Quick Facts: Parker Stevenson
- Full Name: Richard Stevenson Parker Jr.
- Date of Birth: June 4, 1952 (Age 73)
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Occupation: Actor
- Known For: The Hardy Boys, Baywatch, ex-husband of Kirstie Alley
- Net Worth: ~$10 million
- Height: 6’0″ / 183 cm
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Who Is Parker Stevenson?
Parker Stevenson is an American actor who became a household name in the late 1970s playing Frank Hardy on The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. He went on to star in Baywatch and the sci-fi series Probe, building a steady career across television and film. Beyond Hollywood, he’s known for his marriage to Cheers star Kirstie Alley, with whom he adopted two children before their 1997 divorce. In recent decades, he’s shifted his focus toward photography and directing while still taking on occasional acting roles.
Early Life in Philadelphia
Born Richard Stevenson Parker Jr. on June 4, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Parker Stevenson grew up on the East Coast. He showed an interest in performing early, landing his first film role in A Separate Peace (1972) while still a young man. He attended Princeton University, balancing academics with a growing desire to act professionally. By the mid-1970s, he’d made the move to Los Angeles to pursue television work full-time.
Career: From The Hardy Boys to Baywatch
The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries (1977–1979)
Stevenson’s breakout came when ABC cast him as Frank Hardy opposite Shaun Cassidy’s Joe Hardy in The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. The show debuted in 1977 and quickly became a hit with younger audiences. While Cassidy was the teen idol with a concurrent pop music career, Stevenson brought a more reserved, cerebral energy to the older Hardy brother. The series ran for two seasons and turned both actors into recognizable faces across America.
Probe (1988) and Other Roles
After The Hardy Boys ended, Stevenson took on a range of television movies and guest spots throughout the 1980s. In 1988, he starred in Probe, a short-lived ABC sci-fi series created by Isaac Asimov and Michael I. Wagner. He played Austin James, a reclusive genius who solved crimes using science and technology. The show only lasted seven episodes but earned a cult following. He also made guest appearances on series like Melrose Place.
Baywatch (1989–1990)
Stevenson joined the original cast of Baywatch in 1989, playing lifeguard attorney Craig Pomeroy alongside David Hasselhoff. He appeared during the show’s first season on NBC, before the network canceled it. When Baywatch was revived in syndication and became a global phenomenon, Stevenson had already moved on. His single-season stint didn’t define his career the way it did for other cast members, but it remains one of his most recognized credits.
Marriage to Kirstie Alley (1983–1997)
Parker Stevenson married actress Kirstie Alley on December 22, 1983. At the time, Alley was building her film career and hadn’t yet landed her iconic role as Rebecca Howe on Cheers. The couple adopted two children together: William True Stevenson, born in 1992, and Lillie Price Stevenson, born in 1995.
Their marriage didn’t last. The couple divorced in 1997 after nearly 14 years together. The split was contentious — Alley later spoke publicly about the difficulties of the divorce, and custody arrangements became a point of friction. Despite the acrimony, both parents remained involved in their children’s lives.
Kirstie Alley died on December 5, 2022, at age 71, after a brief battle with colon cancer. Her death was announced by her children, William and Lillie, who released a statement through social media. Stevenson didn’t make public comments at the time, keeping his response private.
Life After Hollywood
As acting roles became less frequent, Stevenson didn’t disappear — he pivoted. He developed a serious interest in photography, particularly landscape and nature work, and began selling prints and exhibiting his images. He also moved behind the camera in a different capacity, exploring directing opportunities on smaller projects.
He’s continued to accept occasional acting roles in independent films and television movies, though he’s no longer chasing the spotlight the way he did in the 1970s and ’80s. By most accounts, he’s content with a quieter life that balances creative pursuits with privacy.
Parker Stevenson’s Net Worth
Parker Stevenson’s net worth is estimated at approximately $10 million. The bulk of that wealth comes from decades of television work, including residuals from The Hardy Boys, Baywatch, and numerous TV movies. His photography career and other business ventures have supplemented his earnings in more recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Parker Stevenson’s real name?
His birth name is Richard Stevenson Parker Jr. He adopted “Parker Stevenson” as his professional stage name early in his acting career.
How long were Parker Stevenson and Kirstie Alley married?
They were married from December 1983 to 1997 — nearly 14 years. They adopted two children together, William True and Lillie Price, before divorcing.
What happened to Parker Stevenson after Baywatch?
He continued acting in TV movies and guest roles through the 1990s and 2000s. Over time, he transitioned into photography and directing, stepping back from the mainstream entertainment industry.
Is Parker Stevenson still acting?
He hasn’t fully retired. He’s taken on smaller roles in independent projects in recent years, though he’s no longer a regular presence on network television.
Related Celebrities
- Kirstie Alley — ex-wife, Cheers star
- William True Stevenson — adopted son
- Lillie Price Stevenson — adopted daughter
- Waylon Tripp Parker — related celebrity profile
- Ashley Crow — related celebrity profile
