Robert Brubaker was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Gunsmoke, The Sting, and My Man Godfrey.
Personal and Family Life
Robert Brubaker was born on October 9, 1916, in Robinson, Illinois. He was the son of George Brubaker and a descendant of Jonas Sparks, a friend of Daniel Boone. Robert was married twice, first to Lorraine Avone Abdalian and later to Dawn Beryl Owen. His early interest in acting began in high school, where he participated in productions and won the State Oratory contest.
Career
Brubaker’s acting career took off after he decided to move to Hollywood in 1937. Initially challenged by the industry standards of beauty for leading men, he persevered and gradually found success. He became well-known for his role as Jim Buck in the long-running series Gunsmoke and later took over the role of Floyd the bartender in the final season. Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous television shows and films, including Public Defender, The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell, and Airport.
Death and Legacy
Robert Brubaker passed away on April 15, 2010, in Riverside, California. He left behind a legacy in the film and television industry, particularly known for his versatile roles. His contributions to classic television, especially in Gunsmoke, remain cherished by fans and collectors of television history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Seconds | 1966-10-05 | Mayberry |
| The Sting | 1973-12-25 | Bill Clayton from Pittsburgh (uncredited) |
| 40 Guns to Apache Pass | 1967-05-01 | Sergeant Walker |
| Apache Rifles | 1964-11-26 | Sgt. Cobb |
| Man of a Thousand Faces | 1957-08-15 | Jack Conway (uncredited) |
| My Man Godfrey | 1957-10-11 | Man with Monkey |
| Gunsmoke | 1955-09-10 | Jim Buck / Floyd |
| The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell | 1955-12-31 | Major H. H. Arnold |
| Airport | 1970 | Airport Doctor |
| The Andy Griffith Show | 1960-10-03 | Roger Milton |