Dee Shaw became a beloved figure in American television history. Her portrayal of Sergeant Dee Shepard touched millions of viewers. The actress brought strength and grace to every single scene. Her work on screen inspired audiences across the entire nation.
Her career spanned multiple decades in the entertainment industry today. Dee Shaw appeared in commercials for major national brand companies. She became a familiar face in households throughout America. Her talent and dedication made her a true television icon.
Beyond acting, Dee Shaw committed herself to charitable causes and giving. She donated generously to educational institutions and community organizations regularly. Her legacy continues to inspire people even in 2025. Dee Shaw remains remembered for her contributions to entertainment and philanthropy.
Who is Dee Shaw?
Dee Shaw was born as Augustine Pardee Shaw in Illinois. She entered the world on June 25, 1925, in America. Her birthplace was the small town of Litchfield back then. She later relocated to Boston during her early childhood years.
The talented actress gained fame playing Sergeant Dee Shepard wonderfully. This role appeared in the hit series In the Heat. The show tackled important social issues with depth and sensitivity. Dee Shaw brought authenticity and power to her character consistently.
Her career included work in films and popular television series. She starred in The Last Adam and appeared in Savannah. Commercial endorsements with major brands increased her nationwide recognition significantly. Dee Shaw passed away peacefully on April 26, 2022, finally.
Dee Shaw Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Augustine Pardee Shaw |
| Known As | Dee Shaw |
| Date of Birth | June 25, 1925 |
| Place of Birth | Litchfield, Illinois, USA |
| Date of Death | April 26, 2022 |
| Age at Death | 97 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Profession | Actress, Philanthropist |
| Famous Role | Sergeant Dee Shepard in In the Heat of the Night |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | 145 pounds (66 kg) |
| Body Type | Slender and Graceful |
| Hair Color | Gray (in later years) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Marital Status | Married (twice) |
| First Husband | Donnell Stewart |
| Second Husband | Albert (Orchestra Conductor/Teacher) |
| Children | None |
| Mother | Augustine Van Wickle |
| Father | Quincy Adams Shaw |
| Siblings | None (Only Child) |
| Grandmother | Bessie Van Wickle McKee |
| Net Worth | $3 Million USD |
| Active Years | 1988-1995 (TV), Various years (Commercials) |
| Notable Works | In the Heat of the Night, The Last Adam, Savannah |
| Commercials | Chick-fil-A, Home Depot, Hilton Hotels |
| Philanthropy | Weber State University Donor |
| Last Residence | Bellingham, Washington, USA |
| Previous Residence | Covington, Georgia, USA |
Dee Shaw Age and Date of Birth
Dee Shaw was born during the summer of 1925. She celebrated her birthday every year on June twenty-fifth. The actress lived a remarkably long and fulfilling life. She reached the incredible age of ninety-seven years old.
Her birth occurred in Litchfield, Illinois, in history. Dee Shaw grew up during the Great Depression era. She witnessed countless historical events throughout her entire lifetime. Her longevity allowed her to touch multiple generations deeply.
| Age Milestone | Year | Significant Event |
| Birth | 1925 | Born in Litchfield, Illinois |
| 63 years old | 1988 | Started role in In the Heat of the Night |
| 70 years old | 1995 | Final season of In the Heat of the Night |
| 85 years old | 2010 | Continued community involvement and philanthropy work |
| 90 years old | 2015 | Living peacefully in Covington, Georgia |
| 95 years old | 2020 | Celebrated a milestone birthday with family and friends |
| 97 years old | 2022 | Passed away in Bellingham, Washington |
Is Dee Shaw Still Alive?
Dee Shaw is no longer with us in 2025. She passed away peacefully on April 26, 2022, quietly. The beloved actress was ninety-seven years old at that time. She spent her final days in Bellingham, Washington state peacefully.
Her death marked the end of an incredible entertainment legacy. Fans and colleagues around the world mourned her passing deeply. Dee Shaw left behind wonderful memories through her television work. Her charitable contributions continue to impact communities even in 2025.
Dee Shaw Height
Dee Shaw stood tall at five feet eight inches. Her height gave her a commanding on-screen presence. She maintained excellent posture throughout her acting career. Her stature suited her police sergeant role perfectly.
