It seems when I was a kid there wasn’t a time that Robert Urich (December 19, 1946 – April 16, 2002) wasn’t on television. I grew up on S.W.A.T and Vega$ and because I am a fan of the Robert B. Parker novels, Spenser: For Hire was my favorite. A later gem was the western The Lazarus Man and it’s a shame that series didn’t continue. Interesting premise with his character being buried alive and what role he played in the Lincoln assassination. Of course, his role as Jake Spoon in Lonesome Dove was a highlight of a colorful career. And sadly Mr. Urich died far to young but we can celebrate that he was born on this date in 1946.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Robert Urich
It seems when I was a kid there wasn’t a time that Robert Urich (December 19, 1946 – April 16, 2002) wasn’t on television. I grew up on S.W.A.T and Vega$ and because I am a fan of the Robert B. Parker novels, Spenser: For Hire was my favorite. A later gem was the western The Lazarus Man and it’s a shame that series didn’t continue. Interesting premise with his character being buried alive and what role he played in the Lincoln assassination. Of course, his role as Jake Spoon in Lonesome Dove was a highlight of a colorful career. And sadly Mr. Urich died far to young but we can celebrate that he was born on this date in 1946.
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16 comments:
Urich is still one of my favorite TV actors. Yes, he died far too young.
I absolutely loved the Spenser for Hire mysteries.
And in regards to the "Lazarus Man", in spite of what A & E said, I think the show was cancelled due to his health.
I miss "Spens-AH!"
Aloha, Friend!
Comfort Spiral
G, I'm sure you are right. According to IMDb: He was starring in the TV series "The Lazarus Man" (1996) when he was diagnosed with cancer, which caused the cancellation of the series. The cancer went into remission after treatment and he resumed acting again with his role as Captain Jim Kennedy III on "The Love Boat: The Next Wave" (1998).
Dan Tanna was the man. Owning that '57 Thunderbird that he drove directly into his living room.
Very likeable actor. I loved Vegas.
He was a hellva an actor and true professional. When "Vega$" got a little too melodramatic as Spelling productions could do at some times, Urich still gave his best. "Spenser" was one of the best shows of its era (and even now), I wonder why it never really caught on?
It's always hard to believe someone is gone when they die that young.
Cormac, Spenser was up against Falcon Crest and Miami Vice in its first season which didn't help. Apparently location filming ran up costs which also helped to hasten the show's demise. But it had a cult following which led to four made for TV films that came along in the early 90s.
Vegas was one of the few crime shows I've ever really watched and that is owed to Urich, who I always liked as an actor. Was very sorry to see him go.
SWAT, God I LOVED that show....
Never really watched Spenser. I hadn't read any of the novels at the time. That may be why. Vegas and The Lazarus Man were favorites. Didn't remember that he was on SWAT.
He is missed.
Sollid actor and great human being. When you live in L.A., you hear the buzz from the makeup people and the grips and if you're a jerk, it gets around. Urich was respected and liked everywhere. And genuine in public. I was once in line behind him and his wife at the grocery store, and there was no 'tude there.
Katherine, It's nice to hear he was a nice guy. So many times you hear just the opposite.
Thanks for sharing this.
I couldn't believe it when he got his comeuppance the first time I saw Lonesome Dove - very powerful
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