Doing It All
Robert Conrad may not have been the biggest star of his age, but among television giants like William Shatner or Jack Lord, he became a cult TV personality. Through various roles ranging from cowboys to boxers, he cultivated a tough guy persona that translated into much of the physical work he did behind the scenes. As such, while he was never only one thing, it was clear that he truly gave all of himself to his art.
1. His Parents Were Young
In the course of his career, Robert Conrad never reached the same heights as some of the more iconic actors of his time, but he was still a household name. This allowed him to create a relatively comfortable life and provide for his family—a challenge that was likely greater for his parents initially. This was because when Robert was born on March 1, 1935, his mother and father were both fairly young, being 15 and 17 years old, respectively.
As he got older, his mother played a big role in his career.
CBS Television photo by Gabor Rona, Wikimedia Commons
2. She Was Connected
Robert's mother, Alice Jacqueline Hartman, wouldn’t stay with his father for very long and did her best to raise Robert, which was easier once she got a better-paying job. Going by the name Jackie Smith, she served as the first publicity director for Mercury Records, giving her the opportunity to network within the entertainment industry.
Even so, Robert did take one step to distance himself from her.
ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons
3. He Changed His Name
Originally, Robert's mother named him Conrad Robert Falk after her father, Conrad Hartman, but it wasn’t long before he became unsatisfied with his own name. As his mother remarried several times, she would change his name to match each new husband, so he eventually took the name Robert Conrad as an easier alternative.
As he grew older, he made some more big decisions.
Topix. Photographer not credited [1], Wikimedia Commons
4. He Quit
For about a decade, Robert attended several schools in Chicago, Illinois, until he turned 15, when he decided to prioritize providing for his mother and himself. Quitting school entirely, he began working as a full-time driver for a couple of freight companies, as well as Chicago's Bowman Dairy.
This didn’t mean he had finished his education, though.
5. He Studied
Once Robert had worked for long enough and had the freedom to pursue his own dreams, he returned to education at Northwestern University. Likely inspired by some of his mother’s clients in entertainment, Robert felt drawn to acting and chose to study theater arts while at university.
Meanwhile, he also put effort into another skill.
Silver Screen Collection, Getty Images
6. He Trained His Voice
Although he mainly studied acting at university, Robert had a penchant for the art of performance in general, and so broadened his talents to other forms of expression. Growing up with his mother working at a recording studio, the music world was familiar to him, and he began learning how to sing under the jazz musician Richard Marx.
Finally, he got the chance to demonstrate his skill.
7. He Began Performing
By the end of his career, most knew Robert as an actor first and foremost, but he didn’t begin his career in performance that way. Through his training with Marx, he developed a strong singing voice and joined a couple of other singers to form a trio, performing at various hotels in the city during his 20s.
In his personal life, he had already made a special connection.
8. He Found Someone
Earlier in his teens, Robert hadn’t yet pursued any further education or training, but he still looked toward his future. Fortunately, he knew he wouldn’t be spending it alone, as he had already met someone and fallen in love. At 17 years old—the same age his father was at his birth—Robert married Joan Kenlay.
As for work, he didn’t have too much trouble finding it.
9. He Worked At A Theater
While not yet in any film or TV show exactly, one of Robert’s first jobs during this early period was still in the same kind of field. In 1956, he took a position at one of the movie theaters in Chicago, but not to pop popcorn or take tickets. Instead, they hired him as an actor to pose outside the building while the film Giant was still showing.
This wasn’t just for any reason, though.
10. He Looked Like Him
This “acting” gig for the movie theater wasn’t just a random job, since it tied specifically to Giant, which had James Dean as its lead actor. According to those around him, Robert had a strong resemblance to Dean, which his mother was quick to capitalize on. Pulling some strings, she pushed the theater to hire Robert as a publicity stunt for the film.
This avenue also helped him network on his own.
Barkin, Herman & Associates-publicity agency for Schlitz Brewing, Wikimedia Commons
11. He Made A Friend
At only 22 years old, Robert started forming contacts within the show business, even when he wasn’t trying to. In 1957, he traveled to Indiana to pay his respects at the grave of James Dean, who had passed two years before. While there, he ran into Dean’s former Rebel Without a Cause co-star, Nick Adams, and the two became fast friends.
This relationship soon proved quite helpful.
ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons
12. He Helped Him Out
Adams was already lined up for his next part in the film Juvenile Jungle, which would release the next year. Getting to know each other better, Adams discovered that Robert was an aspiring actor and decided to put in a good word for him. This led to Robert appearing in a small role in the movie, despite Adams dropping out by then.
However, as they say, there are no small parts.