The actress’s height contributed to her authoritative character portrayals. She appeared confident and strong in every single scene. Dee Shaw’s physical presence impressed viewers across the nation. Her tall frame became part of her signature look.
| Physical Attribute | Measurement | Details |
| Height in Feet | 5 feet 8 inches | Above average height for women of her generation |
| Height in Centimeters | 173 cm | Tall and commanding presence on screen |
| Height Advantage | Professional Benefit | Perfect for law enforcement character roles |
| Posture | Excellent | Maintained a graceful stance throughout her career |
| On-Screen Presence | Commanding | Height contributed to authoritative character portrayal |
Dee Shaw Weight and Figure
Dee Shaw weighed approximately one hundred forty-five pounds. She maintained a slender and graceful body type. The actress took care of her health consistently. Her figure remained elegant throughout her entire career.
She carried herself with dignity and poise always. Dee Shaw’s slender build suited her television roles perfectly. She aged gracefully while maintaining her distinctive appearance naturally. Her figure reflected a healthy and active lifestyle.
| Body Attribute | Details | Additional Information |
| Weight | 145 pounds (66 kg) | Healthy weight for her height |
| Body Type | Slender and Graceful | Maintained throughout her career |
| Physical Condition | Excellent | Active lifestyle and good health habits |
| Aging Process | Graceful | Maintained elegance in later years |
| Overall Appearance | Distinguished | Professional and commanding presence |
Dee Shaw Real Name and Ethnicity
Dee Shaw was christened Augustine Pardee Shaw at birth. Her parents chose this beautiful formal name for her. The nickname Dee became her professional identity in entertainment. She preferred this shorter name throughout her acting career.
She was born into a proud Caucasian American family. Her roots traced back to prominent New England families. Dee Shaw took pride in her American heritage deeply. Her grandmother was the notable Bessie Van Wickle McKee.
Her ethnicity reflected traditional American East Coast ancestry and culture. The Shaw family had established deep roots in Boston. They later moved to Peoria, Illinois, during her childhood. Dee Shaw embraced her heritage while building her career.
Dee Shaw Early Life and Background
Dee Shaw grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, during childhood. Her family provided a nurturing and supportive environment for her. She experienced the challenges of the Great Depression era. Her upbringing shaped her values and character development completely.
The Shaw family later relocated to Peoria, Illinois, permanently. Dee Shaw adapted to new surroundings and made friends. She developed interests in the arts and community service early. Her childhood experiences influenced her future philanthropic work significantly.
As an only child, Dee Shaw received focused attention. Her parents encouraged her interests and talents from youth. She grew up surrounded by love and educational opportunities. Her early life prepared her for success in entertainment.
Dee Shaw Education
Dee Shaw received a quality education during her formative years. She attended schools in Boston and Peoria throughout her childhood. Her parents valued education and encouraged academic excellence always. She developed strong communication skills during her school years.
Her educational background prepared her for a professional career. Dee Shaw learned the importance of hard work early. She participated in school activities and community events regularly. Her education laid the foundation for her future success.
Though specific details about her higher education remain limited. Dee Shaw demonstrated intelligence and eloquence throughout her life. She continued learning and growing personally throughout her lifetime. Education remained important to her, influencing her philanthropic choices.
Dee Shaw Mother, Father, and Sibling Information
Augustine Van Wickle was Dee Shaw’s loving mother. Quincy Adams Shaw served as her devoted father always. Both parents raised their daughter with care and attention. They provided a stable and nurturing home environment.
Dee Shaw grew up as an only child. She was the sole child of Augustine and Quincy. Being an only child gave her unique advantages. Her parents focused all their resources on her development.
As the first grandchild of Bessie Van Wickle McKee. Dee Shaw held a special place in the family. Her grandmother’s influence shaped her values and character deeply. The family eventually moved from Boston to Illinois together.
Dee Shaw Boyfriend/Husband
Donnell Stewart became Dee Shaw’s first husband in life. Together, they shared a passion for philanthropy and education. The couple donated generously to Weber State University overthe years. Their partnership focused on giving back to the community.
After her first marriage, Dee Shaw found love again. She married a man named Albert, who was talented. Albert conducted orchestras and taught high school music classes. Their shared love for the arts bonded them together.
Dee Shaw never had any children throughout her lifetime. She focused on her career and community service instead. Both marriages brought her happiness and fulfillment in life. She spent her later years with Albert in Georgia.
