Justus Ellis McQueen, known as L.Q. Jones, was an actor and director known best for his roles in western-style films and television shows. He starred in films like A Prarie Home Companion, The Patriot, and The Mask of Zorro. He died at the age of 94 on July 9, 2022.
He accumulated more than 160 acting credits over the course of a 70-year career as an actor. L.Q. Jones starred alongside Antonio Banderas, Mel Gibson, and Ray Liotta, primarily in dramatic roles. His wealth came directly from his long career in Hollywood.
What is L.Q. Jones Wala’s Net Worth
As of 2022, L.Q. Jones’ net worth is estimated to be $2 million. The majority of his wealth comes from his career as an actor and director.
He made his film debut in 1955 before being cast in multiple recurring roles in popular western television shows. He found fame through his appearances on Gunsmoke, Cheyenne, and Laramie. These roles led to a long career, with movies being released up until his retirement in 2006.
Continue reading to learn all you need to know about L.Q. Jones’ annual income, early life, personal life, career, awards, and investments.
L.Q. Jones’ Net Worth Annually
L.Q. Jones’ annual income was estimated at around $150,000. His income came directly from appearances in television and film, releasing on average one movie each year with a television cameo roughly every other year toward the end of his career.
After establishing himself as a western actor, he continued to be offered supporting roles well into the 1980, 90s, and 2000s. He starred in such television shows as The A-Team, Walker, Texas Ranger, and The Dukes of Hazzard.
His film credits continued to rise in prominence with roles in The Patriot, Casino, and The Legend of Grizzly Adams.
He stayed mainly in the western genre, venturing out into a few historical fiction films. As time went on, he maintained a steady career – resulting in an average monthly paycheck of around $12,000.
He was not known for promoting products or receiving endorsements. L.Q. Jones focused on the quality of the films and shows he was making rather than chasing after higher paychecks.
His passion project came in 1975 with A Boy and His Dog, which he directed, produced, and wrote. The film was a modest success and led him to continue writing and directing films throughout his career.
How Did L.Q. Jones Get Rich?
After landing his first film role in 1955, Justus McQueen adopted his stage name L.Q. Jones which belonged to his character in Battle Cry. He was then cast as Smitty Smith in the ABC series Cheyenne, the first hour-long western to appear on network television.
Jones appeared in several films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, joining Sam Peckinpah’s stock company of actors – leading to a succession of steady roles. He appeared in the company’s Klondike series, Ride the High Country, Major Dundee, The Wild Bunch, The Ballad of Cable Hogue, and Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. All of which cemented him as a household name.
His strong standing as an actor kept him employed in Hollywood and kept the money coming in. Thanks to his childhood in Texas and his gaunt look, he was a perfect fit as the rough-riding cowboy.
While taking on roles in film, L.Q. Jones continued to star in popular hour-long western network television shows. This rounded out his annual income and increased his notoriety. He starred in Gunsmoke, Laramie, Two Faces West, and The Virginian.
His television roles continued to stack up, including Hawaii Five-O, The Fall Guy, Perry Mason, and Johnny Ringo. He began taking non-western roles in an effort to expand his reach as an actor, and it worked.
He took on new roles in action films, political thrillers, and mafia movies, making him an easy actor to cast in any project.
L.Q. Jones’ Biography
L.Q. Jones was born on August 19, 1927, in Beaumont, Texas to Jessie Paralee (Stephens) and Justus Ellis McQueen Sr. Justus Ellis McQueen, a.k.a. L.Q. Jones, lost his mother to a fatal car crash at a very early age. His father, a railroad worker, was his only companion for much of his early life.
He attended Port Neches-Groves High School in 1945. After graduating, Jones joined the United States Navy, serving from 1945 to 1946.
After his stay in the Navy, he attended Lamar Junior College, then transferred to Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas. He transferred once more to the University of Texas at Austin in 1950 to study law, business, and journalism.
He tried out several career paths before landing on acting in 1955. He worked as a stand-up comedian, played professional baseball, played professional football, and even moved to Nicaragua briefly to try ranching.
He turned to acting after a conversation with his former college roommate, Fess Parker.
| Full Name/Real Name: | Justus Ellis McQueen Jr. |
| Nick Name/Stage Name: | L.Q. Jones |
| Birth Place: | Beaumont, Texas, United States |
| Birthday: | August 19, 1927 |
| Zodiac Sign: | Cancer |
| Age(How Old): | 94 (deceased July 9, 2022) |
| Weight: | 187 lbs (85 kg) |
| Height(How Tall): | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Marital Status: | Divorced |
| Wife/Husband: | Neta Sue Lewis (ex wife) |
| Girlfriend: | N/A |
| Parent’s Name: |
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| Kids/Children Name: |
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| Siblings: |
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| College: | Lamar Junior College, Lon Morris College, University of Texas at Austin |
| Profession: | Actor, Director, Screenwriter |
| Social Media Accounts: | N/A |
L.Q. Jones Career and Awards
After his death in 2022, Jones was heralded as one of the most in-demand actors of his time. His ability to play in almost any role landed him 160 credits throughout his 70-year career.
After his stint in Sam Peckinpah’s series of western films and his stock of credits on popular television shows, he produced his first film, The Devil’s Bedroom.
This allowed him to direct A Boy and His Dog, his 1974 passion project. The actor wrote, directed, and produced this science fiction gem.
He was known primarily as a supporting actor, rarely landing lead roles. As his career progressed, Jones began getting better and better parts alongside big actors.
He was famously cast as commissioner Pat Webb in Marton Scorsese’s Casino, and alongside Anthony Hopkins in Edge and Mel Gibson in The Patriot.
He was awarded a Golden Boot Award in 2000 and a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation in 1976.
He was nominated in 1976 for a Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer of America Best Dramatic Writing Award, in 2006 for a Gotham Award for Best Ensemble Performance, and in 2007 for a Gold Derby Award for Best Ensemble Cast.
His final role was in 2006 in Robert Altman’s A Prarie Home Companion where he played a dying man who receives Virginia Madsen’s angel.
L.Q. Jones Personal Life
L.Q. Jones married his college girlfriend in 1950. He and Sue Lewis had 3 children, Randy, Steve, and Mindy McQueen.
He and Sue divorced in 1973, and he never remarried.
Jones was a registered Republican and practicing Methodist.
He died in his home of natural causes at the age of 94. He was surrounded by family.
L.Q. Jones Investments
Jones was not known to have any investments or endorsements. His career focused on acting, directing, and producing.
He mentioned in interviews his desire to play heavy roles, wanting only to bring depth to the characters he was given. Money never seemed to be his main concern, leading him to pour all of his attention into his projects.
FAQ
What Does L.Q. Stand For?
“L.Q. Jones” is a stage name Justus Ellis McQueen Jr took from his first role in Battle Cry. He continued to use this name throughout his career.
Is L.Q. Jones Related To The Actor Steve McQueen?
Jones is not related to the actor Steve McQueen. However, he does have a son named Steve McQueen, though he is not an actor.
How Many Times Did L.Q. Jones Appear On Gunsmoke?
He made 7 appearances on Gunsmoke, sometimes playing different characters.
What Film Did L.Q. Jones Star With Elvis Presley?
He made his western film debut alongside Elvis Presley in Love Me Tender in 1956.
Who Was Fess Parker?
Fess Parker was an actor and Jones’ former college roommate. He had already landed a role in Battle Cry and convinced Jones to leave Nicaragua to join the cast in Los Angeles.
