Michele Carey Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

A Sparkling Prodigy from Annapolis

Michele Carey was born Michele Lee Henson on February 26, 1942, in Annapolis, Maryland. From an early age, she showed remarkable musical talent — reportedly winning a national piano contest at age 13 and even performing with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra. Her family later settled in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she completed high school and prepared for the path that would lead her from music to the glamor of modeling and eventually Hollywood.

This early blend of artistry and discipline set the stage for a career rooted in more than just looks — Carey’s background hinted at a deeper drive and versatility.

From Model to Silver-Screen Western Star

After graduating high school, Carey moved to Los Angeles in 1964 with her son to pursue modeling.  Her striking looks and distinctive long hair caught attention, but she wasn’t content to stop at modeling. She wanted to act. Within months, she landed her first television appearance on the series The Man from U.N.C.L.E.. 

Her breakout came soon after — in 1966 she starred in the classic western El Dorado, directed by legendary filmmaker Howard Hawks, playing Josephine “Joey” MacDonald opposite icons such as John Wayne and Robert Mitchum. This role established her as a memorable presence in Hollywood’s western genre.

In subsequent years, she appeared in a number of films: from the Elvis Presley movie Live a Little, Love a Little (1968), to The Sweet Ride (1968), and the Frank Sinatra film Dirty Dingus Magee (1970).  At the same time, she graced many television screens with guest roles on shows such as The Wild Wild West, The F.B.I., and Starsky & Hutch.

Although she never became a megastar, her combination of beauty, talent, and versatility allowed her to sustain a steady career across film and television through the 1960s and 70s.

Private Life, Marriages, and Family

While her on-screen persona captured public attention, Carey’s personal life was more private and layered. Over her lifetime, she was married multiple times, and had one son, who predeceased her.

Her final marriage was to businessman Fred G. Strebel in 1999. The two lived together in California (in areas such as Hillsborough and Rancho Mirage) until Strebel passed away in 2011.  The details of her earlier marriages — including the identity of her first husband, father of her son — remain less documented in public records. 

Though she moved away from the spotlight later in life, she maintained a mostly private existence until her death.

Final Years and Legacy Beyond the Screen

Carey’s last credited film role was in the 1986 adventure movie In the Shadow of Kilimanjaro, after which she stepped away from acting.  On November 21, 2018, she passed away of natural causes in Newport Beach, California.

Legacy-wise, she is remembered for bringing a rare combination of youthful exuberance, musical poise, and cinematic charisma to the mid-century Hollywood scene. Her performance in El Dorado remains especially iconic — a kind of “western femme fatale” that has endured in classic-film circles.

Though she never reached “A-list” superstardom, Carey carved out a niche: a career built on adaptability, charm, and an undercurrent of genuine talent.

On the Question of Net Worth

Despite a steady body of work as an actress and model, I found no credible publicly available sources — from major outlets such as Forbes, Bloomberg, or People — that estimate Michele Carey’s net worth, either at the time of her death or during her career. Most celebrity-wealth trackers omit her altogether.

Given this absence, any number you might encounter online would be speculative — likely drawn from outdated databases or fan-run websites with no verifiable financial data. Without reliable documentation, it would be irresponsible to present a net worth figure.

Therefore, in keeping with journalistic integrity, I cannot provide a trustworthy net-worth estimate for Michele Carey.

Why Her Story Still Matters

Michele Carey’s journey — from a music prodigy on the East Coast to a Hollywood actress in the 1960s, navigating modeling, film, television, and eventually a private life — reflects a path many aspired to but few sustained. She symbolizes a slice of Hollywood history: the era when studios still looked for natural beauty, distinct personalities, and a bit of frontier spirit.

In a modern context, her story reminds us that Hollywood isn’t only about major stardom and headline fame — sometimes it’s about steady craftsmanship, adaptability, and quiet reinvention.

For writers, film historians, or nostalgia-seekers, Carey’s life offers a textured portrait: of ambition, reinvention, and dignity — on and off screen.