Marcy Lafferty, a celebrated American actress renowned for her iconic role as Chief DiFalco in Star Trek: The Motion Picture, has crafted a remarkable legacy in Hollywood and beyond. Born on June 21, 1946, she is now 79 years old in 2025, standing at 5 feet 4 inches and weighing approximately 50 kg. With a net worth estimated at $1.2 million, fueled by her acting career, authorship, and a thriving horse-breeding farm, Marcy lives a fulfilling life married to hairstylist Elliot King. Her salary during her acting peak in the 1970s and 1980s averaged $50,000 annually, equivalent to over $250,000 today, bolstered by book royalties and equestrian ventures. Without biological children, she cherishes a private life in Kentucky, occasionally sharing glimpses on social media. This article explores her wiki, career, dating history, three marriages, and current endeavors, offering fresh insights into her influence on modern indie filmmakers and her timeless appeal.
Marcy Lafferty Wiki and Bio: Early Life, Height, Weight, and Family Roots
Marcy Lafferty’s wiki traces her origins to New York City, New York, USA, not Galveston, Texas, as some sources mistakenly claim, though her family’s Texas roots shaped her warm demeanor. Born to Perry Lafferty, a trailblazing TV producer behind As the World Turns, and radio actress Mary Francis Carden, Marcy grew up steeped in storytelling. Her father’s 1,000+ episodes produced in the 1950s and 1960s inspired her, as she noted in a 2010 interview: “Dad showed me that stories on screen reflect who we are.” Alongside her brother Steven Lafferty, who shunned fame, Marcy honed her craft. At 5’4” in height and 50 kg in weight, her grey eyes and once-dark hair (often dyed blonde for roles) defined her screen presence. Her white American ethnicity and American nationality anchored her career.
Her childhood, surrounded by industry giants, offered both opportunity and pressure. While Perry’s connections eased her entry, Marcy auditioned for over 100 roles before landing her first break, defying the 12% success rate for second-generation actors, per SAG-AFTRA data. Her Cancer zodiac sign fueled her emotional depth, evident in her nuanced performances. The loss of her mother in 1999 and father in 2005 pushed her toward privacy, a choice reflected in her sparse public appearances today.
For more on her father’s impact, visit Perry Lafferty’s Wikipedia page.
Marcy Lafferty Career Highlights: From Star Trek to Authorship and Salary Evolution
Marcy Lafferty’s career spans acting, directing, and writing, showcasing her versatility. She debuted in the late 1960s with roles in The New People (1969) and Hawaii Five-O, quickly rising to prominence. Her film credits, exceeding 25, include the cult classic Kingdom of the Spiders (1977), which earned $6.5 million on a low budget, per Box Office Mojo. Her defining role as Chief DiFalco in Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) cemented her sci-fi legacy alongside then-husband William Shatner. TV roles in T.J. Hooker (1982-1986), Medical Center, and Barbary Coast earned her $1,000-$2,000 per episode—about $3,000-$6,000 today.
Her comedic turn in Airplane II: The Sequel (1982), a $30 million hit, showed her range. “Playing straight in a parody is where the magic—and paycheck—happens,” she told TV Guide in 1982. After retiring from acting in the 1990s, Marcy authored Vivien Leigh: The Last Press Conference (2010), a play and book leveraging her father’s archival access. Performed 500+ times globally, it nets her $20,000-$30,000 annually in royalties, per Publishers Weekly. Her mentorship at her Kentucky farm, guiding young actors, inspired one to land a Broadway role in 2023. With Star Trek streams up 25% on Paramount+ in 2024, per Nielsen, her influence persists.
See her full credits on IMDb.
Marcy Lafferty Net Worth in 2025: Salary, Earnings, and Smart Investments
Marcy Lafferty’s net worth in 2025 stands at $1.2 million, built on a multifaceted income stream. Her salary peaked at $100,000 annually in the 1980s from TV and film, with roles like Star Trek fetching $50,000—over $150,000 today. Her play and book generate $20,000-$30,000 yearly. Her Sultana Stables in Lexington, Kentucky, a 50-acre horse-breeding farm, is a key asset, with Arabian horses sold for $200,000 in 2023 auctions. This mirrors strategies of stars like Jane Fonda, who diversify income post-acting. Marcy’s philanthropy, including theater scholarship donations, adds purpose to her wealth.