Silver Screen Collection, Getty Images
13. He Was Able To Join
While Robert would earn another role the following year in a film called Thundering Jets, his first one in Juvenile Jungle was the one that truly got him started. Despite it being a tiny, non-speaking part, it allowed him to call himself a professional actor and made him eligible to join the Screen Actors Guild.
Naturally, this provided him with more opportunities.
14. He Signed On
After his first couple of roles, it didn’t take long for Robert to achieve what any amateur actor at the time dreamed of. Recognizing his talent, those at Warner Bros signed him to an acting contract, giving him a steady income for the next few years. Not only that, but Robert also created more music with the studio, releasing a single titled “Bye Bye Baby” in 1961.
From then on, the jobs just kept coming.
15. He Started Getting More Roles
Despite not yet starring in a series of his own, Warner Bros wasn’t shy about putting Robert to work throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s. He always seemed to have something going on as he appeared in several shows like Maverick and Sea Hunt, each time playing roles of varying significance.
He also worked off the success of another show.
Ziv Television Programs, Sea Hunt (1958–1961)
16. He Became A Detective
One of Warner Bros’ biggest TV shows at the time was a detective series called 77 Sunset Strip, which ran from 1958 to 1964, and during which Robert briefly appeared as detective Tom Lopaka. After this success, the studio created another series, Hawaiian Eye, as a follow-up, which starred Robert’s character as the partner of the show’s main private detective.
Of course, he didn’t just stick to one thing.
Warner Bros. Television, Hawaiian Eye (1959–1963)
17. He Still Had Other Jobs
Robert’s newest series found moderate success with both US audiences and international viewers, running for four years, but it wasn’t all he had on his plate. Even while playing the higher-profile part, he still worked on several other projects for Warner Bros in smaller roles, like in The Gallant Men or the film Palm Springs Weekend.
He also didn’t limit his talent to American fans.
Warner Bros., Palm Springs Weekend (1963)
18. He Branched Out
Many actors and musicians in America—especially at this time—focused on making it big in the US, either working in Hollywood or recording with American studios. However, Robert saw potential outside the country, even if he didn’t go too far. Signing with the Mexican label Orfeon, he released two albums in the early 60s and even sang in Spanish.
This wasn’t his only Spanish project, though.
Filmayer, S.A., La nueva Cenicienta
19. He Appeared In A Comedy
Robert enjoyed his time working outside the US, and even though he still made many of his movies or series in America, he couldn’t help but branch out again. Traveling to Spain in 1964—and despite mostly appearing in more serious films before this—he starred in the Spanish musical comedy La Nueva Cenicienta.
Eventually, he met with a familiar face.
Filmayer, S.A., La nueva Cenicienta (1964)
20. They Worked Together
Now that he had been in the professional acting business for several years, Robert had formed many industry connections and friendships, but he never forgot his first one. Having finally “made it,” he got the chance to act alongside his old friend Nick Adams while playing the real-life outlaw Pretty Boy Floyd in the 1965 film Young Dillinger.
Following this, he took on one of his most iconic roles.
Allied Artists, Young Dillinger (1965)
21. He Became A Cowboy
Later that same year, Robert finally procured a role in his very own series, and as what would become the character that truly defined his career. Titled The Wild Wild West, the series debuted on CBS and followed James West, a government agent in charge of protecting the president in the Old West.
In this role, Robert certainly pushed his limits.
CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
22. He Did It Himself
Being a spy adventure, the role of James West was an action-packed performance, and Robert was all too happy to do all the stunts himself. This may have strayed into recklessness, especially on January 24, 1968, when a botched stunt sent him falling 12 feet from a chandelier onto his head, putting him in the hospital.
While in recovery, the studio tried to work with him.
cBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
23. He Refused Their Help
Robert’s accident was a wake-up call for CBS executives, who immediately became more concerned about his safety—or, more to the point, about maintaining their star. As an added measure, they ordered that a stunt double take over for Robert. Naturally, he wasn’t happy about this and insisted on doing the stunts himself again once he recovered.
Around the same time, he returned to the musical side of things.
CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
24. He Went Back
It wasn’t long until Robert once again left the US to work on another project, and was lucky enough to return to a familiar place and genre. Beginning in 1967, he filmed the Spanish musical Ven a cantar conmigo, but didn’t have to travel overseas this time, since it was all filmed in Mexico.
He also took on a position with more leadership.
Producciones Zacarías S.A. de C.V., Ven a cantar conmigo (1967)
25. He Became A Producer
By this point, even though Robert had his own successful TV show, he still mostly answered to studio higher-ups. But it wouldn’t always be like that. Wanting to have true creative freedom, he established Robert Conrad Productions in 1967. Immediately, he began releasing content, starting with The Bandits, a film he wrote, directed, and starred in.
