Early Life and Education of David Carradine: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 24, 2026

How education and upbringing influenced the life of David Carradine. A timeline of key moments.

David Carradine was a prolific American actor, director, and producer with a career spanning over 200 roles across film, television, and stage. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Kwai Chang Caine, a Shaolin monk, in the television series *Kung Fu* (1972-1975). Carradine's diverse career established him as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

December 8, 1936: David Carradine's Birth

On December 8, 1936, John Arthur Carradine Jr., later known as David Carradine, was born. Carradine became a renowned American actor, director, and producer.

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1944: Divorce of Carradine's Parents

In 1944, when Carradine was seven, his parents divorced after being married for three years initially, and then remaining married for another five years after his mother first filed for divorce.

December 25, 1947: Appeared in A Christmas Carol

On December 25, 1947, David Carradine appeared in a live telecast adaptation of A Christmas Carol, with his father in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

1960: Annie Bierman's birth year

In 1960, Annie Bierman (later Carradine's wife) was born. David Carradine mentioned in an interview that his wife Annie is 24 years younger than he is.

1960: Carradine Inducted into the Army

In 1960, David Carradine was inducted into the United States Army, where he drew pictures for training aids. He also married Donna Lee Becht that Christmas.

1960: Marriage to Donna Lee Becht

In 1960, shortly after being drafted into the U.S. Army, David Carradine married Donna Lee Becht on Christmas Day. They had met while they were students at Oakland High School.

1962: Birth of Carradine's Daughter

In 1962, David Carradine and his wife, Donna, welcomed their daughter, Calista.

1967: Arrest for marijuana possession

In 1967, after becoming an established actor under the name David Carradine, he was arrested for possession of marijuana.

1968: Relationship with Barbara Hershey begins

In 1968, David Carradine met actress Barbara Hershey while working on Heaven with a Gun. The pair lived together until 1975.

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1968: Divorce from Donna Lee Becht

In 1968, David Carradine's marriage to Donna Lee Becht dissolved. Following the divorce, Carradine left New York and returned to California to pursue his television and film career.

1972: Nude Playboy spread with Barbara Hershey

In 1972, David Carradine and Barbara Hershey appeared together in a nude Playboy spread, recreating sex scenes from Boxcar Bertha. Hershey gave birth to their son that year.

1974: Affair with Season Hubley and burglary arrest

Around 1974, David Carradine's relationship with Barbara Hershey fell apart after his burglary arrest and his affair with Season Hubley, who had guest-starred on Kung Fu.

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1974: Arrest for attempted burglary and malicious mischief

In 1974, at the height of his popularity from Kung Fu, David Carradine was arrested for attempted burglary and malicious mischief after wandering nude around his Laurel Canyon neighborhood under the influence of peyote. He broke into a neighbor's home, and accosted two young women. He pleaded no contest to the mischief charge and was given probation.

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1975: End of relationship with Barbara Hershey

In 1975, David Carradine's relationship with Barbara Hershey ended. The couple had lived together since 1968 and appeared in films such as Boxcar Bertha together.

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February 1977: Marriage to Linda Gilbert

In February 1977, David Carradine married his second wife Linda Gilbert in a civil ceremony in Munich, Germany, after filming The Serpent's Egg. Linda Gilbert was previously married to Roger McGuinn of The Byrds.

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1980: Arrest for marijuana possession in South Africa

In 1980, while filming Safari 3000 in South Africa, David Carradine was arrested for possession of marijuana. He was convicted and given a suspended sentence, claiming he was framed by the apartheid government for dancing with Tina Turner.

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1984: Arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol

In 1984, David Carradine was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. This was the first of at least two such incidents.

1986: Marriage to Gail Jensen

In 1986, David Carradine married Gail Jensen. This marriage, like his previous one, ended in divorce.

1989: Second DUI arrest

In 1989, David Carradine was arrested a second time for driving under the influence of alcohol. He pleaded no contest and received a harsher-than-average sentence, including jail time, community service, and an alcohol rehabilitation program.

1994: Arrest at Rolling Stones concert

In 1994, while filming Kung Fu: The Legend Continues in Toronto, David Carradine was arrested for kicking in a door at the SkyDome during a Rolling Stones concert. He claimed he was trying to avoid being swarmed by fans.

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1997: Divorce from Gail Jensen

In 1997, David Carradine divorced Gail Jensen. This was one of the several marriages that ended in divorce.

1998: Marriage to Marina Anderson

In 1998, David Carradine married Marina Anderson. Like his previous marriages, this one ended in divorce.

2001: Divorce from Marina Anderson

In 2001, David Carradine divorced Marina Anderson, adding to his list of dissolved marriages.

December 26, 2004: Marriage to Annie Bierman

On December 26, 2004, David Carradine married Annie Bierman at Michael Madsen's home in Malibu. With this marriage, he gained three stepdaughters and a stepson.

2005: Visit to Shaolin Monastery in China

In 2005, David Carradine visited the Shaolin Monastery in Henan, China, as part of the extra features for the third season of the Kung Fu DVDs. The abbot recognized Carradine's contribution to promoting the Shaolin Monastery and kung fu culture.

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May 31, 2009: Arrival in Bangkok for film shoot

On May 31, 2009, David Carradine arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, to begin shooting the film Stretch. This was shortly before his death.

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June 3, 2009: David Carradine's Death

On June 3, 2009, David Carradine, an American actor, director, and producer, passed away.

June 4, 2009: Carradine Found Dead in Bangkok

On June 4, 2009, David Carradine was found dead in a hotel room in Bangkok, Thailand. The cause of death was determined to be accidental death by auto-erotic asphyxiation.