Early Life and Family Background
Lucius Fisher Foster III was born on April 22, 1922, in Denver, Colorado. He was the son of Lucius Fisher Foster II and Constance Marie Robertson. His family background was rooted in values of service and discipline; his father, Lucius Fisher Foster II, was a figure of authority and respect. Lucius III grew up amidst the challenges of the Great Depression, which shaped his perspectives on financial security and familial responsibility.
Basic Information
| Name | Lucius Fisher Foster III |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 22, 1922 |
| Date of Death | October 8, 2016 |
| Age at Death | 94 |
| Parents | Lucius Fisher Foster II, Constance Marie Robertson |
| Spouse | Evelyn Ella Almond (divorced), Madeline Leon |
| Children | Jodie Foster, Buddy Foster, Cindy Foster, Connie Foster |
| Military Service | Fighter Pilot, Royal Air Force, United States Army Air Forces |
| Career | Military, Property Management (convicted of fraud) |
| Health Issues | Alzheimer’s disease |
Military Career
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Lucius Fisher Foster III enlisted in the military. He served as a fighter pilot during World War II, primarily with the Royal Air Force (RAF) as part of No. 133 ‘Eagle’ Squadron, before transferring to the United States Army Air Forces. His service in the 4th Fighter Group was notable, as he participated in numerous crucial air battles. His military career instilled in him a sense of duty and a commitment to excellence.
Marriage and Children
On December 18, 1953, Lucius Fisher Foster III married Evelyn Ella Almond in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together they had four children: Jodie Foster, born on November 19, 1962; Buddy Foster, Cindy Foster, and Connie Foster. Jodie, who would go on to become a highly acclaimed actress and director, had a particularly complex relationship with her father, shaped by his later life choices and their estrangement.
Estrangement from Family
Lucius’s relationship with his family deteriorated over the years. After walking out on Evelyn shortly after Jodie’s birth, he claimed their divorce was due to Evelyn’s sexual orientation, asserting that she was a lesbian. This claim has been contested by many and contributed to a profound rift in the family. Jodie Foster later publicly expressed her estrangement from her father, indicating that they had been alienated for over 15 years prior to his death in 2016.
Legal Troubles and Imprisonment
In 2011, at the age of 89, Lucius Fisher Foster III made headlines when he was convicted of a property scam that defrauded vulnerable individuals, including the elderly. He collected around $100,000 in deposits for homes that were never built. The court sentenced him to seven years in prison, but he served only two years before being released. This legal trouble further alienated him from his family, particularly from Jodie Foster, who had distanced herself from him long before the incident.
Health Decline
In his later years, Lucius Fisher Foster III faced significant health challenges, including Alzheimer’s disease. He was reported to be living on a meager income of approximately $166 a week, which raised concerns about his welfare. He spent his final years at the NoHo Senior Arts Colony in North Hollywood, a unique living arrangement for seniors in the arts community. Despite his struggles, it was noted that he began to turn his life around, finding solace in writing poetry.
Death and Legacy
Lucius Fisher Foster III passed away on October 8, 2016, at the age of 94. His death certificate indicated that he died from cardiopulmonary arrest, compounded by Alzheimer’s disease. He died in a modest one-bedroom apartment, which he shared with his wife, Madeline Leon, mere miles from Jodie’s luxurious Beverly Hills mansion. His passing was met with mixed emotions, reflecting on the legacy of a man who was both a war hero and a controversial figure in the eyes of his family.
Jodie Foster’s Reflections
Jodie Foster has often reflected on her complex relationship with her father in various interviews. In accepting awards, she has honored her mother, Evelyn, acknowledging her influence and support throughout her life. Jodie has expressed love for her mother and disappointment in her father’s choices, indicating a clear divide in her familial loyalties. This dichotomy has shaped her public persona, as she continues to navigate her personal and professional life without reconciling with her father’s legacy.
The Impact of Estrangement
The estrangement between Lucius Fisher Foster III and his family underscores the emotional complexities that can arise within families, particularly in high-profile cases. Jodie Foster’s successful career stands in stark contrast to her father’s troubled life. The differences in their paths highlight how personal choices can reverberate through generations. Lucius’s life story is a cautionary tale that emphasizes the importance of responsibility, integrity, and the consequences of one’s actions on family relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lucius Fisher Foster III?
Lucius Fisher Foster III was an American fighter pilot during World War II, born on April 22, 1922, in Denver, Colorado. He is known for his military service and controversial later life.
What was his military career like?
Foster served as a fighter pilot with the Royal Air Force’s No. 133 ‘Eagle’ Squadron and later with the United States Army Air Forces, participating in several key air battles during WWII.
What was his family life like?
Lucius married Evelyn Ella Almond in 1953 and had four children, including actress Jodie Foster. However, he became estranged from his family, particularly after leaving Evelyn shortly after Jodie’s birth.
What legal troubles did he face?
In 2011, Foster was convicted of a property scam targeting vulnerable individuals, resulting in a seven-year sentence, although he served only two years.
How did he spend his later years?
In his later years, he faced health issues, including Alzheimer’s, and lived at the NoHo Senior Arts Colony. He found solace in writing poetry before he passed away on October 8, 2016.
