Robert Osterloh

Robert Osterloh was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Riot in Cell Block 11, Gun Crazy, and White Heat. He played tough characters, especially in crime films and gained recognition for his significant performances alongside famous actors like James Cagney.

Personal and Family Life

Robert Osterloh was born on May 31, 1918, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was married to Harriet Cecilia Hughes from November 3, 1945, until her death on June 28, 1979, and they had three children together. Osterloh’s family life was important to him, and he balanced his acting career with his responsibilities as a husband and father.

Career Highlights

Osterloh was particularly known for his roles in classic prison films. One of his most notable performances was as Tommy Riley in White Heat, although he was uncredited for this role. He also appeared in other significant films throughout the 1950s, contributing to various crime and noir genres, including playing a hit-man in 777 Ocean Drive and a car lot owner in Hot Cars before transitioning to a more character-driven role in Rosemary’s Baby.

Death and Legacy

Robert Osterloh passed away on April 16, 2001, in Los Osos, California. His legacy lives on through his diverse body of work in film and television, and he is remembered for his unique contributions to the crime drama genre. Many of his performances remain influential, reflecting the tough-guy archetype prevalent in mid-20th-century cinema.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
A Lady Without Passport 1950-08-03 Lt. Lannahan, NYC Cop
The Prowler 1951-05-25 Coroner
The Undercover Man 1949-03-21 Emanuel ‘Manny’ Zanger
I Bury the Living 1958-07-01 Lt. Clayborne
Riot in Cell Block 11 1954-02-18 The Colonel
Wicked Woman 1953-12-09 Larry Lowry
The Well 1951-09-24 Alex Wylie
711 Ocean Drive 1950-07-01 Gizzi
The Dark Past 1948-12-22 Pete
White Heat 1949-09-02 Ryley
The Case Against Brooklyn 1958-06-01 Det. Sgt. Bonney
The Ring 1952-09-26 Freddy Jack
Southside 1-1000 1950-11-16 Albert
Incident 1948-10-30 James ‘Slats’ Slattery
No Questions Asked 1951-06-15 Owney
Fort Massacre 1958-05-14 Schwabacker
Star in the Dust 1956-06-13 Rigdon
I Cheated the Law 1949-03-04 Joe Corsi
Young Dillinger 1965-04-28 Federal Agent Baum
Private Eyes 1953-12-06 Professor Damon
Mutiny 1952-03-05 Feversham, Gunner
The Wild One 1953-12-30 Ben
Inherit the Wind 1960-07-07 Sam – Deputy Arresting Cates (uncredited)
Red Skies of Montana 1952-01-23 Mac, Dispatcher (uncredited)
Drums in the Deep South 1951-09-01 Sgt. Harper
Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1956-02-05 Ambulance Attendant
The Palomino 1950-03-18 Sam Drake
Cave of Outlaws 1951-11-01 Blackhack
Hot Cars 1956-11-02 Mr. Hayman
The Desperados Are in Town 1956-11-01 Deputy Sheriff Mike Broome
The Day the Earth Stood Still 1951-09-28 Army Examining Doctor
Illegal Entry 1949-06-01 Agent Crowthers
Gun Crazy 1950-01-20 Hampton Policeman
Johnny Concho 1956-07-01 Duke Lang
Violent Saturday 1955-04-01 Roy, Bartender
Harbor of Missing Men 1950-03-26 Johnny
One Minute to Zero 1952-09-19 Maj. Davis
The Scarface Mob 1959-04-19
Coogan’s Bluff 1968-10-02