Jeff Connors was an actor who appeared in a few films and TV shows, but he was mostly known as the son of Chuck Connors, the star of the classic western series “The Rifleman”. Jeff died on February 19, 2014, at the age of 61, from complications of an outpatient surgery. His cause of death was pneumonia from lung cancer. This is the tragic story of Jeff Connors’ life and death.
Early Life and Family
Jeff Connors was born on July 30, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, as Jeffrey Alan Connors. He was the third son of Chuck Connors and his second wife, Elizabeth Riddell. Chuck Connors was a famous actor and athlete who played professional basketball and baseball before becoming a TV icon as Lucas McCain, the widowed rancher and sharpshooter in “The Rifleman”. The show ran from 1958 to 1963 and made Chuck a household name.
Jeff had three brothers: Mike, Kevin, and Steve. Mike and Kevin were Chuck’s sons from his first marriage to Elizabeth Jane Riddell, while Steve was his son from his third marriage to Kamala Devi. Jeff’s mother, Elizabeth Riddell, was a former actress who married Chuck in 1948 and divorced him in 1961. She later married actor John Malloy and changed her name to Faith Quabius. She appeared in films such as “Soylent Green” and “The Police Connection”.
Jeff grew up in a Hollywood family and followed his father’s footsteps into acting. He made his debut in 1959, when he was seven years old, in an episode of “The Rifleman” titled “Tension”. He had only two lines in the episode, but he shared the screen with his father and his brother Mike. He later appeared in another episode of “The Rifleman” in 1962, as well as in films such as “The Mad Bomber” (1973) and “Un ponte per l’inferno” (1986).
Personal Life and Struggles
Jeff Connors had a troubled personal life that was marked by addiction and legal issues. He struggled with alcoholism and drug abuse for most of his adult life. He was arrested several times for driving under the influence, possession of narcotics, and assault. He also faced financial problems and filed for bankruptcy in 1994.
Jeff had two marriages that ended in divorce. He married his first wife, Pamela Ann Rhaesa, in 1974 and had a daughter with her named Jennifer. They divorced in 1977. He married his second wife, Deborah Ann Johnson, in 1980 and had a son with her named Jeffrey Jr. They divorced in 1986.
Jeff tried to overcome his addiction and rebuild his life with the help of his family and friends. He attended rehab programs and counseling sessions. He also reconnected with his father, who had been estranged from him for years due to their differences. Chuck Connors supported his son’s recovery efforts and encouraged him to pursue his passion for acting.
Death and Legacy
Jeff Connors died on February 19, 2014, at the age of 61, from complications of an outpatient surgery. His cause of death was pneumonia from lung cancer. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer a few months before his death and had undergone chemotherapy treatments. He passed away peacefully at a hospital in Los Angeles, surrounded by his loved ones.
Jeff Connors was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea. He is survived by his two children, Jennifer and Jeffrey Jr., his three brothers, Mike, Kevin, and Steve, and his stepmother, Kamala Devi. His father, Chuck Connors, had died on November 10, 1992, from lung cancer at the age of 71.
Jeff Connors was a talented actor who had a promising career ahead of him. However, he was unable to escape the shadow of his famous father and the demons of his addiction. He left behind a legacy of love and forgiveness for his family and friends who stood by him through thick and thin. He will always be remembered as the son of “The Rifleman”.