Meanwhile, he joined another studio.
Producciones Zacarías S.A., The Bandits (1967)
26. He Signed A Deal
As iconic as Robert’s role of James West was, The Wild Wild West would end after about four years, but he would soon have another opportunity on his doorstep. In 1969, he signed on with Doan Productions, owned by the legendary comedian Bob Hope. As part of their agreement, Robert planned to film two movies, but only one actually got made.
As for his TV roles, he took one that was more long-term.
NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons
27. He Took A Recurring Role
Having previously played detectives and other law enforcement roles, Robert entered the world of courtroom dramas, starring as a prosecutor named Paul Ryan in a 1969 TV movie, D.A.: Murder One. However, this wasn’t the end of it, and he would return as the character numerous times over the next couple of years, in various films and series.
On the other hand, some jobs had a shorter shelf life.
28. He Was In A Short-Lived Series
Robert had already worked on several TV shows that didn’t make it past a few seasons, but in 1972, he took a role that became one of the shortest-lived projects of his career. Similar to The Wild Wild West, he played an American agent in the spy thriller Assignment Vienna, but it only aired eight episodes before its cancellation.
Later on, he starred in his own series based on a true story.
MGM Television for ABC, Assignment: Vienna (1972–1973)
29. He Played A Real Person
Robert wasn’t a stranger to adaptations of real-world events, but with 1976’s Baa Baa Black Sheep, he was able to portray the life of someone from history as the star of the show. The series followed the story of the real-life WWII pilot Pappy Boyington and ran for two seasons, although the studio retitled it to Black Sheep Squadron for its second season.
Finally, he received some validation.
NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons
30. He Was Recognized
While Black Sheep Squadron was by no means Robert’s shortest project, it lasted only two years. Nonetheless, it’s one of his more memorable roles and was enough to get people talking once awards season arrived. For his performance in the series, he won Favorite Male Actor at the People’s Choice Awards and received a Golden Globe nomination.
Meanwhile, he experienced a more personal shift.
NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons
31. They Split Up
Robert and Joan were together for 25 years, during which she gave birth to five of their children, but the dynamic of their marriage changed over the latter years. While it’s unclear exactly how unhappy the two of them became, their separation was seemingly mutual, as they divorced in 1977 on friendly terms.
But he wouldn’t be single for long.
32. He Met Someone Else
Robert appeared to neither miss his ex-wife nor resent her, so it was likely easy for him to move on to his next relationship, considering he did so the same year as his divorce. This came about when he met LaVelda Ione Fann, which unfortunately happened while he was emceeing the Miss National Teenager Pageant, which she won.
Following this, he took his next big role.
33. He Played Another Fighter
By 1978, Robert was still eager to take on more physically challenging roles, and he landed another one in a series called The Duke. It followed the character Duke Ramsey and his life as a boxer and private investigator, allowing Robert to draw on some of his earlier work. The show ran for only four episodes, but he did get to direct one of them.
Not long after, he revisited an old character.
Sony Pictures Classics (U.S.), The Duke (1979)
34. He Played Him Again
No matter how long its run was, The Wild Wild West gained a cult following, which proved to executives that there could be more potential in the series if they were to revisit it. So, with the 1979 film The Wild Wild West Revisited and 1980’s More Wild Wild West, they brought audiences back into the world, and brought Robert back into the role of James West.
By then, his fame led to other opportunities.
CBS, The Wild Wild West Revisited (1979)
35. He Starred In Ads
In the latter part of the 1970s, Robert’s television presence prompted the Eveready Battery Company to capitalize on his popularity and hire him for their commercials. Through his roles as a spy, WWII fighter, and boxer, Robert had cultivated a tough-guy persona, so in the ads, he often appeared with a battery on his shoulder, daring the viewer to come knock it off.
This didn’t mean he had finished with the film industry.
Eveready Battery Commercial (Robert Conrad, 1978), Bionic Disco
36. He Did More Movies
Throughout the majority of the 1980s, Robert took a step back from working on TV shows, only appearing in three programs for a few episodes each. Instead, still working with television studios, he focused more on performances in films, starring in mostly TV movies throughout the decade.
Additionally, he worked on TV in a very different capacity.
NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons
37. He Was A Referee
Although he had slowed down in terms of his work in TV shows, Robert did appear on TV on a very special night, but not as any fictional character. During WrestleMania 2 in 1986, during the steel-cage match between wrestlers King Kong Bundy and Hulk Hogan, Robert stepped in as a special guest referee.
