Maree Cheatham Biography: Age, Husband, Height, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows, Awards

Maree Cheatham is an American actress with a career spanning over five decades, best known for her roles in daytime soap operas like Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, and Search for Tomorrow, as well as her memorable performances in films such as Beetlejuice and the Nickelodeon series Sam & Cat.

Her versatility across stage, television, and film has earned her a respected place in the entertainment industry.

Profile

• Full Name: Maree Cheatham
• Stage Name: Maree Cheatham (also credited as Marie Cheatham)
• Born: June 2, 1940
• Age: 85 years old
• Birthplace: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American Actress
• Height: 5 feet 5
• Parents: Odell Cheatham (stepfather), Mr and Mrs Cheatham
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Robert Staron (m. 1998–present), Bill Arvin (m. 1964–1974), and Patrick Lambert Searcy Jr. (divorced, dates undisclosed)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $2 million to $5 million

Early Life and Education

Maree Cheatham was born on June 2, 1940, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Her father died in Italy during World War II, and her mother remarried Odell Cheatham, whose surname Maree adopted.

She grew up in a creative environment that nurtured her passion for the arts. After moving to Houston, Texas, she began acting in high school and secured an apprenticeship at the prestigious Alley Theatre.

She graduated from Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas, in 1958.

Maree attended Baylor University, where she studied drama, and later became an artist-in-residence at the Dallas Theater Center, further honing her skills before moving to Hollywood to pursue her acting career.

She also attended a convent school in Texas, which influenced her portrayal of Marie Horton as a nun on Days of Our Lives.

Career

Maree Cheatham’s career began in the 1960s with theater work at the Alley Theatre and Dallas Theater Center.

She became a household name as an original cast member of Days of Our Lives (1965–1968, 1970–1971, 1973, 1994, 1996, 2010, 2024), playing Marie Horton, the show’s first heroine, who later became a nun after traumatic relationships.

She returned for tributes to co-stars MacDonald Carey and Frances Reid.

In 1974, she moved to New York, originating the role of Stephanie Wilkins on Search for Tomorrow (1974–1984), a sarcastic, vampy character who was Jo Gardner’s rival.

From 1987 to 1991, she played Aunt Charlene Simpson on General Hospital, returning briefly in 1998 for Port Charles.

She portrayed Mary Robeson on Knots Landing (1992–1993) and Mona on Passions (2002).

Her role as Nona on Sam & Cat (2013–2014) endeared her to younger audiences.

Maree’s film credits include Beetlejuice (1988, as Sarah Dean), The Wedding Singer (1998), A Night at the Roxbury (1998), Hanging Up (2000), Labor Pains (2009), and Letters to God (2010).

She has made guest appearances on Gunsmoke, Cagney & Lacey, Quantum Leap, The Nanny, Dharma & Greg, Profiler, Judging Amy, Scrubs, The West Wing, Monk, Cold Case, Desperate Housewives, Boston Legal, Weeds, Dexter, Hart of Dixie (as Bettie Breeland), Baskets (2016), and Young Sheldon (2017).

On stage, she performed in Broadway’s Ladies at the Alamo and Off-Broadway’s Clash by Night and Christmas on Mars.

She is also a published poet and enjoys pottery, basket making, and quilting.

Awards and Nominations

• Daytime Emmy Awards: • Nominated three times for Outstanding Supporting Actress for Search for Tomorrow (specific years undisclosed).
• Drama Desk Awards: • Nominated twice for Off-Broadway productions Clash by Night and Christmas on Mars.
• Drama-Logue Award: • Won for stage work (specific production undisclosed).
• Ovation Awards: • Nominated for stage performances (specific productions undisclosed).

Note: Claims of a Tony Award nomination and Emmy recognition for television roles are unverified and likely inaccurate, as no primary sources confirm these.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @mareecheathamofficial
• Twitter Handle: @mareecheatham
• Facebook: Maree Cheatham

Personal Life

Maree Cheatham, resides in California’s San Gabriel Mountains with her husband, Robert “Bobbo” Staron, a singer-songwriter and actor (Noon High, Alexander the Great), whom she married on November 22, 1998.

She was previously married to actor Bill Arvin (1964–1974) and Patrick Lambert Searcy Jr. (dates undisclosed), both ending in divorce.

She has no children.

Maree is passionate about charity, supporting the American Cancer Society and American Red Cross through fundraising and relief efforts.

Her hobbies include gardening, pottery, basket making, and quilting.

She mentors young actors through workshops and advocates for diversity and inclusion in the arts.

No major controversies are associated with her, and fans on X admire her enduring career and warm presence.

Filmography

• Soul Man (1986) – Mrs. Dorothy Watson
• Beetlejuice (1988) – Sarah Dean
• A Night at the Roxbury (1998) – Mabel Sanderson
• The Wedding Singer (1998) – Nice Lady on Plane
• Hanging Up (2000) – Angie
• Labor Pains (2009) – Ann
• Letters to God (2010) – Olivia
• Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) – Minor role
• The Haves and the Have Nots (2016) – Pearl

TV Shows (Selected):

• Days of Our Lives (1965–1968, 1970–1971, 1973, 1994, 1996, 2010, 2024) – Marie Horton
• Search for Tomorrow (1974–1984) – Stephanie Wilkins
• General Hospital (1987–1991, 1998) – Aunt Charlene Simpson
• Knots Landing (1992–1993) – Mary Robeson
• Passions (2002) – Mona
• Sam & Cat (2013–2014) – Nona
• Guest roles: Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, Cagney & Lacey, Quantum Leap, The Nanny, Dharma & Greg, Profiler, Judging Amy, Scrubs, The West Wing, Monk, Cold Case, Desperate Housewives, Boston Legal, Weeds, Dexter, Hart of Dixie (Bettie Breeland), Baskets (2016), Young Sheldon (2017)

Theater (Selected):

• Ladies at the Alamo – Broadway
• Clash by Night – Off-Broadway
• Christmas on Mars – Off-Broadway

Net Worth

Maree Cheatham’s net worth is estimated at $2 million to $5 million.

Her wealth stems from her extensive acting career in soap operas, primetime TV, and films, supplemented by theater work.

She owns properties, including a luxurious residence in Los Angeles, and a car collection featuring high-end vehicles like a Mercedes-Benz and a BMW.