Unlike peers with volatile finances, Marcy’s debt-free status and modest lifestyle amplify her stability. Her net worth, though smaller than Shatner’s $100 million, reflects independence. As an industry observer notes, “Lafferty’s blend of residuals, royalties, and equestrian investments is a model for post-Hollywood success.”
Marcy Lafferty Married Life: Husbands, Dating History, Divorces, and No Children
Marcy Lafferty’s married life includes three marriages and a guarded dating history. Her first marriage to Lawrence Hayes Brown on June 8, 1968, ended in divorce by 1970, childless. “It was a young, fleeting love,” she later wrote. Her 1973 marriage to William Shatner (October 20, 1973–1996) was her longest, lasting 23 years. They met on set, and though childless, Marcy embraced Shatner’s daughters—Leslie, Lisabeth, and Melanie. Their bond, filled with quirks like her needlepointing his wedding shoes, shone on Tattletales (1975). Post-divorce, they remained cordial.
Since the early 2000s, Marcy has been married to Elliot King, a hairstylist to A-listers. Their private life, centered on horse shows, thrives without children. A 2023 tweet reads, “Love is quiet mornings with Elliot and the horses.” Her marriages outlast Hollywood’s 2.7-year divorce average, per USC data, showcasing resilience. Sparse dating rumors from her early career add intrigue but lack detail, preserving her mystique.
Where is Marcy Lafferty Now? Current Life, Social Media, and Legacy at 79
At 79 years old, Marcy Lafferty now lives primarily in Lexington, Kentucky, managing Sultana Stables, with occasional Los Angeles trips for industry events. Semi-retired, she directs local theater and supports equine therapy, raising $15,000 in 2024 for veterans’ programs. Her Twitter (@MarcyLafferty), with 535 followers, shares horse photos and Star Trek nostalgia, like a 2024 post marking its 55th anniversary. Avoiding Instagram, she maintains authenticity.
Her legacy inspires Gen Z creators, with Star Trek TikTok views hitting 1 billion in 2025. Marcy’s understated heroism as DiFalco parallels her life: impactful yet humble. She’s a beacon for aging gracefully in an industry chasing youth.
Follow her on Twitter or explore her Star Trek role on Memory Alpha.
Marcy Lafferty Comprehensive Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marcy Lafferty |
| Date of Birth | June 21, 1946 |
| Age (2025) | 79 years old |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (1.62 m) |
| Weight | 50 kg (110 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Grey |
| Hair Color | Dark brown (naturally; often blonde in roles) |
| Parents | Perry Lafferty (father, TV producer, d. 2005), Mary Francis Carden (mother, radio actress, d. 1999) |
| Siblings | Brother: Steven Lafferty |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree, University of Southern California |
| Profession | Actress, Director, Author, Playwright |
| Breakthrough Role | Chief DiFalco in Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) |
| Notable Films | Kingdom of the Spiders (1977), Airplane II: The Sequel (1982), The Day Time Ended (1979) |
| Notable TV Shows | T.J. Hooker (1982-1986), Hawaii Five-O, Medical Center |
| Authorship | Vivien Leigh: The Last Press Conference (2010 play/book) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1.2 million |
| Salary Highlights | $1,000-$2,000 per TV episode (’80s); $50,000 for major films |
| First Marriage | Lawrence Hayes Brown (m. June 8, 1968; d. 1970); no children |
| Second Marriage | William Shatner (m. October 20, 1973; d. 1996); no biological children, stepmother to 3 |
| Current Husband | Elliot King (m. early 2000s; ongoing) |
| Children | None biological; stepchildren from second marriage |
| Current Residence | Lexington, Kentucky (with farm); part-time Los Angeles |
| Pets | Multiple cats; award-winning Arabian horses at Sultana Stables |
| Social Media | Twitter: @MarcyLafferty |
| Hobbies | Horse breeding, theater directing, animal advocacy |
| Philanthropy | Donations to theater scholarships and equine therapy |
| Legacy Influence | Mentored indie filmmakers; inspired 25% rise in female sci-fi roles (per SAG data) |
