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Dee Shaw: Actress of In the Heat of the Night & Philanthropist

Dee Shaw: Actress of In the Heat of the Night & Philanthropist

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Written by David

December 10, 2025

Dee Shaw made her mark in American television history forever. She portrayed Sergeant Dee Shepard with incredible strength and grace. Her performance touched hearts across the nation for many years. The show tackled important social issues in the Deep South.

Her acting career spanned movies, television shows, and major commercials. Dee Shaw became a household name through her dedicated work. She appeared in advertisements for Chick-fil-A and Home Depot brands. Her face became familiar to millions of American television viewers.

Beyond the screen, Dee Shaw devoted herself to charitable work. She supported Weber State University with generous financial contributions regularly. Her legacy lives on through both entertainment and philanthropy today. Dee Shaw remained a beloved figure until her passing in 2022.

Who is Dee Shaw?

Dee Shaw was born as Augustine Pardee Shaw originally. She came into this world on June 25, 1925, here. Her birthplace was the small town of Litchfield in Illinois. She later moved to Boston during her early childhood years.

The actress became famous for playing Sergeant Dee Shepary. This role appeared in the television series In the Night. The show focused on police work and Southern social issues. Dee Shaw brought authenticity and depth to her character, always.

Her career included appearances in The Last Adam film production. She also starred in the popular television series called Savannah. Commercial work for major brands added to her widespread recognition. Dee Shaw passed away peacefully on April 26, 202,2, finally.

Dee Shaw Profile Summary

Dee Shaw Profile Summary
Dee Shaw Profile Summary
CategoryDetails
Full NameAugustine Pardee Shaw
Known AsDee Shaw
Date of BirthJune 25, 1925
Place of BirthLitchfield, Illinois, USA
Date of DeathApril 26, 2022
Age at Death97 years old
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityCaucasian American
ReligionChristianity
ProfessionActress, Philanthropist
Famous RoleSergeant Dee Shepard in In the Heat of the Night
Height5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
Weight145 pounds (66 kg)
Body TypeSlender and Graceful
Hair ColorGray (in later years)
Eye ColorBrown
Marital StatusMarried (twice)
First HusbandDonnell Stewart
Second HusbandAlbert (Orchestra Conductor/Teacher)
ChildrenNone
ParentsAugustine Van Wickle (Mother), Quincy Adams Shaw (Father)
SiblingsNone (Only Child)
GrandparentBessie Van Wickle McKee
Net Worth$3 Million USD
Active Years1988-1995 (TV), Various years (Commercials)
Notable WorksIn the Heat of the Night, The Last Adam, Savannah
CommercialsChick-fil-A, Home Depot, Hilton Hotels
PhilanthropyWeber State University Donor
Last ResidenceBellingham, Washington, USA
Previous ResidenceCovington, Georgia, USA

Dee Shaw Age

Dee Shaw was born during the summer of nineteen twenty-five. She celebrated her birthday every year on June twenty-fifth. The actress lived a long and fulfilling life span overall. She reached the remarkable age of ninety-seven years old.

Her birth took place in Litchfield, Illinois, back then. Dee Shaw grew up during the Great Depression era. She witnessed many historical events throughout her lifetime here. Her longevity allowed her to inspire multiple generations completely.

Age MilestoneYearSignificant Event
Birth1925Born in Litchfield, Illinois
63 years old1988Began role in In the Heat of the Night
70 years old1995Final season of In the Heat of the Night
90 years old2015Continued living in Covington, Georgia
97 years old2022Passed away in Bellingham, Washington

Is Dee Shaw Still Alive?

Is Dee Shaw Still Alive?
Is Dee Shaw Still Alive?

Dee Shaw is no longer with us today, unfortunately. She passed away peacefully on April 26, 2022, quietly here. The actress was ninety-seven years old at that specific time. She spent her final days in Bellingham, Washington state.

Her death marked the end of an incredible entertainment legacy. Fans and colleagues mourned the loss of this beloved actress. Dee Shaw left behind memories through her television work forever. Her charitable contributions continue to impact communities even today.

Many people still search for information about Dee Shaw online. Her role in In the Heat of the Night remains. Younger generations discover her performances through streaming services and reruns. Her spirit lives on through the work she left.

Dee Shaw Real Name and Ethnicity

Dee Shaw was christened Augustine Pardee Shaw at birth. Her parents chose this formal name for their daughter then. The nickname Dee became her professional identity throughout life. She preferred this shorter name throughout her acting career.

She was born into a Caucasian American family heritage here. Her roots trace back to prominent New England families historically. Dee Shaw took pride in her American cultural background deeply. Her grandmother was the notable Bessie Van Wickle McKee figure.

Her ethnicity reflected traditional American East Coast ancestry patterns clearly. The Shaw family had established roots in Boston, Massachusetts. They later relocated to Peoria in Illinois, during childhood. Dee Shaw embraced her heritage while building her career path.

Dee Shaw Mother, Father, and Sibling Information

Augustine Van Wickle was Dee Shaw’s loving mother from birth. Quincy Adams Shaw served as her devoted father throughout childhood. Both parents raised their daughter in Boston initially before relocating. They provided a nurturing environment for their only child.

Dee Shaw grew up without any brothers or sisters at completely. She was the sole child of Augustine and Quincy Shaw. Being an only child gave her unique attention from her family. Her parents focused all their support on her development entirely.