He then brought some of his family into the business.
38. They Acted Together
One of the few TV shows Robert acted in during the 80s was the adventure drama High Mountain Rangers, during which he got to work with those closest to him. The series followed a family of wilderness rescue officers, with Robert playing the father, Jesse Hawkes, and his character’s sons played by his real-life children, Christian and Shane.
This wasn’t just a one-time thing, though.
CBS, High Mountain Rangers (1988)
39. They Did It Again
Like many of his previous works, High Mountain Rangers ended up being short-lived, but he and his family would have another chance to work together. Still committed to the concept of the series, Robert created a very similar show titled High Sierra Search and Rescue, in which he acted alongside his sons again, as well as his wife.
Soon enough, his hard work gained him another honor.
NBC, High Sierra Search and Rescue (1995)
40. They Accepted Him
Passing into the new millennium, Robert finally received some more recognition in 2006, despite not having filmed anything for The Wild Wild West in over 20 years. In honor of all the blood, sweat, and tears that went into his stuntwork on the series, he was inducted into the Hollywood Stuntmen's Hall of Fame.
Unfortunately, he was in for another life-threatening event.
41. He Had An Incident
Robert had created a reputation for being daring and reckless, but this attitude may have led to a horrible decision with even worse consequences in the early 2000s. As he was driving while inebriated through the Sierra Nevada foothills on March 31, 2003, he lost control of the wheel and rammed straight into the vehicle of 26-year-old Kevin Burnett.
Neither of them came out of this unscathed.
42. They Were Injured
Once the dust cleared, it was clear that Robert and Burnett survived the crash, but neither walked away from it in good shape. Both men would have severely difficult recoveries ahead, and in Robert’s case, his resulting nerve damage would stay with him and cause partial paralysis over his right side.
It was obvious who was at fault.
Universal Television, Wikimedia Commons
43. They Convicted Him
Robert’s impaired driving caused him to go over the highway median and hit Burnett’s vehicle head-on, leaving Robert clearly responsible. In the following trial, he pleaded no contest to the more severe charges against him. Fortunately for him, the court accepted his plea, subsequently convicting him of driving while inebriated.
Of course, he still had to pay the price.
44. He Faced Consequences
When all was said and done, Robert received his sentencing from the courts, which some may believe was disproportionate to the damage he caused. As a result of his conviction, the court ordered Robert to serve six months of house confinement, followed by five years' probation, and mandatory counseling.
Even so, his problems weren’t over.
45. He Wasn’t Finished
Among those left unsatisfied with Robert’s sentence was, understandably, Kevin Burnett. Still dealing with the effects on his health a year after the trial, Burnett decided to file a civil suit against Robert. Without much of a leg to stand on, it didn’t take long for Robert to settle for an unknown amount.
Still, it’s hard to say Burnett came out on top.
Silver Screen Collection, Getty Images
46. He Lost His Life
Both Robert’s and Burnett’s injuries from the incident were severe enough to affect them for the rest of their lives, but in Burnett’s case, it sadly wouldn’t be for as long. Two years after the crash, Burnett tragically passed due to a perforated ulcer, which his family asserted had stemmed from his recovery period.
On the other hand, Robert soon got right back to work.
47. He Took Another Gig
As he was older, Robert didn’t see a lot of work in the 2000s, but he did take on another job as himself in 2008. Joining the CRN Digital Talk Radio network, he became the host of a two-hour show each week called The PM Show with Robert Conrad, which he ran until 2019. Still, behind the scenes, he was experiencing more personal issues.
The PM Show with Robert Conrad Hr. #1 07-07-2016, CRN Digital Talk Radio
48. They Broke Up
According to sources, Robert’s marriage to his second wife, LaVelda, was a happy one, with them welcoming three children of their own. In fact, according to Robert, both his new family and that of his first marriage had no problem being friendly with each other. Still, the relationship between LaVelda eventually deteriorated until they divorced in 2010.
It would still be a while before the end of his story.
49. He Met His End
Aside from his radio work, Robert didn’t do much in the entertainment industry after 2000, with his final film releasing in 2002. Spending much of his later life away from the spotlight, he sadly passed a year after his final day hosting his radio show, stricken with heart failure on February 8, 2020.
Among his many roles, he had one that stayed with him the most.
50. It Was His Favorite
With 80 credits to his name, Robert Conrad enjoyed a long and storied career in which he devoted both his body and mind to making exactly what he wanted to make. Over the course of his time on-screen, he appeared in roles of all kinds, with a select few standing out as his most iconic. However, as he looked back on all his work, he would later state that the role that brought him the most pride was as a French-Canadian trapper in the series Centennial.
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