Sterling Relyea Walter was born to George and Frances Simonson Walter, and was given the name Sterling Relyea Walter. However, his life took a dramatic turn when his father passed away in 1925, and he was subsequently adopted by his stepfather, James Hayden, who renamed him Sterling Walter Hayden.
Growing up in a series of locations, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and Maine, Hayden's early life was marked by poverty, despite attending a prestigious prep school, Wassookeag School in Dexter, Maine.
At the age of 17, Hayden abandoned his studies to pursue a life at sea, first as a ship's boy, then as a doryman on the Grand Banks, and eventually as a seaman and fireman on numerous vessels. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and respected ship's captain, sailing around the world multiple times.
However, his life took another dramatic turn when he met with producer Edward H. Griffith, who signed him to a Paramount contract. Hayden's first leading lady was Madeleine Carroll, whom he married. Prior to the outbreak of World War II, Hayden abandoned his Hollywood career to join the Commandos, under the pseudonym "John Hamilton".
He went on to serve with the COI (later the OSS),joining the Marines and running guns and supplies to Yugoslav partisans through the German blockade of the Adriatic, as well as parachuting into Croatia for guerrilla activities. For his bravery, Hayden was awarded the Silver Star and a citation from Tito of Yugoslavia.
After the war, Hayden briefly flirted with membership in the Communist Party due to his friendship with Yugoslav Communists. However, he eventually returned to his film career, which he despised, in order to pay for a succession of sailing vessels.
As the Red Scare deepened in the United States, Hayden cooperated with the House Un-American Activities Committee, confessing his brief Communist ties. However, he later regretted this decision, holding himself in contempt for what he considered "ratting".
Hayden was offered the role of Tarzan as a replacement for Lex Barker, but refused. He made headlines in 1963 when he defied a court order not to sail to Tahiti with his children following his divorce decree.
In 1963, Hayden published his autobiography, "Wanderer", which received great acclaim. He went on to publish a novel, "Voyage", in 1976, which also received critical praise.
Despite being cast as Quint in the film "Jaws" in 1975, Hayden was unable to play the role due to tax problems. Hayden passed away in 1986, after a battle with cancer.
