Lorenzo Lamas from ‘Falcon Crest’: Age, height, family, children, net worth

You could say Lorenzo Lamas was always destined to become an actor. His parents worked in the industry, and it didn’t take long before he entered it himself.

Lamas has starred in classics such as the television series Falcon Crest and the legendary film Grease. Still to this day, the California native is working as an actor – and at 65, he looks terrific!

However, Lamas’s life has had its ups and downs, and he’s gone through some rather tough times. Here’s all you need to know about Lorenzo and the many struggles he’s overcome. 

One was getting over the fact that his son had an affair with his ex-wife.

Lorenzo Lamas
Getty Images

Even as a young kid, Lorenzo Lamas’s stars had aligned where acting was concerned.

Born Lorenzo Fernando Lamas on January 20, 1958, in Santa Monica, California, he was raised by his mother Arlene Dahl, an American actress of Norwegian descent, and his father Fernando Lamas, an Argentinian who worked as an actor and director.

Lorenzo Lamas – early life

Lorenzo grew up in the fashionable area of Pacific Palisades, California. At age two, his parents divorced, and eight years later, he moved to New York with his father.

Lorenzo has often drawn upon the fact that his family comes from different parts of the world. He once starred as Dracula in a Halloween production of the famous Bram Stoker novel and had no problem at all adopting a different accent.

“I grew up with a man who had a voice like Dracula and every other bigger-than-life character you could ever think of in my father,” he told the New York Times in 2007. “I take a little bit from him to do the accent. I’ve also done four movies in Bulgaria.”

While Lorenzo was transitioning from a kid into a young man, his father had a pretty wild lifestyle. According to Lorenzo, his father had “been with every woman.” Yet as a child, he adored him.

“I idolized my father, especially as a young boy. He was bigger than life. He commanded the room. He’d done everything, seen everything,” he told Fox. “It’s pretty heady stuff to grow up with.”

Lorenzo Lamas
Jack Mitchell/Getty Images)

“He was Latin, he was very judgmental, he thought a woman’s place was in the kitchen. He just happened to marry a woman who was a top ten box office star of the ’50s, and she retired to serve him!”

First work in acting

Lorenzo’s father married actress Esther Williams in 1969, a year after their move to “The Big Apple,” and life for Lorenzo got tough at times. For example, when Esther’s children visited, Lorenzo wasn’t even allowed to sleep in the house!

“He was many things, but he was also fair, so if he wasn’t going to allow another man’s children in his house, then he couldn’t allow me in the house,” he recalled.

“So my roommate was a Rolls Royce. I had a key that let me in the backdoor where there was a guest bathroom. But I came from military school, so living in a garage in Beverly Hills was plush to me. I had shared a urinal with 30 guys for the last four years. Looking back, I know that’s not normal. I know that I would never do that to my kids. I run my three teenage daughters around like a chauffeur.”

Lorenzo Lamas attended private school and graduated from the Admiral Farragut Academy in 1975. Instead of staying on the East Coast, he decided to leave for his home state of California.

Though his father could be a strict man, he always encouraged his son to follow his dreams and backed him wholeheartedly in pursuing his dreams of becoming an actor. Lorenzo enrolled at Tony Barr’s Film Actors Workshop. In 1977, he got his first minor role in television, starring in two episodes of the show Switch.

Lorenzo Lamas
Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images

While cultivating his acting talent, Lorenzo also found that he had a tremendous interest in martial arts. He got in shape – and later on, earned black belts in both taekwondo and karate.

Lorenzo Lamas in ‘Grease’

Now, getting roles in bigger productions often takes time for most actors. Some have to try out at hundreds of auditions to get one part; others have to wait years, maybe even decades, to land their first role in a more significant Hollywood production.

For Lorenzo Lamas, however, this wasn’t the case. In 1978, he was cast as the good-looking stud “Tom Chisum” in the legendary film Grease, featuring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. He played the boyfriend of Olivia Newton-John’s character, “Sandy”. That said, he initially wasn’t chosen for the part.

Steven Ford – son of former President Gerald Ford – was considered for the role, but was reportedly too nervous to play “Tom”. The part had no dialogue, but that didn’t bother Lorenzo when he got the gig.

People probably knew that the film had potential at the time, but even so, it’s safe to say that Lamas secured himself an extraordinary place in film history with his relatively small credit in Grease.

“I’m amazed by the longevity. It keeps finding new generations of people,” he told Studio 10.

Lorenzo had dark hair at the time, but the producers thought he looked too much like a “T-Bird” to star as Sandy’s boyfriend. As a result, they dyed his hair lighter – something that he didn’t mind at all.

“I would have dyed it green, fuchsia, anything,” he told People.

Youtube/Josodoyo

At the time, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John were already stars. For Lorenzo Lamas, it was a dream come true just to meet them. What made the whole thing even better, was that Olivia Newton-Jon had been Lorenzo’s childhood crush.

