Robert Tessier

Robert Tessier was an American actor known for his roles in “Hard Times,” “The Longest Yard,” and “Hooper.” He was distinguished for playing tough, menacing villains in films during the 1970s and 1980s.

Personal and Family Life

Robert Tessier was born on June 2, 1934, in Lowell, Massachusetts. He had Algonquian Indian heritage and served as a paratrooper in the United States Armed Forces during the Korean War, where he earned a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. He also had a passion for motorcycles and circus stunt performances, which contributed to his dynamic presence on screen. He is survived by two children, Ben and Diana Ivarson.

Career

Tessier’s film career took off at the age of 33 with his role in the low-budget film “The Born Losers” (1967). He frequently appeared in various films each year, often portraying bikers or gang leaders. His most memorable role was as the fighter Jim Henry in “Hard Times” (1975) alongside Charles Bronson. He also founded the stunt group “Stunts Unlimited” with renowned stunt performers.

Death and Legacy

Robert Tessier passed away from cancer on October 11, 1990, in his hometown of Lowell, Massachusetts, at the age of 56. His contributions to the film industry, especially in portraying intense villainous characters, left a lasting impression on audiences and filmmakers alike. Tessier is remembered for his tough persona and significant influence on action films during his career.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Starcrash 1978-12-21 Thor
Hard Times 1975-08-13 Jim Henry
Breakheart Pass 1975-12-09 Levi Calhoun
The Velvet Vampire 1971-10-13 Biker
Hooper 1978-07-28 Amtrac
Future Force 1989-02-08 Becker
The Babysitter 1969-09-30 Laurence Mackey
Double Exposure 1982-09-03 Bartender
No Safe Haven 1987-07-02 Randy
Cry Blood Apache 1970-09-01 Two Card Charlie
The Lost Empire 1984-06-22 Koro
The Glory Stompers 1967-11-22 Magoo
Fertilize the Blaspheming Bombshell! 1990-10-19 Devil-Master
The Villain 1979-07-26 Mashing Finger
The Cannonball Run 1981-06-19 Biker
The Deep 1977-06-17 Kevin
Un autre homme, une autre chance 1977-09-28 Blacksmith
Private Duty Nurses 1971-09-01 Super Bouncer
The Born Losers 1967-07-12 Cueball
Avenging Angel 1985-01-11 Tattoo Artist
Outlaw Riders 1971-09-03 Beans
Nightwish 1989-12-05 Stanley
Beverly Hills Brats 1989-10-06 Slick
Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze 1975-06-01 Dutchman
One Man Force 1989-09-21 Wilson
The Billion Dollar Threat 1979-04-15 Benjamin
Last Of The Mohicans 1977-11-23 Magua
The Sword and the Sorcerer 1982-04-01 Verdugo
Five the Hard Way 1969-05-01 Jake
Steel 1979-10-21 Cherokee
Cannon 1971-03-26 Brawler
The Jesus Trip 1971-08-01 Duncan
The Longest Yard 1974-08-21 Shokner
The A-Team 1983-01-23 Scully
Starsky & Hutch 1975-09-10
Silver Spoons 1982-09-25
CHiPs 1977-09-15
Sledge Hammer! 1986-09-23
The Incredible Hulk 1977-11-04
Magnum, P.I. 1980-12-11
Kung Fu 1972-10-14
Little House on the Prairie 1974-09-11