Son of a Church of Christ minister. Raised in Irving, Texas. U.S. Marine Corps, 1968-1971; Vietnam 1970-1971. Attended Fort Worth Christian College (1967-68), Oklahoma Christian College (1971-72), Central State University (B.A. 1975). Five seasons as actor with Dallas Shakespeare Festival. Film critic/columnist, Films in Review magazine (1976-1984). Chairman, Theatre West, Los Angeles (1985-87).
Daughter Madeline Rose Beaver born. [19 August 2001] Formerly married to Milwaukee radio personality Debbie Young. Son-in-law of Don Adams. Studied acting with Clyde Ventura and Maximilian Schell. His Star Trek: Enterprise character, Admiral Leonard, was named after Leonard Nimoy. The only actor ever to play two different characters in consecutive "Gunsmoke" productions. At this writing (2006) is preparing a definitive biography of Superman actor George Reeves. He recently served as historical consultant on the film about Reeves life, Hollywoodland. Plays a character on Deadwood named Whitney Ellsworth, which was the name of the producer of "Adventures of Superman", which starred George Reeves. Beaver wrote a biography of Reeves.