Larry Wilcox is a well-known American actor, producer, and director with a career spanning more than five decades. He is most famous for his role as Officer Jonathan Andrew Baker on the iconic NBC crime drama CHiPs (1977–1982). His portrayal of the dedicated motorcycle cop made him a household name and established his legacy in Hollywood. Beyond acting, Wilcox has contributed to the entertainment industry as a producer, director, and executive producer, gaining recognition for his versatility both on and off the screen.
Early Life and Background
Born on August 8, 1947, in San Diego, California, Larry Dee Wilcox grew up in Rawlins, Wyoming, after his parents, Marion and John Wilcox, separated. Raised by his mother, Wilcox had a challenging start in life. He attended Rawlins High School and later enrolled at the University of Wyoming. Seeking broader opportunities, he transferred to Los Angeles Pierce College and then to Cal State Northridge. During his time at Northridge, Wilcox experienced personal tragedy when his sister was murdered by her husband, prompting him to return home to help his family.
In 1967, Wilcox enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam. While stationed in Vietnam, Wilcox studied French, and his military career would leave an indelible mark on his character, ultimately earning him the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1973, after which he pursued higher education and began to set his sights on a career in acting.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
In the early ’70s, Larry Wilcox started making his mark in the entertainment world with appearances in TV movies such as The Girl Most Likely To… (1973), Relentless (1977), and The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang (1979). His television appearances were frequent as well, with guest spots on shows like Room 222, The Partridge Family, and Police Story. His breakout role came when he was cast as Officer Jonathan Andrew Baker on CHiPs, the classic cop drama about California highway patrol officers, which first aired in 1977.
The show’s success propelled Wilcox into the limelight, and he became known for his portrayal of a compassionate yet tough lawman. He and co-star Erik Estrada, who played Officer Frank Poncherello, became TV icons. The series ran for six successful seasons, with Wilcox appearing in 139 episodes before his departure from the show. Rumors of tension between Wilcox and Estrada began to circulate during the later seasons, with Wilcox later acknowledging the differences in their personalities in interviews. Despite these tensions, the show remains a beloved part of American television history.
Later Career and Personal Projects
After CHiPs, Wilcox continued his acting career, taking on a variety of roles in TV movies and films. He appeared in several productions throughout the ’80s, including The Dirty Dozen: The Next Mission (1985), Perry Mason: The Case of the Avenging Ace (1988), and The Love Tapes (1980). He also made guest appearances on popular shows such as Fantasy Island, Hotel, and Murder, She Wrote.
In addition to acting, Wilcox worked as a director and producer. He directed two episodes of CHiPs, “Ride the Whirlwind” (1979) and “Tow Truck Lady” (1980), as well as the 1995 film The Little CHP. Wilcox’s involvement in producing CHiPs ’99 and serving as an executive producer on several projects, including the film 94 Feet (2016) and the series The Ray Bradbury Theater, solidified his reputation as a multi-talented contributor to the industry.
He also reprised his CHiPs role in the 1998 TV movie CHiPs ’99 and appeared in National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1 (1993), a comedy spoof of action films. Later in his career, Wilcox appeared in Wish Man (2019), Forgiven This Gun4hire (2021), and several guest appearances on shows like 30 Rock and Pacific Blue.
Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Larry Wilcox has an estimated net worth of $2.5 million. Much of his wealth comes from his successful career in television and film. His role in CHiPs, which earned him $25,000 per episode in its later seasons, contributed significantly to his financial standing. Wilcox’s ventures as a producer and director, as well as his appearances in various TV movies and series, have also helped him accumulate wealth over the years.
Personal Life and Family
Larry Wilcox has been married three times. His first marriage was to Judy Vagner in 1969, with whom he had two children, Derek and Heidi. The couple divorced in 1979. He married Hannie Strasser, a former sound technician on CHiPs, in 1979, and they had one daughter, Wendy, before divorcing in 1980. In 1985, Wilcox married Marlene Harmon, a former Olympic pentathlete. Together, they have two sons, Ryan and Chad. Marlene was part of the U.S. Olympic pentathlon team in 1980, and the team was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Jimmy Carter.
In 2010, Wilcox faced legal troubles when he was charged with securities fraud conspiracy for his involvement in an illicit kickback scheme to manipulate stock prices. In 2011, he was sentenced to three years of probation and 500 hours of community service.
Larry Wilcox’s Legacy and Influence
While Larry Wilcox may not be in the public spotlight as much as he once was, his contributions to television and film, particularly through his role on CHiPs, have solidified his place in Hollywood history. His portrayal of Officer Baker remains iconic, and his work as a producer and director continues to be respected. Beyond his entertainment career, Wilcox’s service in the Vietnam War and his ventures in land-speed racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats reflect a man of many interests and talents.
Final Thoughts
Larry Wilcox’s life and career serve as a testament to his dedication and versatility in the entertainment industry. From his early acting days to his later achievements as a producer and director, Wilcox has proven to be a dynamic figure in Hollywood. As of now, his net worth stands at an impressive $2.5 million, a reflection of his hard work and enduring appeal.
