Robert Bray

Robert Bray was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Lassie,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “Bus Stop.” He had a diverse career in film and television, showcasing his talent in various genres.

Personal and Family Life

Robert Eugene Bray was born on October 13, 1917, in Kalispell, Montana. He grew up in a homesteading family and later moved to Seattle, where he attended Lincoln High School. Bray had two marriages, first to Joan Loretta Graydon and then to Dorothy Ann Harnisch, but he had no children.

Career

Before becoming an actor, Bray worked in Hollywood as a carpenter and served as a Master Sergeant in the Marine Corps during World War II. He began his acting career in the late 1940s, initially signed by RKO Pictures. Bray gained significant recognition when he landed the role of Ranger Corey Stuart in the beloved “Lassie” TV series in the 1960s. However, he faced setbacks and later retired from acting after being replaced in the series.

Death and Legacy

Robert Bray passed away on March 7, 1983, in Bishop, California, due to a heart attack. His remains were cremated, and his ashes were scattered at Zuma Beach, California, a place he cherished. Bray is remembered for his contributions to film and television, particularly for his ability to connect with animal co-stars, which made him a favorite among fans of “Lassie.”

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Never So Few 1959-12-07 Col. Fred Parkson
Bus Stop 1956-08-31 Carl
The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer 1947-09-01 Official at Airline Gate (uncredited)
The Clay Pigeon 1949-03-03 Gunsel Blake
Blood on the Moon 1948-11-11 Bart Daniels
Big House, U.S.A 1955-03-03 Ranger McCormick
The Falcon’s Adventure 1946-12-13 Doorman (uncredited)
My Gun Is Quick 1957-08-01 Mike Hammer
Never Love a Stranger 1958-06-22 ‘Silk’ Fennelli
Fiend of Dope Island 1961-01-01 David
The Wayward Bus 1957-05-27 Morse
Return of the Bad Men 1948-07-17 John Younger
Indian Agent 1948-12-11 Nichols
The Yellow Tomahawk 1954-05-01 Lieutenant Banion
The Arizona Ranger 1948-05-14 Jasper Todd
The Caine Mutiny 1954-06-24 Court-Martial Board Member
Western Heritage 1948-02-07 Henchman Pike
Gun Smugglers 1948-12-28 Henchman Dodge
The Lusty Men 1952-10-24 Fritz (uncredited)
Rustlers 1949-03-03 Henchman Hank
Law of the Badlands 1951-02-24 Benson
The Traitor 1957-03-01 Major Shane
If You Knew Susie 1948-02-07 Reporter (uncredited)
Brothers in the Saddle 1949-02-08 Henchman Polk Lynch
Overland Telegraph 1951-12-15 Steve – Henchman
Fargo 1952-09-07 Ed Murdock
The Gunman 1952-01-01 Tom Jamison
Man from the Black Hills 1952-03-29 Ed Roper
The Maverick 1952-12-14 Cpl. Johnson
The Neanderthal Man 1953-06-19 Jim Newcomb, a townsman
Wild Horse Mesa 1947-11-13 Tex
Guns of Hate 1948-06-18 Rocky
Stagecoach Kid 1949-06-02 Henchman Clint
The Marshal’s Daughter 1953-06-25 Anderson (as Bob Bray)
Vigilante Terror 1953-11-15 Gene Smith
Strange Bargain 1949-11-05 Detective McTay
Shield for Murder 1954-08-27 Detective
Crack-Up 1946-09-06 Man with Drunk (Uncredited)
Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome 1947-09-26 Sergeant (uncredited)
Dick Tracy vs. Cueball