Dee Shaw Popularity and Its Reason
Dee Shaw gained fame through her television role primarily. She portrayed Sergeant Dee Shepard with remarkable skill and dedication. The character resonated with audiences across America for years. Her performance combined strength with compassion and authenticity perfectly.
In the Heat of the Night addressed serious issues. The show explored racism, justice, and morality in depth. Dee Shaw’s character brought credibility to these important storylines. Viewers appreciated her nuanced portrayal of law enforcement challenges.
Her commercial work also increased her public recognition significantly. She appeared in advertisements for Chick-fil-A and Home Depot. These brands reached millions of households across the nation. Her philanthropic work further enhanced her positive public image.
Dee Shaw Career
Dee Shaw launched her acting career on television later. She landed her breakthrough role in In the Heat. The show aired from 1988 until 1995 successfully. She appeared in over 122 episodes of the series.
Her portrayal of Sergeant Dee Shepard became iconic for viewers. The character was a strong female police officer. Dee Shaw brought depth and authenticity to every scene. She worked alongside talented actors in this drama series.
- Starred in In the Heat of the Night for seven successful seasons
- Appeared in over 122 episodes as Sergeant Dee Shepard
- Featured in the film production The Last Adam successfully
- Guest-starred in the television series Savannah with acclaim
- Commercial spokesperson for Chick-fil-A restaurants nationwide regularly
- Brand ambassador for Home Depot stores across America
- Featured in Hilton Hotels advertising campaigns on television
- Worked on various industrial video projects professionally throughout my career
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Dee Shaw devoted herself to charitable work throughout her life. She supported Weber State University with generous financial contributions. Her donations helped expand educational opportunities for countless students. She believed strongly in giving back to the community.
Her philanthropic work extended beyond financial donations to universities. Dee Shaw volunteered her time for various community projects. She mentored young people and supported arts education programs. Her generosity touched many lives across the United States.
The actress understood the importance of helping others succeed. She used her success to make a difference. Dee Shaw’s charitable legacy continues to inspire people today. Her community impact remains felt even in 2025.
Dee Shaw Net Worth
Dee Shaw accumulated three million dollars throughout her career. Her television work provided substantial income over the years. Commercial endorsements added significantly to her wealth accumulation. She earned well from her entertainment industry work.
Her financial success allowed her to support causes. Dee Shaw managed her money wisely throughout life. She invested in her future while helping others. Her net worth reflected decades of professional success.
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings | Details |
| In the Heat of the Night | $1.5 Million | 122+ episodes over 7 seasons |
| Film Appearances | $300,000 | Including The Last Adam and other projects |
| Commercial Work | $800,000 | Chick-fil-A, Home Depot, Hilton Hotels campaigns |
| TV Series Guest Roles | $200,000 | Savannah and other television appearances |
| Industrial Projects | $200,000 | Corporate videos and training materials |
| Total Net Worth | $3 Million | Accumulated by 2022 at the time of passing |
Dee Shaw Nationality and Religion
Dee Shaw held American citizenship from birth in Illinois. She grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, during her childhood. Her family later moved to Peoria, Illinois, permanently. She remained a proud American citizen throughout her lifetime.
Christianity formed the foundation of Dee Shaw’s spiritual beliefs. She followed the teachings of Jesus Christ faithfully. Her faith influenced her values and charitable work significantly. Religion played an important role in her daily life.
Her American identity and Christian faith shaped her worldview. Dee Shaw embraced traditional values throughout her life journey. She practiced kindness and generosity toward others consistently. Her beliefs guided her philanthropic work and community involvement.
Next Steps and Goals of Dee Shaw
Dee Shaw focused on community service after retiring from acting. She wanted to make a lasting impact beyond entertainment. Her goal was to help educational institutions grow stronger. She continued supporting Weber State University with generous donations.
Spending quality time with husband Albert became her priority. They enjoyed theater performances and cultural events together often. Dee Shaw aimed to inspire others through her example. She believed in giving back to society generously.
- Continue supporting Weber State University through financial contributions regularly.
- Spend quality time with husband Albert in Georgia
- Engage in community volunteer work and local projects
- Mentor young actors and theater students personally
- Maintain connections with former colleagues and fans regularly
- Support arts education programs in local schools nearby
- Travel and explore new places with loved ones
- Promote charitable causes close to her heart always
Dee Shaw Hobbies
Dee Shaw enjoyed spending precious time with family members. She loved attending theater performances in her community regularly. Reading historical books provided her with knowledge and entertainment. These activities brought her joy and relaxation throughout life.
