Mark Slade Biography: Net Worth, Books, Age, Height, Movies, Spouse, Children, Instagram

Mark Van Blarcom Slade (born May 1, 1939) is an American actor, artist, and writer. He became widely known for playing Billy Blue Cannon in the classic Western TV series The High Chaparral.

Aside from acting, Mark is also an accomplished illustrator and author with decades of experience in creative arts.

Profile

• Full Name: Mark Van Blarcom Slade
• Stage Name: Mark Slade
• Born: May 1, 1939
• Age: 86 years old
• Birthplace: Salem, Massachusetts, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Artist, Author
• Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
• Parent: William A. Slade Jr. (father), Elinor Van Blarcom Slade (mother)
• Siblings: Three
• Spouse: Melinda Riccilli
• Children: Morgan Slade, Mitchel Slade
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life And Education

Mark Slade was born on May 1, 1939, in Salem, Massachusetts, to William A. Slade Jr. and Elinor Van Blarcom Slade. He was raised alongside two sisters and one brother.

After his parents divorced, his stepfather, Esmond R. Crowley Jr., played a role in his upbringing. He is of white American ethnicity and was raised in a Christian household.

Mark initially wanted to be an artist and enrolled at Worcester Academy in 1956. However, after stepping into a stage role during his time there, he discovered a passion for acting.

He later studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. During his early years in New York, he supported himself by waiting tables and eventually served in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Career

Mark Slade began his professional career on stage with roles on Broadway before moving into film and television.

He gained his first major attention in the early 1960s with a part in the film Splendor in the Grass. He then starred in Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, both in the movie and as Seaman Malone in the TV adaptation.

From the mid-1960s through the 1970s, he appeared in popular shows like My Three Sons, Rawhide, Perry Mason, The Wackiest Ship in the Army, and more. His breakthrough came in 1967 when he was cast as Billy “Blue” Cannon in The High Chaparral, a role that earned him international fame and fan recognition. The show ran until 1971 and remains one of the most beloved Western series of its time.

Beyond acting, Mark Slade is a professional artist and illustrator. His work has been featured in various comic strips, magazines, and private collections.

He co-created the comic strip Howard and Friends and has published many oil paintings and graphite drawings.

His talent in visual arts has been as consistent and celebrated as his acting.

In addition, he is a published author. Some of his books include Going Down Maine, Of Pain and Coffee, Someone’s Story, Hangin’ with the Truth, and Don’t Call Me Slye.

He also co-founded Slade Media Group and Slade Square Productions with his wife to develop creative projects.

His career spans over 300 stage, film, and TV appearances and more than 60 years of contribution to the entertainment industry.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @marksladestudio
• Twitter handle: @marksladestudio

Personal Life

American actor, artist, and writer Mark Slade has been married to Melinda Riccilli since 1968.

The couple has two sons, Morgan and Mitchel. He is known for keeping a low public profile and enjoying a peaceful life with his family. He currently lives in Northern California.

There is no information about any of his previous romantic relationships before his marriage to Melinda Riccilli. Regarding his height, he stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm).

Filmography

Selected Works

• Splendor in the Grass (1961)
• Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (film and TV)
• Perry Mason
• Rawhide
• The Wackiest Ship in the Army
• The High Chaparral (1967–1971)
• Salty (1973 film and 1974–1975 TV series)

Books Authored

• Going Down Maine
• Of Pain and Coffee
• Someone’s Story
• Hangin’ with the Truth
• Don’t Call Me Slye

Net Worth

Mark Slade has an estimated net worth of $10 million. His income has been generated from his long and successful career as an actor, especially from his role in The High Chaparral, which brought him international fame.

Beyond acting, he also earns from his visual art, comic illustrations, book publishing, and media production projects. His creative skills have given him a diverse stream of income over many decades.