Richard Carleton Meeker: Meet Mary Tyler Moore’s Ex-Husband

Richard Carleton Meeker was the former husband of renowned American actress and film producer, Mary Tyler Moore. Richard worked as a salesman and was Mary’s neighbor. The couple got married in 1955 and had a son. Sadly, their relationship ended in 1961.

Richard Carleton Meeker was the ex-husband of Mary Tyler Moore. His former wife, Mary Tyler Moore was a well-known American actress, producer, and activist. 

Despite being associated with such a prominent figure, Richard lived a low-key lifestyle. There is very little information available online about his life. 

In this article, we will dig into Richard’s early life, details about his famous ex-wife, their marriage, their children, his career, his net worth, and more.

Quick Bio

Full NameRichard Carleton Meeker Sr
Famous asMary Tyler Moore’s Ex-Husband
OccupationSales Manager
Date of BirthMar 7, 1927
Place of BirthLos Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, USA
Date of DeathJul 8, 2013
Place of DeathSacramento, Sacramento County, California, USA
Age86
Place of BurialDixon, Solano County, California, USA
Ex-SpouseMary Tyler Moore
ChildrenRichard Carleton Meeker Jr (Richie Meeker)
SpouseJeanette Stein Meeker
FatherCarleton Ludlow Meeker
MotherLillian Ross
SiblingsUnknown
GenderMale
ReligionChristianity
NationalityAmerican
SexualityStraight
Hair ColorDark Brown
Eye ColorBlue
Net WorthUnknown

Early Life

Richard Carleton Meeker was born in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California on Mar 7, 1927. His parents were Carleton Ludlow Meeker and Lillian Ross. 

However, it cannot be confirmed whether Richard had any siblings or not. Details about his life such as his early upbringing or educational journey are hard to find. 

Richard rose to fame after getting married to an American actress Mary Tyler Moore, therefore not much information is available about his life in the media.  

Age And Nationality

Richard Carleton Meeker was born on Mar 7, 1927, making him 86 years old at the time of his birth in 2013. Being a native of the United States, he held American nationality. 

Richard’s Famous Ex-Wife: Mary Tyler Moore

Richard Carleton Meeker’s former wife, Mary Tyler Moore was a renowned American actor, film producer, and activist. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 29, 1936. 

Mary Tyler Moore
PHOTO: POLITICO

Mary rose to fame in the 60s and 70s. Her career lasted over five decades during which she became a widely loved and extremely influential figure in television history. 

From 1961 to 1966, Mary gained worldwide recognition and critical acclaim through her career on “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” 

Later, she solidified her status in the entertainment industry with her incredible performance in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” 

Mary received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and many other prestigious awards such as seven Primetime Emmy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild, and a Tony Award

Additionally, she ventured into film production and co-founded MTM Enterprises

Richard And Mary’s Marriage

Richard Carleton Meeker and Mary Tyler Moore started their marital journey on 25 August 1955 in California. 

At the time of the wedding, Richard was 28 years old while, Mary was 18 and had freshly graduated from high school. 

They were next-door neighbors before their marriage. The couple were blessed with a son named, Richard Carleton Meeker Jr.

Richard and Mary stayed married for seven years and supported each other through their life journeys, during this period. 

Sadly, their relationship faced a lot of difficulties which resulted in them going in separate directions and divorcing in 1962. 

Richard later went on to marry another woman named, Jeanette Stein Meeker. While Mary got remarried twice after divorcing Richard.

What Happened To His Son?

Richard and Mary’s son, Richard Carleton Meeker Jr. was born in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, on July 3, 1956. He was the only child of the celebrity couple. 

What Happened To His Son
PHOTO: FOOX NEWS

Richie Meeker was a student at the University of Southern California and was an avid gun collector. He was also working in the mail room at CBS Studios. 

On 14 October 1980, Richie passed away due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head while handling his shotgun.

Professional Journey

Richard Carleton Meeker was a cranberry juice salesman, working as a sales manager at the time she met Mary Tyler Moore. 

Since he came under the limelight after marrying the famous actress, Richard’s career path remains unavailable in the public records. 

Therefore, not much is known about his professional journey beyond his career as a sales manager. 

Net Worth 

Richard Carleton Meeker’s net worth cannot be determined since he hasn’t provided much information about his earnings in the media. 

On the other hand, his ex-wife, Mary Tyler Moore had an impressive estimated net worth of $60 million.

Where Is Richard Now?

Richard is not alive anymore. He passed away at the age of 86 on Jul 8, 2013, in Sacramento, Sacramento County, California, USA. 

The cause of his death was a cardiopulmonary arrest. Due to pneumonia complications, he had been placed on a ventilator the week before his passing. 

Richard was buried at Dixon, Solano County, California, USA in the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.

Jen Robert Fisher

Jen Robert Fisher

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