Became a star on ‘Falcon Crest’

“I was 19. It was only the third thing I’ve ever done. And I was at the Paramount lot, meeting my childhood crush, Olivia Newton-John, and Mr. Saturday Night Fever, John Travolta. So I was kind of in a complete zombie state, to begin with,” Lorenzo recalled.

He explained that he had all her albums, and in high school, he and his friends even had routines dancing to her albums. When they finally met, Lorenzo was almost knocked off his heels.

“I couldn’t take my eyes off her,” he told Studio 10.

Grease was, of course, a big deal for Lorenzo and a fantastic opportunity when looking back. Naturally, though, it wasn’t quite a breakthrough since he only appeared in a few scenes.

In 1981, he got the role of Lance Cumson on Falcon Crest. The nighttime soap became a huge success, with Lamas starring alongside Oscar-winning actress Jane Wyman for 228 episodes.

Wyman portrayed Lamas’ grandmother on the show – at that time, she was a massive Hollywood star. Lamas had problems with illegal substances at this point in his career, until one day on set, Wyman had enough of his behavior

Became a star on ‘Falcon Crest’

“I was 19. It was only the third thing I’ve ever done. And I was at the Paramount lot, meeting my childhood crush, Olivia Newton-John, and Mr. Saturday Night Fever, John Travolta. So I was kind of in a complete zombie state, to begin with,” Lorenzo recalled.

He explained that he had all her albums, and in high school, he and his friends even had routines dancing to her albums. When they finally met, Lorenzo was almost knocked off his heels.

“I couldn’t take my eyes off her,” he told Studio 10.

Grease was, of course, a big deal for Lorenzo and a fantastic opportunity when looking back. Naturally, though, it wasn’t quite a breakthrough since he only appeared in a few scenes.

In 1981, he got the role of Lance Cumson on Falcon Crest. The nighttime soap became a huge success, with Lamas starring alongside Oscar-winning actress Jane Wyman for 228 episodes.

Wyman portrayed Lamas’ grandmother on the show – at that time, she was a massive Hollywood star. Lamas had problems with illegal substances at this point in his career, until one day on set, Wyman had enough of his behavior

I Served a Rich Couple on a Plane, Next Day My Mom Introduced Me to Her Young Fiancé from the Same Plane — Story of the Day

Kristi tended to a rich couple in business class who were very affectionate with each other. The next day, she was shocked to discover the same man engaged to her mother. Kristi knew she had to act, but had no idea what she was about to unleash.

High above the clouds in the business class part of a commercial plane, Kristi, in her crisp flight attendant uniform, walked the aisle with practiced grace.

She stopped by a couple nestled by the window, absorbed in their private world. The man, in a sharply tailored suit, presented a small velvet box to the woman, whose eyes lit up like the 4th of July.

As he opened it, a delicate necklace gleamed, its stones scattering prismatic colors across their seats. Kristi’s eyes widened, and she paused her rounds for a second.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“May I, my gorgeous Isabella?” the man whispered to his companion, excitement coloring his voice. The woman nodded, her cheeks blushing as she lifted her hair for him to clasp the necklace.

“That’s a lovely shade of lipstick,” the woman said, turning her attention to Kristi with a warm smile.

Flustered and touched, Kristi touched her lips. “Thank you, it’s my favorite,” she replied, stuttering at being caught snooping.

The man smiled up at Kristi, offering her a generous tip. “Thank you for making this flight special,” he said sincerely.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

“It’s my pleasure. Enjoy your journey together,” Kristi responded, her heart fluttering as she moved on, the couple’s joy lingering in her mind.

***

The next day was her only day off that weekend, and Kristi had promised to visit her mother. Upon arriving, the older woman grabbed her arm and introduced her to Edwin, her new fiancé.

Except, he was none other than the man from the plane who had given another, younger woman a beautiful diamond necklace. Kristi’s shock froze her, but she schooled her expression.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kristi. Your mother has told me so much about you,” Edwin said smoothly, offering his hand as if they had never met.

“Nice to meet you too,” she replied cautiously, playing along for her mother’s sake.

Edwin then took over the kitchen, whipping up a meal with the flair of a seasoned chef. “It’s my way of showing care,” he explained, serving dishes with ease.

As they ate, Edwin regaled them with stories from his travels, yet he only responded vaguely when Kristi probed further into his past.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

It only made things worse, but she wasn’t sure what to say to her mother. Could she be wrong about him?

After dinner, Kristi decided to take her mother outside, hoping the air would clear her mind.

***

The cool breeze of the terrace was exactly what she needed before asking some tough questions. “Mom, what do you really know about Edwin?” Kristi asked carefully.

