Dale Robertson is an American actor known for his roles in Western films and television series in the 1950s and 1960s.
He rose to fame for his roles as Jim Hardy in the TV series “Wells Fargo” and Ben Calhoun in “Iron Horse.”
Robertson’s rugged manner and commanding presence made him a leading man in Westerns and earned him a loyal following among fans of classic American movies.
contour
- Full name: Dale Limoyne Robertson
- Date of birth: July 14, 1923
- Age as of 2024: 101 (deceased)
- Gender: Male
- Birthplace: Oklahoma, USA
- Nationality: United States
- Occupation: Actor
- Height: 183 cm (6 ft)
- Parents: Melvin Robertson (father), Wellville Robertson (mother)
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Susan Dee Robbins (married February 2, 1980 to February 27, 2013)
- Children: Rebel Lee Robertson, Rochelle Robertson
- Relationship status: Widowed
- Religion: Not applicable
- Race: Caucasian
- Net worth: $5 million
early life and education
Dale Robertson is 101 years old. He was born on July 14, 1923 in Harrah, Oklahoma, USA.
Robertson was a standout athlete at Oklahoma Military Academy in Claremore, Oklahoma. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and participated in campaigns in North Africa and Europe. He began acting after the war while on active duty in the United States Army.
While he was stationed in California, he took photographs that he later displayed in photo shop windows.
His captivating photos eventually attracted movie talent scouts, which paved the way for him to enter Hollywood. He was the winner of the Golden Boot Award in 1985. Robertson was married four times and had one child with his first wife.
personal life
Dale Robertson met Susan Dee Robbins while working as a flight attendant for American Airlines. They married in a private ceremony on February 2, 1980.
The couple resides in Yukon, Oklahoma, where they enjoy their marriage and raise horses. They have no children together, but Susan is stepmother to Dale’s daughters from a previous relationship.
Dale Robertson died of lung cancer and pneumonia on February 27, 2013. Since his death, Susan has kept a low profile, with no public information about her personal life or posthumous relationships.
Profession
Robertson began his acting career by accident while in the Army. While he was stationed in San Luis Obispo, California, Robertson’s mother asked him to take a portrait of her, and since she didn’t have one, he and several other soldiers traveled to Hollywood to find a photographer.
A large photo of him hangs in his mother’s living room window. He found himself receiving letters from film agents who wanted to represent him.
After the war, Robertson’s injuries prevented him from resuming his boxing career. He stayed in California to try his hand at acting.
Hollywood actor Will Rogers Jr. advised him: “Never accept a dramatic lesson. They will try to put your voice in an evening gown, and people love them when they add polenta and grits to their everyday clothes.” Thereafter, Robertson Formal acting classes were avoided.
Robertson made his film debut playing a policeman in The Boy with Green Hair (1948), but was not cast as a policeman.
Two other uncredited appearances gave him major roles in two of Randolph Scott’s westerns: Plains Warriors (1949) and Cariboo Trail (1950), in which he played Jay West James.
Robertson’s brief role was met with widespread acclaim, prompting him to sign a seven-year contract with 20th Century Fox.
Robertson’s first role at Fox was a supporting role in the Western Two Flags West (1951). He also had a supporting role in the musical Call Me Sir (1951).
Soon he was starring in films such as Take Care of My Little Girl (1951), in which he played Janet Crane’s love interest, and The Golden Girls (1951), It was the video where he supported Miz Gaynor.
Fox gave Robertson her top billing in “The Texans Come Back” (1952). He starred opposite Anne Baxter in The Outcasts of Poker Flat (1952) and starred in the historical adventure Lydia Bailey (1952).
Awards
- 1985 Golden Boot Award
- Sour Apple Award (won multiple times in the 1950s)
- Inducted into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum’s Hall of Great Western Performers
net worth
At the time of Dale Robertson’s death in 2013, his net worth was estimated at $5 million.
His wealth comes from his extensive career in film and television, particularly his work in Westerns.
Robertson also earns income from his production company United Screen Arts and from involvement in other business ventures related to the entertainment industry.
die
Dale Robertson passed away on February 27, 2013 in San Diego, California at the age of 89. His death was attributed to complications from lung cancer and pneumonia.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Dee Robbins, and two daughters, Rebel Lee Robertson and Rochelle Robertson.
His death marked the end of an era for fans of classic Western films, and he is remembered for his lasting contributions to Hollywood.
dispute
During the 1950s, Robertson famously refused to participate in many promotional events, a move that angered some studio executives and members of the media.
His refusal to engage with the Hollywood publicity machine resulted in him being labeled “difficult” and receiving several Sour Apple Awards from the media throughout his early career.
Another point of contention is the avoidance of dramatic lessons. Some critics felt that his untrained approach limited his range, while others praised his natural, authentic performance.
Despite these criticisms, Robertson remains convinced that his lack of formal training allowed him to more sincerely connect with his characters, especially in Westerns.
Small rumors about his personal life also circulated, including speculation about the reasons behind his many marriages.
However, these rumors never escalated into a major public scandal, and Robertson’s private life remained relatively unnoticed.
Overall, Robertson’s professional and personal life was characterized by professionalism and focus on his work rather than public theatrics.
social media
film chronology
- Plains Warrior(1949)
- Cariboo Trail (1950)
- Two Flags in the West (1951)
- Please call me sir (1951)
- Looking after my little girl (1951)
- The Golden Boy(1951)
- The Texans Return (1952)
- Lydia Bailey(1952)
- The Outcast at Poker Flats (1952)
- A Farmer Marries a Wife(1953)
- City of Bad Guys(1953)
- Devil’s Canyon(1953)
- Silver Whip(1954)
- Sitting Bull(1954)
- On Top of the World(1955)
- An Angry Day (1956)
- Dakota Incident (1956)
- High Terrace(1956)
- The Law of Lawlessness (1963)
- One-Eyed Soldier(1966)
