Born in Naponee, Nebraska. His father was horse buyer for the U.S. Army. Pierce learned to ride horses bareback because parents could not afford a saddle. Attended University of Nebraska and the Emerson College of Oratory. Received the "Golden Boot" award in 1992. The city of Orange, California declared a "Pierce Lyden Day". He also received a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Fame. The state of Nebraska honored him with the prestigious "Buffalo Bill Award" in 1997. He had divorced once and is twice widowed. His only child, a son, died in 1988.