“He’s wonderful. A billionaire, a diamond tycoon’s son. He’s shown me such a glamorous life,” her mother replied, eyes shining. “We’ll be married in just a few days!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

“Mom, I know this is going to sound strange, but I swear I saw him on a recent flight with another woman, now suddenly he’s with you and getting married,” Kristi pressed.

Her mother frowned. “Why are you lying? Can’t you be happy for me? Edwin loves me. You just don’t want me to be with another man after your father’s death.”

“That’s not it! Doesn’t his quick move seem odd?” Kristi argued.

“Odd? No, it’s romantic. You’re too young to understand. Edwin is all about love,” her mother shook her head.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Kristi sighed. “Mom, please think about it. He could be a scammer. That act on the plane… he’s like a Casanova.”

“Scammer? Kristi, that’s ridiculous. Edwin is a good man!” her mother defended.

“I just don’t want to see you lose everything to a man we barely know,” Kristi said, desperately trying to make her understand.

But at that moment, Edwin appeared, drinks in hand.“Ladies, let’s celebrate,” he said cheerfully, and Kristi’s mother excused herself for a second.

Kristi frowned at Edwin once they were alone and couldn’t hold back any longer.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

“How can you manipulate my mother’s feelings?” she demanded, exposing everything she saw him doing on the plane.

Edwin’s smile faltered. “Kristi, I only want your mother’s happiness. No need for hostility.”

She scoffed and poured a drink over his head. “You think you’re clever, but I see through you. I won’t let you hurt my mother,” she declared firmly. “You’re a fraud!

Her mother appeared, and her eyes bulged at the orange slice that was still dripping from Edwin’s face. “Kristi, how could you? Edwin, I’m so sorry…”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Edwin reassured her. “It’s alright. Let’s not let this ruin our evening.”

Kristi’s frown deepened as her mother tended to the scammer, and she realized there was no way to win that night. Still, she knew she had to prove Edwin’s true nature to protect her mother.

It would just take some time.

That’s when she remembered an important detail from the day of the flight where she saw Edwin…and Isabella.

***

Kristi paced outside the airline office, gathering her courage before entering. At the front desk, a cheerful representative greeted her. “Good morning! How can I assist you today?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

“I need to see the passenger list from my last flight. It’s important,” Kristi said, stumbling over her words.

“That’s confidential. May I ask why you need it?” the representative asked, her brow furrowing.

Kristi tried to hide her nervousness as she said, “A passenger left something valuable. I want to help return it.”

“Okay, I can’t show you the list, but I can help if you give me more details,” the representative said, leading Kristi to a private office.

Once seated, Kristi explained that a passenger named Isabella lost her jewelry and was talking about it as they disembarked.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

The representative confirmed the Lost & Found department had received Isabella’s missing item report, and they had, in fact, found the jewelry.

“Could I return it to her myself? It might mean more coming from someone who was on the flight,” Kristi asked.

After signing a release form, Kristi received Isabella’s jewelry and contact details. She called the strange woman, arranging to meet the next day in a hotel lobby.

***

Kristi approached Isabella, the same woman Edwin was affectionate with on her last flight, in a beautiful hotel coffee shop and was recognized immediately.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

“You were the flight attendant on my last trip, weren’t you?” Isabella asked, surprised.

“Yes, that was me. It’s a small world.”

Kristi went right into it, telling her about Edwin, her suspicions, and everything else she knew. The young woman frowned, frustrated.

“I knew something was off. Edwin asked me for a large sum of money for an emergency. I trusted him, and I’m supposed to meet him soon to give it to him,” Isabella revealed, leaning back and crossing her arms.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Kristi told her that was their chance to expose him. “We can set up a scenario to catch him. We’ll record everything. I’ll disguise myself; he won’t recognize me,” she planned.

Isabella agreed, and they spent the next hour devising their strategy, focusing on every detail and potential reaction from Edwin.

As Kristi left the coffee shop, she felt nervous but resolved. The plan was set, and together, they were going to save her mother.

***

In a dimly lit upscale restaurant where Isabella had arranged to meet Edwin and give him the money he asked for, the young woman waited, twirling her wine glass.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Meanwhile, Kristi was disguised as a waitress and watched from across the room as Edwin entered confidently and greeted Isabella.

“Isabella, my dear, sorry to keep you waiting,” he said, sitting down.

Kristi approached their table to take their order, and Isabella played along perfectly, suggesting they celebrate with red wine.

“Excellent choice,” Edwin agreed, keeping his eyes on Isabella. Kristi quickly brought the wine, her heart racing with each step.

“That’ll be all, thank you,” Edwin said, looking only briefly at Kristi. It wasn’t enough to notice who she was. His attention quickly turned back to his date.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

As they sipped their wine, Isabella suggested that instead of giving him money, she could give him a gift, something more tangible like jewelry as he had been so generous to give her diamonds.

