Fred Ward Biography: Obituary, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Child, Wife, Films, TV Series

Freddie Joe Ward, known professionally as Fred Ward, was an American actor recognized for his rugged, versatile performances. Before acting, he served in the U.S. Air Force.

His career began with an Italian television movie in 1973, leading to roles in films such as Escape from Alcatraz (1979), Southern Comfort (1981), The Right Stuff (1983), Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985), and Tremors (1990) and its sequel.

He won a Golden Globe for his role in Short Cuts (1993). Over his decades-long career, he amassed nearly 90 film and TV credits.

Profile

• Full Name: Freddie Joe Ward
• Stage Name: Fred Ward
• Born: December 30 1942
• Died: May 8 2022
• Age: 79 years old
• Birthplace: San Diego, California, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American character actor
• Height: 1.77 m
• Parent: Juanita Iown Ward and Fred Frazier Ward
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Carla Evonne Stewart ​(m.1965–1966)​, Silvia Ward (divorced), Marie-France Ward ​(m. 1995)
• Children: Django Ward
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life And Education

Freddie Joe Ward was born in San Diego, California, on December 30, 1942, to Juanita Iown Ward and Fred Frazier Ward.

His father struggled with alcoholism and had frequent run-ins with the law, leading his mother to leave when Fred was three years old. Raised primarily by his grandmother, he later lived with his mother after she remarried a carnival worker.

While he possibly had siblings, their names are not publicly known. After serving three years in the U.S. Air Force, Ward pursued his passion for acting, studying at New York’s Herbert Berghof Studio.

His diverse life experiences, including working as a lumberjack, boxer, and short-order cook, contributed to the rugged persona he would later bring to Hollywood. Ward was of American ethnicity, but his religious beliefs were not publicly documented.

Career

Fred Ward’s journey to Hollywood was as unconventional as his screen presence. Before becoming an actor, he served in the U.S. Air Force and worked various rugged jobs, including as a lumberjack in Alaska, a boxer, and a short-order cook.

His passion for acting led him to study at New York’s Herbert Berghof Studio before moving to Europe, where he dubbed Italian films and appeared in projects by neorealist director Roberto Rossellini. This diverse background shaped his tough, grounded persona, becoming his signature on screen.

Ward’s Hollywood breakthrough came in Escape from Alcatraz (1979), where he starred alongside Clint Eastwood. His commanding presence made him a natural fit for action and adventure films, leading to roles in Southern Comfort (1981), Uncommon Valor (1983), and his acclaimed portrayal of astronaut Gus Grissom in The Right Stuff (1983).

Although Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985) was intended to launch a franchise, it underperformed at the box office. Nevertheless, Ward remained a sought-after character actor, known for his ability to bring grit and authenticity to every role. In the 1990s and beyond, Ward showcased his versatility with comedic and dramatic roles.

He starred alongside Kevin Bacon in the cult classic Tremors (1990), appeared in Miami Blues (1990), Henry & June (1990), and played a memorable part in Robert Altman’s The Player (1992). His Golden Globe-winning performance in Altman’s Short Cuts (1993) further cemented his reputation.

He continued working steadily into the 2000s with roles in Joe Dirt (2001), Sweet Home Alabama (2002), and Armored (2009), as well as a late-career television appearance in True Detective (2015). Ward passed away on May 8, 2022, at 79, leaving behind a legacy of nearly 90 film and television roles that spanned action, drama, and comedy.

Social Media

Fred Ward does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Fred Ward was married three times throughout his life. His first marriage was to Carla Evonne Stewart in 1965, but the union ended in divorce the following year.

He later married Silvia Ward, with whom he had a son, Django Ward. In December 1995, he wed his third wife, Marie-France Ward (née Boisselle). Despite briefly separating in 2013, they reconciled and remained together for 27 years until his passing.

Ward died on May 8, 2022, in San Diego, California, at 79. He was survived by his wife, Marie-France, and their son, Django. His legacy as a versatile and rugged character actor continues to be celebrated in Hollywood and beyond.

Filmography

Films:

• Escape from Alcatraz (1979)
• Southern Comfort (1981)
• Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle Swann (1982)
• Uncommon Valor (1983)
• The Right Stuff (1983)
• Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985)
• Big Business (1988)
• Tremors (1990)
• Henry & June (1990)
• Miami Blues (1990)
• The Player (1992)  
• Bob Roberts (1992)
• Thunderheart (1992)
• Short Cuts (1993)
• Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994)
• Chain Reaction (1996)
• Tremors II: Aftershocks (1996)
• Joe Dirt (2001)
• Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
• Armored (2009)
• 2 Guns (2013)

TV Shows:

• The Incredible Hulk (1977)
• Quincy, M.E. (1976)
• ER (1994)
• True Detective (2014)
• Grey’s Anatomy (2005)
• Leverage (2008)
• In Plain Sight (2008)

Net Worth

Fred Ward’s net Worth was estimated at approximately $3 million at the time of his passing in 2022. His wealth stemmed from a successful film and television career over four decades.

Known for his rugged screen presence, he starred in notable films such as The Right Stuff, Escape from Alcatraz, and the Tremors franchise, solidifying his reputation as a versatile character actor.