Dale-Robertson-Obituary

Dale Robertson

Obituary

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Dale Robertson, an Oklahoma native who became a star of television and movie Westerns during the genre's heyday, died Tuesday. He was 89.

Robertson's niece, Nancy Robertson, said her uncle died at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, Calif., following a brief illness.

Dale Robertson had bit parts in films including "The Boy with the Green Hair" and the Joan Crawford vehicle "Flamingo Road" before landing more high-profile roles such as Jesse James in "Fighting Man of the Plains."

In the 1950s, he moved into television, starring in series such as "Tales of Wells Fargo" (1957-62), "Iron Horse" (1966) and "Death Valley Days" (1968-70).

Robertson continued to work in TV in the 1970s, and in the 1980s he landed roles in the popular night-time soap operas "Dallas" and "Dynasty."

In 1993, he took what would be his final role, as Zeke in the show "Harts of the West," before retiring from acting to spend more time at his ranch in Yukon, Okla., where he lived until moving to the San Diego area in recent months, Nancy Robertson said.

Dale Robertson would want to be remembered as a father, a grandfather and an Oklahoman, she said.

"He came back a lot when he was in Hollywood, and he came back (to Oklahoma) after retiring," she said.

"I remember him as a larger-than-life fellow," she said. "When he was in town it was always very exciting. It always meant something magical was going to happen," such as another actor or performing artist accompanying him on his visits.

Born Dayle Lymoine Robertson to Melvin and Vervel Robertson in Harrah, on July 14, 1923, Robertson attended Oklahoma Military College at 17 and boxed in professional prize fights to earn money.

He joined the U.S. Army and fought in North Africa and Europe during World War II. Robertson was wounded twice and awarded the Bronze and Silver Stars and the Purple Heart.

While stationed at San Luis Obispo, Calif., he had a photograph taken for his mother. A copy of the photo displayed in the photo shop window attracted movie scouts, and the 6-foot-tall, 180-pound Robertson soon was on his way to Hollywood.

Will Rogers Jr., son of fellow Oklahoma-born actor and writer Will Rogers, once told Robertson to avoid formal training and keep his own persona.

Robertson received the Golden Boot Award in 1985, and was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers and the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.

He was married several times, most recently in 1980 to Susan Robbins, who survives him along with two children.

Nancy Robertson said her uncle will be cremated and that a memorial service will be held in a few weeks.

Former Associated Press writer Rochelle Hines contributed to this report.

KEN MILLER, Associated Press



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Guest Book

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My husband and I watch Dale Robertson on Tales of Wells Fargo and whatever else when can. We have enjoy all his work every night and our hearts go out to your family during this time. I pray you your memories of him will bring you much happiness. God bless you all.

As a child growing up in England my Dad and I loved watching Wells Fargo on TV. Dale Robertson was a great actor. I would have loved to have met him. I live in Texas now with my husband, and near to our daughter and her family. I am now 77 yrs old.

There are no adequate words to describe this man and what he stood for. My condolences to the family. I would give anything to have met him. I watch Tales of Wells Fargo and all movies that he is in.
Sharon K. Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada

As a kid in the 50´s my parents and I always enjoyed watching his weekly 1/2 hour show of tales of Wells Fargo . Now in my 70´s I´m still watching the series. It´s good to have a man who really was a man acting in a western series. We need more actors like him. He is missed.

As an Oklahoman and having a sister who lived in Yukon for many years, I've heard of Dale for most of my life. But not until recently have I taken notice of his series "Tales of Wells Fargo", "Iron Horse" on the western channels, and all of his movies I can find. What a terrific actor and the most handsome man's man God ever put together! He seemed so genuine. Loved some of his "Okie" expressions in his shows! My sister met him at a restaurant in Yukon. Wish I...

Dale Robertson was my favorite actor and I watch repeatedly Tales of Wells Fargo. I recently went online to see his biography and found he left us too soon. Three of the TV channels airs Tales of Wells Fargo and some of his movies. I watch them when I see them listed. What a fantastic actor he was and I shall cherish him the rest of my life. I also saw all of his Death Valley Days episodes. I also want to thank him for his military service.

I watch you as Jim Hardy of Wells Fargo several times a day on TV, I would have loved to have met you, especially on your film sets. REST IN PEACE, Jim Hardy

Dale was a great cowboy, I watched Wells Fargo growing up and I still do!!! He always rode tall in the saddle, and was a fine looking man who smiled a lot. Glad to hear he loved horses so much, as I always have. Every time I see a Wells Fargo Bank, I think of him!!! Rest in peace, Dale!!!!

Great actor and wonderful person is terribly missed! RIP Dale Robertson, we love you still.