Robert Stack was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Untouchables, Airplane!, and Unsolved Mysteries. He had a long and varied career in film and television, earning acclaim for his performances and distinctive voice.
Personal and Family Life
Robert Stack was born on January 13, 1919, in Los Angeles, California. He was the son of James Langford Stack and Mary Elizabeth Wood, and he had an older brother named James. Stack’s parents divorced when he was just a year old, leading his mother to take him to Europe for several years. After returning to the U.S., he pursued drama classes and developed a passion for acting.
Career Highlights
Stack began his film career in 1939 at Universal Studios, quickly becoming a popular leading man in various genres. He gained fame for his role as Eliot Ness in The Untouchables, which significantly boosted his television career. Stack’s versatility allowed him to successfully transition into comedy with films like Airplane! and even host the true crime series Unsolved Mysteries.
Death and Legacy
Robert Stack passed away on May 14, 2003, at the age of 84 due to a heart attack at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles. His contributions to film and television continue to be remembered, particularly for his memorable roles and his unique voice that defined a generation of entertainment.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| To Be or Not to Be | 1942-03-05 | Lieut. Stanislav Sobinski |
| Airplane! | 1980-07-02 | Captain Rex Kramer |
| The Mortal Storm | 1940-06-20 | Otto Von Rohn |
| Joe Versus the Volcano | 1990-03-09 | Dr. Ellison |
| Beavis and Butt-Head Do America | 1996-12-20 | Agent Flemming (voice) |
| Unsolved Mysteries | 1988-10-05 | Host |
| The Untouchables | 1959-10-15 | Eliot Ness |
| Written on the Wind | 1956-10-04 | Kyle Hadley |