Lee Roy Chapman (born December 5, 1959, in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England) is a former professional footballer renowned for his goal-scoring ability and prolific career as a striker in English football. Chapman played for several high-profile clubs, including Stoke City, Arsenal, Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United, Portsmouth, and West Ham United. He is remembered for his physical playing style, aerial prowess, and consistent performances across multiple teams.
Chapman’s impact on the field made him a celebrated figure in English football during the 1980s and early 1990s. One of his most notable achievements was being part of the Leeds United squad that won the First Division (pre-Premier League) title in 1991-92, marking a high point in his career.
Early Life and Family Background
Lee Chapman was born into a footballing family. His father, Roy Chapman, was also a professional footballer who played as a striker for Lincoln City, Port Vale, and Chester. Growing up in Lincolnshire, Lee developed a strong passion for football and was naturally influenced by his father’s career.
Little is publicly known about his siblings, but it is believed that Lee grew up in a supportive family environment that encouraged his sporting ambitions. The foundations laid by his family helped him pursue a professional career in football.
Career Highlights
Lee Chapman’s career spanned more than 15 years, during which he made a significant mark in English football. Below are some of the key highlights of his career:
- Stoke City (1978–1982): Chapman began his senior career with Stoke City, making a name for himself as a promising young striker.
- Arsenal (1982–1983): He joined Arsenal, scoring 4 goals in 23 league appearances. Despite a short stint, he gained valuable experience at one of England’s top clubs.
- Sheffield Wednesday (1984–1988): Chapman enjoyed one of his most productive spells at Sheffield Wednesday, scoring 63 goals in 149 appearances.
- Leeds United (1989–1992): Chapman played a pivotal role in Leeds United’s First Division victory in the 1991–92 season.
- Later Clubs: Chapman also represented Nottingham Forest, Portsmouth, West Ham United, Southend United, and even had a brief stint abroad with Strømsgodset in Norway.
In addition to club football, Chapman represented England U21 and England B teams, showcasing his talent at the international level.
Age and Later Life
As of 2025, Lee Chapman is 65 years old. After retiring from professional football, he transitioned into the business world, focusing on hospitality and restaurant ventures with his wife. His post-football career demonstrates his ability to leverage his fame and success into sustainable business opportunities.
Lee Chapman and Leslie Ash
One of the most talked-about aspects of Lee Chapman’s life is his marriage to Leslie Ash, a British actress. The couple married in 1988 and have two sons together.
Leslie Ash gained fame in television and film, and her marriage to Chapman brought together two prominent figures from sports and entertainment. Together, they have pursued business ventures, including the ownership of restaurants such as Teatro Leeds and previously in London’s Soho.
Their marriage reflects a partnership beyond the public eye, balancing careers in different fields while raising a family.
Lee Chapman’s Net Worth
While Lee Chapman’s exact net worth is not publicly documented, his post-football ventures and association with Leslie Ash suggest financial stability. His business endeavors, including restaurant ownership, likely contribute significantly to his earnings.
Although estimates vary, it is clear that Chapman has successfully transitioned from a football career to entrepreneurship, maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.
Lee Chapman’s Family
- Father: Roy Chapman, former professional footballer.
- Siblings: Limited public information is available about his brothers and sisters.
- Children: Two sons with Leslie Ash.
Chapman’s family life has remained relatively private, and he is known for maintaining a balance between public attention and personal privacy.
Duane Lee Chapman II: The American Connection
The name Lee Chapman may also refer to Duane Lee Chapman II, the son of American bounty hunting celebrity Duane “Dog” Chapman. While unrelated to the footballer, he is a notable figure in reality TV and law enforcement.
Early Life
- Birth: Duane Lee Chapman II was born on January 21, 1973, in Pampa, Texas.
- Parents: His father is Duane Chapman, and his mother is La Fonda Sue Honeycutt.
- Siblings: He has one full brother, Leland Blane Chapman, and multiple half-siblings from his father’s other marriages.
Duane II had a challenging childhood, with his parents divorcing when he was young. Despite early difficulties, he became part of the family’s bounty hunting business.
Career
Duane Lee Chapman II gained prominence through A&E’s “Dog the Bounty Hunter”, working alongside his father and brother in Da’Kine Bail Bonds. He later pursued independent ventures, including running his own bail bonds business in Florida.
In addition to bounty hunting, he has worked as a financial and retirement counselor, showing versatility in his professional life.
Personal Life
- Marriage: Duane II was married to Teresa R. Roybal from 1999 to 2008.
- Children: He has a son named Dylan Chapman and was stepfather to Teresa’s three daughters.
- He has maintained a relatively private life compared to his father, focusing on family and business.
Net Worth
Estimates suggest Duane Lee Chapman II has a net worth of approximately $700,000 to $1 million, derived from his television work and bail bonds business.
Duane “Dog” Chapman: The Patriarch
To understand Duane Lee Chapman II, it is essential to know about his father, Duane “Dog” Chapman:
- Birth: February 2, 1953, Denver, Colorado.
- Career: Bail bondsman, bounty hunter, reality TV star (Dog the Bounty Hunter).
- Family: Father of 13 children across multiple marriages.
- Net Worth: Estimated around $6 million, from TV, bail bonds, and business ventures.
Dog Chapman’s life has been highly publicized, with a mix of fame, controversy, and family tragedies, shaping the environment in which Duane II grew up.
Lee Chapman vs. Duane Lee Chapman II
Although they share the name “Lee Chapman,” these individuals are entirely unrelated:
- Lee Chapman (footballer): English, born in 1959, known for sports and business.
- Duane Lee Chapman II: American, born in 1973, son of a reality TV star and bounty hunter.
Both have led notable lives, but in entirely different contexts — one in football, the other in law enforcement and reality television.
Legacy of Lee Chapman
Lee Chapman’s legacy lies in his contributions to English football:
- Sports Impact: A reliable striker for top clubs, remembered for his goal-scoring ability and physical style.
- Business Ventures: Successful transition from football to restaurant entrepreneurship.
- Family Life: Married to Leslie Ash with two children, balancing public attention and privacy.
Legacy of Duane Lee Chapman II
Duane Lee Chapman II carries forward his father’s legacy while forging his own path:
- Professional Independence: Runs his own bail bonds business and has appeared on reality TV.
- Family Focus: Prioritizes family life and personal business over public exposure.
- Connection to Fame: While part of a celebrity family, he has maintained a lower profile than his father.
In conclusion, the stories of Lee Chapman and Duane Lee Chapman II highlight two very different lives connected only by name. Lee Chapman remains a respected figure in English football history, while Duane II continues the Chapman family legacy in law enforcement and reality television. Both men exemplify dedication to their careers and families in unique ways.
This article is brought to you by digijournal.