L.Q. Jones Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

L.Q. Jones was a prolific American actor and director, best known for his gritty Western and war-film roles and for directing the cult classic A Boy and His Dog.

Few character actors leave as indelible a mark on Hollywood’s Western and war-picture canon as L.Q. Jones — born Justus Ellis McQueen Jr. on August 19, 1927, with a career spanning decades and dozens of films. By the time of his passing, his estimated net worth stood at roughly US$ 2 million. 

Here’s a comprehensive look at L.Q. Jones’s life, wealth, relationships, and legacy — a story of resilience, reinvention, and enduring impact.

Quick Facts

From Texas Roots to Hollywood Grit: The Rise of L.Q. Jones

Born as Justus Ellis McQueen Jr. in Beaumont, Texas, L.Q. Jones spent his early years in modest circumstances — his father a railroad worker, his mother passing away in a tragic accident when he was young. 

After finishing high school in 1945, he served briefly in the U.S. Navy, then attended Lamar Junior College and later the University of Texas at Austin, studying law, business, and journalism. 

But life had different plans: after trying his hand as a stand-up comedian, briefly playing professional baseball and football, and even ranching in Nicaragua, fate intervened via a letter from his college roommate, actor Fess Parker. Parker, already in Hollywood, encouraged Jones to try acting. Jones took a bold chance — crashing the set of a film and winning a part. That first role was in the film Battle Cry (1955), where he played a marine named “L.Q. Jones.” He liked the name so much that he adopted it as his professional moniker. 

Defining moments in L.Q. Jones’s journey include:

• Transition from aspiring rancher and athlete to working actor after reconnecting with Fess Parker.

• Film debut in Battle Cry (1955), leading to a name change and new identity.

• Joining director Sam Peckinpah’s circle, which introduced him to classic Westerns and powerful character work.

Through grit, determination, and an unmistakable presence, Jones carved a niche for himself — one defined not by leading-man glamour, but by memorable supporting performances and a unique on-screen gravitas.

The Core Pillars of L.Q. Jones’s Wealth

The core pillars of L.Q. Jones’s wealth include:

• Decades of steady acting work — over 160 acting credits in film and television, from the 1950s into the early 2000s. 

• Directorial and writing work, most notably the cult science-fiction film A Boy and His Dog (1975), which expanded his creative scope beyond acting. 

• Residuals, royalties and long-term recognition — classic films and TV westerns tend to retain cultural value, which may contribute to residual earnings over time.

Despite a long-spanning career, most public estimates place his net worth on the modest end — roughly US$ 2 million. 

Relationships & Family Life

Jones married his college sweetheart, Neta Sue Lewis, in 1950. The union lasted until 1973, when they divorced. 

They had three children together — two sons and one daughter. 

Key insights into L.Q. Jones’s relationships and personal life:

• His marriage lasted 23 years, a period that overlapped with much of his early and middle Hollywood career.

• While public records do not emphasize a second marriage or long-term partner after his divorce, his legacy remains anchored in his first marriage and his role as a father.

• Jones seems to have kept his personal life largely private, with limited public detail beyond his marriage and children.

Beyond the Screen: Lifestyle, Interests & Quiet Legacy

Beyond career success, L.Q. Jones led a lifestyle that reflected both passion and purpose, including:

• Dedication to his craft over fame — rather than seeking leading-man stardom, Jones embraced character roles and the gritty authenticity they provided.

• Shift from ranching and sports to creative arts — his early ventures into ranching in Nicaragua and professional sports show a restless ambition and willingness to explore different paths.

• Creative curiosity and risk-taking — writing and directing A Boy and His Dog, a bold post-apocalyptic sci-fi film, demonstrated his willingness to step outside the Western genre he was best known for.

Publicly documented details about extravagant homes, collections, or high-profile hobbies are scarce, suggesting Jones preferred privacy and quiet dignity over showy displays.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

While detailed breakdowns are limited, public estimates describing L.Q. Jones’s wealth can be summarized as follows:

It’s important to note that the widely cited net worth estimate (US$ 2 million) likely reflects modest accumulation relative to more commercially prominent stars, but also reflects the reality of steady work over many decades rather than blockbuster-level compensation.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

L.Q. Jones was widely regarded as one of the most reliable and recognizable character actors of his generation — a “heavy,” as he once described himself, not necessarily deranged or unhinged, but dangerous in a calm, controlled way. 

His frequent collaborations with director Sam Peckinpah positioned him in some of the most influential Western films ever made — cementing his legacy in the Western canon. 

Meanwhile, as the writer-director of A Boy and His Dog, he left a creative footprint beyond acting. That film achieved cult status, influencing future post-apocalyptic works and earning him a unique place in genre cinema. 

Though not every role was a headline leading part, fans and critics alike respected Jones for consistency, intensity, and a screen presence that could anchor a film even in small roles. His career longevity — working from the 1950s into the 2000s — speaks to his professional adaptability and enduring appeal.

Final Thoughts

L.Q. Jones’s story is a testament to perseverance, versatility, and quiet artistry. From modest beginnings in Beaumont, Texas, to decades of roles in Westerns, war films, and cult sci-fi, he built a career defined not by headline fame or blockbuster salaries, but by depth, reliability, and creative courage.

With an estimated net worth of US$ 2 million, a humble yet impactful legacy, and a personal history rooted in resilience and reinvention, L.Q. Jones personified the character actor’s path — blending hard work, steady craft, and loyalty to storytelling. His birthdate, August 19, 1927, remains more than a fact; it is the starting point of a journey that left a mark on Hollywood and film history.

In remembering L.Q. Jones, we remember a man who turned supporting roles into unforgettable moments — and whose life story stands as a reminder that influence in Hollywood doesn’t always come from being the star; sometimes, it comes from being the backbone.