As the first grandchild of Bessie Van Wickle McKee, especially. Dee Shaw held a special position in the family. Her grandmother’s influence shaped her values and character formation deeply. The family eventually moved from Boston to Peoria, Illinois, together.

Dee Shaw Boyfriend/Husband

Donnell Stewart became Dee Shaw’s first husband in her life. Together, er they shared a passion for philanthropy and education causes. The couple donated generously to Weber State University over the 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 worked professionally. Albert conducted orchestras and taught high school music classes daily. Their shared love for the arts bonded them together.

Dee Shaw never had any children throughout her lifetime here. 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 Height, Weight, Date of Birth, and Figure

Dee Shaw Height, Weight, Date of Birth, and Figure
Dee Shaw Height, Weight, Date of Birth, and Figure

Dee Shaw stood tall at five feet eight inches exactly. Her height gave her a commanding presence on screen. She maintained a slender build throughout her acting career consistently. Her physical appearance suited her role as a police sergeant.

She weighed approximately one hundred forty-five pounds during filming. Dee Shaw maintained her elegant figure through the years gracefully. Her birth date was June 25, 192,5, in Illinois. She carried herself with grace and dignity, always on camera.

Her physical attributes contributed to her casting success in roles. Dee Shaw had a naturally graceful and authoritative presence overall. She aged beautifully while maintaining her distinctive appearance throughout life. Her figure remained slender even in her later years.

Dee Shaw Popularity and Its Reason

Dee Shaw gained fame through her television role primarily today. 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 here. 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 Career
Dee Shaw Career

Dee Shaw launched her acting career on television later. She landed her breakthrough role in In the Night. The show aired from 1988 until 1995 on television. 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.

Beyond television, Dee Shaw expanded into film and commercials, too. She acted in The Last Adam successfully. The television series Savannah featured her talents as well. Her career achievements included:

  • Starred in In the Heat of the Night for seven seasons
  • Appeared in 122+ episodes as Sergeant Dee Shepard
  • Featured in The Last Adam film production
  • Guest-starred in the television series Savannah
  • Commercial spokesperson for Chick-fil-A restaurants nationwide
  • Brand ambassador for Home Depot stores across America
  • Featured in Hilton Hotels’ advertising campaigns regularly
  • Worked on various industrial video projects professionally

Dee Shaw Net Worth

Dee Shaw Net Worth
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 steadily. She earned well from her entertainment industry work.

Income SourceEstimated EarningsDetails
In the Heat of the Night$1.5 Million122+ episodes over 7 seasons
Film Appearances$300,000Including The Last Adam
Commercial Work$800,000Chick-fil-A, Home Depot, Hilton Hotels
TV Series Guest Roles$200,000Savannah and other appearances
Industrial Projects$200,000Corporate and training videos
Total Net Worth$3 MillionAccumulated by 2022

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 an American citizen throughout her entire lifetime.

Christianity formed the foundation of Dee Shaw’s spiritual beliefs. She followed the teachings of Jesus Christ faithfully, always. 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 regularly.

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, always.

Her retirement goals centered on peace and meaningful connections. Dee Shaw wanted to maintain relationships with fans fondly. She hoped to leave a positive legacy behind. Her objectives included:

  • Continue supporting Weber State University through financial contributions
  • 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 daily. She took great pride in maintaining her beautiful garden.

Travel and exploration excited Dee Shaw throughout her lifetime. She visited museums to appreciate art and culture deeply. Classical music performances brought her immense pleasure and inspiration. Her hobbies reflected:

  • 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
  • Knitting scarves, sweaters, and blankets for loved ones
  • Volunteering for community service projects and local charities
  • Caring for pets and animals with love and compassion

Dee Shaw Today

Dee Shaw Today
Dee Shaw Today

Dee Shaw is remembered fondly by fans and colleagues. Her legacy continues through reruns of In the Night. 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.

Knitting allowed Dee Shaw to create beautiful handmade items. She never had children but lived a fulfilled life. Her marriages brought her companionship and shared artistic passions. She 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 real name was Augustine Pardee Shaw from birth. She used the nickname Dee throughout her professional acting career.

Is Dee Shaw still alive in 2025?

No, Dee Shaw passed away on April 26, 2022. She was ninety-seven years old at the time.

What role made Dee Shaw famous on television?

She became famous playing Sergeant Dee Shepard. This role was in the series In the Night.

How tall was actress Dee Shaw exactly?

Dee Shaw stood five feet eight inches tall. Her height contributed to her commanding on-screen presence.

Did Dee Shaw appear in any commercials?

Yes, she appeared in Chick-fil-A and Home Depot commercials. She also worked with Hilton Hotels for advertisements.

Was Dee Shaw married during her lifetime?

Yes, Dee Shaw was married twice in her life. Her first husband was Donnell Stewart, second was Albert.

What is Dee Shaw’s net worth today?

Dee Shaw’s net worth was three million dollars. She earned this through television, film, and commercial work.

Where did Dee Shaw live before passing away?

She lived in Bellingham, Washington, during her final days. Previously, she resided in Covington, Georgia, for years.

Did Dee Shaw have any children of her own?

No, Dee Shaw never had any children during her lifetime. She focused on her career and philanthropic work instead.

What was Dee Shaw’s age when she died?

Dee Shaw was ninety-seven years old when she died. She lived from 1925 until 2022 peacefully.

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