A prolific character actor with a distinctive voice, he played memorable roles in film and television, including the iconic character of Gary Jenkins in the TV series "Automan".
Robert Lansing, born Robert Howell Brown, is best remembered for his powerful portrayal of Brigadier General Frank Savage in the 1964 television drama series 12 O'Clock High, a role that showcased his commanding stage presence and stentorian voice. With a career spanning five decades, Lansing appeared in 245 episodes of 73 television series, 11 TV movies, and 19 motion pictures.
Born on June 5, 1928, in San Diego, California, Lansing attended University High School in Los Angeles. He began his acting career in New York City, where he was hired to join a stock company in Michigan, but was told he would first have to join the Actors Equity Association. As another actor was already using the name Robert Brown, Lansing adopted the surname Lansing, after the city where the stock company was based.
Lansing served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Osaka, Japan, where he worked at Armed Forces Radio. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, he worked as a radio announcer at WANE in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was active in a Fort Wayne theater group.
Lansing made his Broadway debut in 1951 in the play Stalag 17, directed by José Ferrer. He continued to work on stage throughout his career, making his last appearance in 1991 in a production of August Strindberg's The Father at the Roundabout Theater. New York Times critic Clive Barnes praised Lansing's performance, noting his "commanding stage presence" and "stentorian voice."
Lansing passed away on October 23, 1994, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances on stage and screen. His rugged good looks, commanding stage presence, and stentorian voice earned him a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Through his extensive body of work, Robert Lansing continues to inspire new generations of actors and actresses, and his authoritative persona remains an iconic part of American pop culture.
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