Who is Jon Erik Hexum?

Acting in action films entails a number of risks, as actors on set are required to perform dangerous stunts and, in some cases, handle weapons. There have been instances where action film actors have been seriously injured on set and are rushed to the ER; while some survive, others do not, and Jon Erik Hexum, unfortunately, falls into the latter category.

In 1984, while filming the action TV series Cover Up, Hexum accidentally shot himself in the head with a.44 Magnum handgun.

Despite being rushed to the ER, Hexum was declared brain dead six days later, effectively ending his promising career. In honor of the actor, here is a look back at his brief career in Hollywood, as well as some personal information.

What is the net worth of Jon Erik Hexum?

Jon Erik Hexum’s net worth is about $6 million

Jon Erik Hexum: Birth, & Education

Jon Erik Hexum was born on November 5, 1957, in Englewood, New Jersey.

Hexum graduated from Tenafly High School in 1976.

Hexum proved to be a gifted musician in addition to his acting abilities.

He was a member of the school orchestra, where he played the violin and horn.

He practiced the piano at home.

Hexum moved to Cleveland after graduating from high school to attend Case Western Reserve University, where he majored in biomedical engineering.

After a while, he transferred to Michigan State University, where he majored in philosophy.

Jon Erik Hexum: Professional Career

Hexum has always been athletic, was a member of Michigan State’s varsity football team during his time there.

Hexum also began DJing at local radio stations under the alias Yukon Jack.

Hexum graduated from MSU in 1980 and moved to New York City a few days later, hoping to pursue a career in acting.

Hexum worked menial jobs such as cleaning apartments for money in order to meet his basic needs.

When he was discovered by Bob LeMond, who was managing (and had already become a movie star) at the time, fate smiled on him.

LeMond became interested in him and persuaded him to move to Los Angeles, which he did in 1981.

Unfortunately, Jon did not get the first role he auditioned for, which was for the romantic comedy film Summer Lovers and was won by Peter Gallagher.

Though he did not get the part, the exposure helped him later in life when he was cast as one of the main characters in the NBC series Voyagers! As a result, his first role was his breakout role.

He appeared in 20 episodes as Phineas Bogg and was paid $10,000 for a week’s work. Sadly, the show was canceled after only one season.

Regardless, the ruggedly handsome Jon Erik Hexum rose with each role.

He appeared in the romantic TV film Making of a Male Model in 1983 and the biopic The Bear in 1984.

On television, he appeared as a guest on the ABC drama Hotel.

Hexum’s next major role was as Mac Harper, an undercover CIA operative, in the CBS action-drama Cover-Up.

Unfortunately, this was Hexum’s final role before he died in an on-set accident.

Jon Erik Hexum: Parents and Sibling

Jon Erik Hexum was born in Norway to parents Gretha and Thorleif Hexum.

Unfortunately, Hexum was born into a broken home when his parents divorced in 1961 when he was only four years old.

Following the divorce, Jon and his older brother, Gunnar Hexum, were raised by their mother in Tenafly, Bergey County, New Jersey.

Jon Erik Hexum: The Untimely Death

To say the least, Jon Erik Hexum’s death was tragic.

On October 12, 1984, Hexum was filming on the set of Cover Up when he was given a.44 Magnum handgun and blanks.

Following a filming delay due to the director’s dissatisfaction with the results, Hexum became bored and, in an attempt to lighten his mood, became restless and began playing with the gun.

Hexum removed all but one of the blanks from the functional handgun and began playing Russian Roulette, hoping that the functional gun with blanks (which use paper or plastic wadding to seal the gunpowder) would be harmless, but he was unaware that a close-range shot could cause serious injury.

Hexum drew the gun and pointed it at his right temple. His skull was fractured as a result of the bullet, and he was rushed to the emergency room.

Despite a five-hour surgery, Hexum did not survive and was declared brain dead six days later on October 18, 1984.

At the time of his death, Hexum was a California Organ Donor Card carrier, and as a result, six of his organs, including his heart, were donated to save lives.

Cover-Up producers 20th Century Fox Television and Glen A. Larson Productions would compensate Hexum’s mother in an out-of-court settlement.

Hexum was in a relationship with actress and singer Elizabeth “E.G.” Daily at the time of his death.

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Jon Erik Hexum: Height & Weight

Jon Erik Hexum was a tall, handsome man who was charming and exuded a lot of confidence, which he described as one of his strongest qualities.

His 6 feet 1 inch height undoubtedly contributed to his self-assurance.