Stan Lee
| Stage Name / Nickname: | The Man, Stan the Man |
| Date of Birth: | December 28, 1922 – November 12, 2018 |
| Place of Birth: | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality: | American |
| Net Worth: | $50 million (at time of death) |
| Education: | DeWitt Clinton High School; briefly studied at New York University |
| Marital Status: | Widowed |
| Spouse: | Joan Boocock Lee (m. 1947–2017) |
| Children: | Joan Celia "J.C." Lee, Christopher Lie |
| Siblings: | Larry Lieber |
| Known For: | Co-creating Spider-Man, Iron Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four; Marvel Comics leadership |
Early Life & Education
Stanley Martin Lieber was born on December 28, 1922, in New York City. Raised in Washington Heights, he attended DeWitt Clinton High School and briefly studied at NYU before entering the comics industry as an assistant at Timely Comics in 1939.
Rise at Marvel & Iconic Creations
By the 1960s, as Marvel Comics’ driving creative force, Stan Lee, together with artists like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, revolutionized the industry by launching deeply humanized superheroes—Spider‑Man, Fantastic Four, X‑Men, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, and more. His use of flawed, relatable characters reshaped storytelling and inspired generations.
Career & Cameos
Lee became editor-in-chief and later publisher of Marvel Comics, expanding into film, TV, and animation. Following retirement, he remained Marvel’s figurehead, making cameo appearances in over 35 Marvel films—his signature “Excelsior!” closing lines and on-screen appearances became beloved Easter eggs.
Awards & Legacy
He was inducted into the Will Eisner and Jack Kirby Halls of Fame, received the National Medal of Arts in 2008, and was named a Disney Legend in 2017. His legacy includes transforming pop culture and defining the modern superhero.
Philanthropy & Personal Life
Lee married Joan Boocock in 1947; they had two children, J.C. and Christopher. After Joan’s passing in 2017, Lee died in 2018 at age 95. In 2010, he founded the Stan Lee Foundation to promote literacy, education, and the arts nationwide.
Net Worth & Business Notes
At his passing, Lee’s net worth was estimated around $50 million. He received a lifetime Marvel salary of $1 million annually and a $10 million settlement from a profit-sharing lawsuit. He didn’t directly profit from Marvel’s $4 billion sale to Disney due to rights arrangements.
Trivia & Cultural Impact
- First comic-book script: Captain America Foils the Traitor’s Revenge (1941)
- Served in WWII as a sergeant in the Signal Corps
- Trademark cameo appearances spanned decades of Marvel films
- Creative collaborator with figures like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko
- Known for his exuberant “Stan the Man” persona and catchphrase “Excelsior!”
Legacy & Continuing Influence
Stan Lee transformed the comics industry, co-creating characters whose cinematic universes have grossed over $25 billion. Through his foundation and memorable cameos, his influence continues inspiring readers, creatives, and fans globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Stan Lee?
Stan Lee was an American comic book writer, editor, publisher, and film producer—best known as the creative force at Marvel Comics and co-creator of many iconic superheroes.
When and where was he born?
He was born Stanley Martin Lieber on December 28, 1922, in New York City.
What characters did he create?
Lee co-created Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Fantastic Four, Black Panther, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, and more during the 1960s comic revolution.
What was his net worth?
His net worth at death was approximately $50 million—Marvel provided him a $1 million annual salary post-Disney acquisition.
Did he serve in the military?
Yes—Lee served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II (1942–1945).
What awards and honors did he receive?
He was inducted into the Will Eisner and Jack Kirby Halls of Fame, awarded the National Medal of Arts (2008), and named a Disney Legend (2017).
What philanthropic work did he do?
He founded the Stan Lee Foundation in 2010 to support literacy, education, and the arts.