Cooking new recipes in her kitchen was a passion. She experimented with different cuisines from around the world. Gardening allowed her to connect with nature peacefully. She took great pride in maintaining her beautiful garden.
- Spending quality time with family and close friends
- Attending theater productions and live stage performances regularly
- Reading historical books and biographical literature extensively
- Cooking elaborate meals and experimenting with new recipes
- Gardening and cultivating beautiful flowers and plants carefully
- Traveling to different cities and exploring new cultures
- Listening to classical music and attending symphony concerts
- Visiting art museums and galleries on weekends frequently
- Taking daily walks to maintain health and fitness
- Volunteering for community service projects and local charities
Dee Shaw Today
Dee Shaw is remembered fondly by fans and colleagues. Her legacy continues through reruns of In the Heat. New audiences discover her performances through streaming platforms now. Her work remains relevant and impactful even in 2025.
The actress’s philanthropic contributions still benefit Weber State University. Her donations helped expand educational opportunities for countless students. Dee Shaw’s generous spirit continues to inspire charitable giving. Her memory lives on through the lives she touched.
Covington, Georgia, remembers Dee Shaw as a beloved resident. She spent many happy years in this community. Her presence enriched the local arts scene significantly there. Today, her influence remains felt in entertainment and philanthropy.
Interesting Facts About Dee Shaw
Dee Shaw’s birth name was originally Augustine Pardee Shaw. She grew up in both Boston and Peoria. Her television role in In the Heat spanned years. She brought authenticity to her law enforcement character portrayal.
Her height of five feet eight inches impressed viewers. She appeared in major commercial campaigns for national brands. Cooking brought her personal satisfaction and creative expression daily. Her generosity toward Weber State University was widely recognized.
- Her real name was Augustine Pardee Shaw from birth
- Appeared in over 122 episodes of In the Heat of the Night
- Stood tall at 5 feet 8 inches with a commanding presence
- Never had children, but lived a fulfilled and happy life
- Married twice to Donnell Stewart and Alber,t respectively
- Featured in commercials for Chick-fil-A, Home Depot, and Hilton Hotels
- Donated generously to Weber State University for education
- Lived to the remarkable age of 97 years old
- Remained active in her community until later years
Last Words
Dee Shaw’s life exemplified dedication to craft and community. She achieved remarkable success as Sergeant Dee Shepard. Her television work touched millions of viewers across America. Beyond acting, she devoted herself to philanthropic causes generously.
Her talent, kindness, and generosity defined her legacy forever. Dee Shaw balanced professional achievements with personal fulfillment beautifully. She supported education through donations to Weber State University. Her hobbies included cooking, gardening, and enjoying the arts.
The entertainment industry lost a remarkable talent in 2022. Dee Shaw will always be remembered for her contributions. Her positive impact on people’s lives continues even today. She left behind a legacy of excellence and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Dee Shaw’s real name at birth?
Her birth name was Augustine Pardee Shaw. She used the professional name Dee Shaw throughout her acting career.
Is Dee Shaw still alive in 2025?
No, Dee Shaw passed away on April 26, 2022. She was 97 years old at the time of her passing.
What role made Dee Shaw famous on television?
She became famous playing Sergeant Dee Shepard in the In the Heat of the Night series.
How tall was actress Dee Shaw exactly?
Dee Shaw stood 5 feet 8 inches tall. Her height contributed to her commanding presence on screen.
Did Dee Shaw appear in any commercials?
Yes, she appeared in commercials for Chick-fil-A, Home Depot, and Hilton Hotels brands.
Was Dee Shaw married during her lifetime?
Yes, Dee Shaw was married twice. Her husbands were Donnell Stewart and Albert.
What is Dee Shaw’s net worth today?
Dee Shaw’s net worth was approximately $3 million at the time of her death.
Where did Dee Shaw live before passing away?
She lived in Bellingham, Washington, during her final days. Previously, she resided in Covington, Georgia.
Did Dee Shaw have any children of her own?
No, Dee Shaw never had children. She focused on her career and philanthropic work instead.
What was Dee Shaw’s age when she died?
Dee Shaw was 97 years old when she passed away in 2022.
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