonathan Andrew Baker on the popular NBC crime drama CHiPs (1977-1982). With a career spanning over five decades, Wilcox has amassed a net worth of $700 thousand. From his early days as a television guest star to his major role on CHiPs, as well as his work in films and television throughout the years, Wilcox has remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Background
Larry Dee Wilcox was born on August 8, 1947, in San Diego, California, to Marion and John Wilcox. His parents separated when he was young, and Larry, along with his three siblings, was raised by his mother in Rawlins, Wyoming. After completing his high school education at Rawlins High School, Larry attended the University of Wyoming before transferring to Los Angeles Pierce College and Cal State Northridge.
Tragedy struck when Wilcox’s sister was murdered by her husband during his time at Cal State Northridge, prompting him to return home to help his family through this painful period. In 1967, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam. During his service, he studied French and later took courses at the College of the Desert in Twentynine Palms, California. Larry reached the rank of Staff Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1973.
Early Career and TV Appearances
Wilcox’s career in acting began in the early 1970s. He appeared in several television movies such as Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones (1971), The Girl Most Likely To… (1973), and The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang (1979). He also had guest roles on various shows, including Room 222 (1971, 1973), The Streets of San Francisco (1973, 1976), and The Partridge Family (1973). Wilcox’s television career was further solidified with his role as Dale Mitchell in the long-running series Lassie from 1971 to 1973.
Wilcox’s early career also included guest appearances on shows like Hawaii Five-O (1974), Police Story (1973), MASH* (1977), and The Magical World of Disney (1973). His early exposure to a variety of roles helped him gain a foothold in the industry, ultimately leading to his breakthrough role in CHiPs.
Breakthrough with CHiPs
In 1977, Larry Wilcox became a household name when he was cast as Officer Jonathan Andrew Baker on the hit NBC series CHiPs. The show, which revolved around two California Highway Patrol officers, was an instant success, running for six seasons and 139 episodes until 1982. Wilcox starred alongside Erik Estrada, and the duo became widely recognized for their portrayal of officers in the CHP.
During his time on CHiPs, Wilcox and Estrada graced the cover of TV Guide three times, solidifying their place in pop culture. Despite rumors of tension between the two stars, which Wilcox later confirmed in a 1980 interview, CHiPs remains one of the most memorable shows from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Wilcox’s portrayal of Officer Baker earned him recognition and cemented his place in television history.
Career After CHiPs
After CHiPs ended, Larry Wilcox continued to work in television and film. He reprised his role as Officer Baker in the 1998 TV movie CHiPs ’99, and also appeared in the 1993 film National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Wilcox appeared in several television movies, including The Dirty Dozen: The Next Mission (1985) and Perry Mason: The Case of the Avenging Ace (1988).
Wilcox’s versatility as an actor allowed him to appear in a wide range of television series, including Fantasy Island (1984), Hotel (1984), Matlock (1987), MacGyver (1991), and Murder, She Wrote (1986-1992). He also made guest appearances in 30 Rock (2009), Pacific Blue (1997), and Profiler (1998). His film career continued with roles in The Thundering 8th (2000), 94 Feet (2016), and Wish Man (2019), showcasing his ability to remain relevant in the entertainment industry.
Wilcox also took on directing and producing roles. He directed several CHiPs episodes, including Ride the Whirlwind (1979) and Tow Truck Lady (1980), and produced the 1999 revival CHiPs ’99. His involvement in the production side of the entertainment industry demonstrated his broader skill set and desire to shape the content he worked on.
Personal Life and Family
Larry Wilcox has had a varied personal life, with three marriages and five children. His first marriage was to Judy Vagner in 1969, with whom he had two children, Derek and Heidi. They divorced in early 1979. Later that year, Wilcox married Hannie Strasser, a former sound technician on CHiPs, and they had one child, Wendy, before divorcing in 1980.
In 1985, Wilcox married Marlene Harmon, a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic pentathlon team, and they had two sons, Ryan and Chad. Marlene and her teammates were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Jimmy Carter for their contributions to the 1980 Olympics.
Legal Issues and Securities Fraud Conviction
In 2010, Larry Wilcox faced legal issues when he was charged with securities fraud as part of a federal sting operation. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) alleged that Wilcox, through his company UC Hub Group Inc., had participated in kickback schemes to artificially inflate the trading volume and price of microcap stocks. Wilcox pleaded guilty to securities fraud conspiracy in 2010 and was sentenced to three years of probation and 500 hours of community service.
Larry Wilcox’s Net Worth
Larry Wilcox’s net worth is estimated to be $700 thousand. While his career in entertainment has afforded him considerable fame, Wilcox’s financial troubles and legal issues have likely impacted his overall wealth. Nevertheless, his long-running success in television and film continues to be a defining aspect of his career.
Conclusion
Larry Wilcox has had a diverse and successful career in Hollywood, from his iconic role as Officer Jonathan Baker on CHiPs to his work in television and film as an actor, producer, and director. His career spans over 50 years, and while his net worth stands at $700 thousand, his legacy in the entertainment industry is undeniable. Though his life has been marked by personal and legal challenges, Wilcox’s contributions to television and film, as well as his enduring popularity, continue to make him a respected figure in the entertainment world.