Clete Roberts was an American actor who is best known for MASH, The Jerk, and Meteor. He was also a well-respected TV news anchor and a pioneer in local broadcast journalism in Los Angeles.
Personal and Family Life
Clete Roberts was born Cletus Enoch Haase on February 1, 1912, in Portland, Oregon. He married Mary Snell on July 2, 1937, and they had three children together. His passion for journalism and storytelling greatly influenced his family life and professional career.
Career
Clete Roberts served as a war correspondent during World War II and the Korean War, which helped shape his skills as a reporter. He became part of the innovative “Big News” local TV news team at CBS in Hollywood in 1960, known for creating an hour-long local news program. He also showcased his talent on screen, notably appearing in MASH as a war correspondent, reflecting his background in journalism.
Death and Legacy
Clete Roberts passed away on September 30, 1984, in Los Angeles, California, due to heart and lung failure following an aneurysm. He is remembered for his contributions to both journalism and entertainment, leaving behind a legacy as an influential figure in both fields.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait: A Man Whose Name Was John | 1973-04-21 | Clete Roberts |
| Meteor | 1979-10-19 | Network Newscaster |
| Memories of MASH | 1991-11-25 | Self |
| Heatwave! | 1974-01-27 | Newscaster |
| Countdown | 1967-08-20 | Announcer (uncredited) |
| The Swinger | 1966-11-13 | Clete Roberts |
| The Phenix City Story | 1955-07-19 | Self, The Interviewer |
| Man on a String | 1960-05-20 | Narrator (voice) |
| The Last Hurrah | 1958-12-31 | Reporter (uncredited) |
| MASH | 1972-09-17 | Interviewer |
| McCloud | 1970-02-17 | |
| Simon & Simon | 1981-11-24 | |
| Mission: Impossible | 1966-09-17 | Announcer |
| Bewitched | 1964-09-17 | |
| Cannon | 1971-09-14 | |
| Columbo | 1971-09-15 | TV Newsman |
| Goliath Awaits | 1981-11-11 | Newscaster (uncredited) |