Robert Hogan Obituary

1933 - 2021
Actor and native New Yorker Robert Hogan, whose career spanned six decades, died at his home on the coast of Maine on May 27, 2021. He played everything from a helicopter pilot on M*A*S*H to a judge on Law & Order to a Marine in the original Broadway cast of Aaron Sorkin's A Few Good Men. The cause of death was complications from pneumonia. He was 87-years-old.

Born in Jamaica, Queens, the youngest of three children, Bob's childhood apartment was mere feet away from the Jamaica Avenue El, or Elevated Train. His was a childhood of rattled dishes on the dinner table as the El roared past. A gifted athlete, Bob played basketball for St. Francis Preparatory School before joining the army to serve in Korea. After his honorable discharge, Bob returned to New York to study engineering at NYU. After the first semester, however, an astute professor suggested he take an aptitude test to determine if engineering was really the best fit for the gregarious young man. The test results produced two words: The arts. As Bob would say, "That's when I gave acting a try." He was accepted into New York's prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts shortly thereafter.

In California and New York, Bob appeared in more than 100 primetime shows as well as nearly every daytime drama on the air. Off and on Broadway, as well as countless regional theaters, he performed in plays by Shakespeare, Chekhov, O'Neill and many others, winning the Outer Critics Circle Award for his performance as famed attorney Clarence Darrow in the real-life drama about the shocking Leopold and Loeb murder trial, Never the Sinner.

Despite a Vascular Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2013, Bob was determined to successfully LIVE with his illness. With support from his wife, novelist Mary Hogan, and multiple resources from organizations like DOROT in New York City, the Alzheimer's Association and others, he was able to work and thrive many years after his diagnosis. No small feat for an actor who memorized lines for a living.

Bob is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Hogan, three children from a previous marriage to fine artist, Shannon Hogan: Chris, Stephen, and Jud-all living in Southern California-and two grandchildren Susanna and Liam. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to the two not-for-profit organizations that gave Bob a fulfilling later life: DOROT in New York City and the Alzheimer's Association.

Published by New York Times from May 30 to May 31, 2021.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hogan

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All though I only met Bob and was around him several times I really enjoyed our banter. I'm from the deep south and of course he's from NYC. So we had a great time at picking on each other about our accents, etc. He truly had a quick sense of humor and once I realized that we were off to the races. I'm sorry that both Bob and Mary had to endure this disease as he seemed so well adjusted the last time I saw him. I still have fond memories of the time Gina and I went to visit Bob and Mary at their home. We had a wonderful time and I wish we could do it again. My prayers are with Mary and family in hopes that the memories will never fade until you meet again.

Craig Graham

March 24, 2022

Bob was one of the coolest Boy Scout dads at Troop 31 in Hollywood. I was friends with Chris who was our platoon leader. Chris and I both wanted to have long hair (like the Beatles Rubber Soul length) so Bob and my mom finally convinced Troop Leader Underwood to change the hair policy, which was like pulling teeth. My father was also a scout dad, so we got to hang out with Bob some. He was always very patient and friendly with an easy laugh. We frequently got a kick from seeing him on TV shows back then. I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. Bob certainly touched many more lives than you know.

Craig Matthews, Austin, TX

Other

February 7, 2022

Rest in peace in Another World of eternal love and life.

Nomy Jackson

June 27, 2021

My condolences to you and your family in the passing of Robert. I have no doubt he considered himself extremely fortunate to have had the love you all gave him and that he in gave in return. So richly deserved.

James Carmichael

June 13, 2021

Much sympathy to the family. A great actor and very respected human who brought joy to many. While I never met the man I appreciate what he brought to this world. Rest In Peace, Mr Hogan.

Jackie Lazar

Friend

June 4, 2021

I will miss your appearances on programs. I think you were a wonderful actor, especially in my favorite story - "Old Man" episode on Gunsmoke. Thank you for giving us so much with your talent. You are still loved.

Linda A Hardy

June 3, 2021

I'm sorry to hear he has passed away. He was a memorable actor, and I am glad he was able to enjoy his career and the gentle appeal of the Maine Coast into his later years.

Marie

June 3, 2021

He leaves a lifetime of acting in great roles that I hope many generations enjoy and cherish. I've watched his performances from the 1980s until now. Alzheimer's erases your life but I'm so happy that he received such great support from the organizations and especially his family and friends.

Sherri Rosen

June 2, 2021

Hazel, The Donna Reed Show, Gomer Pyle: USMC, The Twilight Zone and Dr. Kildare in the 1960s; I Dream of Jeannie, Gunsmoke, The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Hawaii Five-O in the ’70s; T.J. Hooker, Laverne & Shirley, One Day at a Time, The Fall Guy and Magnum, P.I. in the ’80s; Cosby and Now and Again in the ’90s; and three Law & Order programs in the 2000s.

Grady Morris Youngblood

June 2, 2021

I liked Robert's acting and remember him very well from SECRETS OF MIDLAND HEIGHTS. I also saw him on his ALICE episodes and his four eps of MURDER, SHE WROTE. He had a great career.

TAMMIE FLOWERS

June 2, 2021

I remember you and enjoyed your work. RIP and sympathies to your family and fans.

Louise Wisinski

Acquaintance

June 2, 2021

I've been a huge fan of M*A*S*H for many years, which is the only place I've seen his talents as an actor. There's only one thing to say about Robert. R.I.P. Smilin' Jack Mitchell.

My sincere condolences to his family and others close to him.

June 2, 2021

Dear Mary, your Love, yours and Bob’s is an inspiration. I am heart broken to hear the news. I keep such meaningful memories of Bob’s humor and lightness and kindness and care. I am so grateful to have worked with Bob and to have shared time with both of you on e upper west side. God bless you and your family in this time of profound loss. Jackie and I hold you in our hearts and prayers.

Bernard White

June 1, 2021

Mary, as you know, Bob and I worked together and have laughed together ever since Three for Tahiti. He was one of the brightest, drollest men I've ever known, and I only wish that in these latest years we'd seen each other more often. My deepest condolences to you and the family. Alan Oppenheimer

Alan Oppenheimer

May 31, 2021

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