Intrigued, Edwin pulled out his phone to show her some options, from Cartier and Rolex watches to designer clothes.

As soon as his phone was on the table, Kristi saw her chance. She pretended to refill their wine glasses and accidentally spilled some on Edwin’s shirt.

“Damn it! My shirt!” he exclaimed, jumping up in irritation.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

“It’s just an accident, Edwin. Let’s not make a scene,” Isabella calmed him, giving Kristi a discreet nod.

Kristi apologized profusely, then hurried away, claiming she needed to fetch club soda and napkins.

She had swapped Edwin’s unlocked phone during the commotion with a temporary decoy, and rushed to the restroom to check the real phone.

After searching for a few minutes, Kristi discovered Edwin’s active dating profile and flirtatious messages similar to those he’d sent her mother.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Not the undeniable proof she hoped for, but troubling all the same. Therefore, Kristi started typing a message, making a last-ditch effort to trap Edwin.

Suddenly, a knock startled her. “I know you’re in there with my phone! Come out now!” Edwin shouted from outside.

“I’m calling the police!” he declared, his voice stern and urgent.

Kristi stood, phone in hand, heart pounding. She opened the stall door to face Edwin in a tense standoff. He lunged for the phone, but Kristi dodged him.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

“Stay back!” she warned, her back against the cold restroom wall.

“Give me my phone, or you’ll regret it!” Edwin cornered her, his hand reaching out. Kristi screamed, hoping someone would come to her aid and bracing for what might happen next.

***

In a sterile police station, Kristi sat under the cold glare of fluorescent lights.

“You’re lucky Mr. Edwin hasn’t pressed charges,” a stern officer warned, “Consider this your only warning.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Kristi nodded, her voice small. “I thought I was doing the right thing.”

“Good intentions don’t always lead to good actions,” the cop replied before walking away.

Just then, her mother burst through the doors, her face etched with disappointment. “Kristi, this isn’t the daughter I raised,” she declared, her voice thick with emotion.

“Mom, I was trying to protect you from Edwin,” Kristi explained, looking down.

“Protect me by breaking the law?” her mother retorted sharply. “You’ve gone too far.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

An officer intervened. “Mr. Edwin had filed a restraining order. Any further actions will lead to arrest.”

Kristi closed her eyes, but her mother didn’t give her any reprieve.

“I don’t want to see you anymore. Learn from this. Goodbye, Kristi,” the older woman said before leaving.

***

Kristi returned to the same hotel where she had met Isabella and sat at the lobby bar. While nursing a stiff drink, Isabella slid next to her.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

“I heard about what happened. I’m sorry,” she sighed, linking her fingers on the bar surface.

“Thanks,” Kristi said, half-smiling. “But before everything went down, I changed Edwin’s password on the dating site.”

“That’s brilliant,” Isabella responded, intrigued. “We can use that. Let’s warn the other women.”

Kristi laughed as they logged into Edwin’s dating profile together, crafting many messages to alert his targets.

“Beware of Edwin. He’s not who he claims to be. Protect your heart and your wallet,” Kristi typed steadily.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

Their initial laughter faded into a determined silence as they saw how far this man would go to scam women off their one.

It was late at night when Isabella closed her laptop and squeezed Kristi’s hand.

“And just think, what we’ve started tonight is only the beginning. Edwin has no idea what’s coming for him. Wait until the wedding—it’s going to be unforgettable!”

***

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the city chapel as Edwin, clad in a sharp black tuxedo, prepared to marry Kristi’s mother.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

However, he didn’t know that today was the last time he would ever get away with his Casanova scam.

Kristi watched from the trees, her heart pounding as the ceremony began. Suddenly, an unusual murmur spread through the crowd.

Heels clicked on the floor as one woman, then another, and dozens more converged at the chapel. All were women Edwin had deceived.

A woman in a bright red dress yelled, “Scammer!” Her voice cut through the ceremony’s solemnity.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

Edwin frowned, his confusion turning to horror as he recognized her and others.

“He’s a liar!” shouted another.

“You won’t get away with this!” added a third.

The ceremony descended into chaos. One woman smashed a piece of the wedding cake into Edwin’s face, covering him with cream.

He started fleeing down the aisle, but a guest tripped him, sending him sprawling into a flower bed.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

The women swarmed, using handbags, shoes, and floral arrangements to exact their vengeance, shouting accusations.

The police eventually intervened, clearing the crowd and leading a disheveled Edwin away. As calm returned, the chapel buzzed with hushed conversations and occasional sobs.

Kristi stepped out from her hiding spot just as her mother exited the chapel, tears falling from her face. The older woman shook her head at her and got into a car.

Her mother was too proud to admit she was wrong. But Kristi would wait and give her enough time to grieve. In the meantime, she would make sure Edwin felt the full extent of the law.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock

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This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

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