Robert Swan (actor)

Robert Swan
Swan in The Untouchables (1987)
Born(1944-10-20)October 20, 1944
DiedAugust 9, 2023(2023-08-09) (aged 78)
OccupationActor
Years active1970s–2012

Robert Swan (October 20, 1944 – August 9, 2023) was an American actor.

Early life

Robert Swan was born and raised in Chicago, where he began acting on stage.[1]

Career

Swan later began appearing on film and television.[1] Swan is best known for his roles in Hoosiers, The Untouchables, Natural Born Killers, and Backdraft. He also worked as a voice actor for television commercials, and founded an opera company in Three Oaks, Michigan.[1]

Personal life and death

Swan lived in Rolling Prairie, Indiana, with his wife, Barbara. He died from liver cancer at his home on August 9, 2023, at the age of 78.[1][2][3]

Filmography

Film

Robert Swan film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1980 Somewhere in Time Stagehand with Note (1912)
1981 Take This Job and Shove It Virgil
1983 Doctor Detroit Seedy Biker
1984 Grandview, U.S.A. Fire Chief
1985 That Was Then...This Is Now Smitty
1986 Hoosiers Rollin Butcher
1987 The Untouchables Mountie Captain
1987 Who's That Girl Detective Bellson
1988 Betrayed Dean
1991 Backdraft Willy - Bartender
1992 The Babe George Ruth Sr.
1992 Mo' Money Detective Lawrence
1993 Rudy Father Zajak
1994 The Childhood Friend Sortino
1994 Natural Born Killers Deputy Napalatoni
1997 Going All the Way Luke
1997 Cold Night Into Dawn Transit Authority Worker
2004 C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America 'That's My Boy' Dad
2012 The Owner The Driver (final film role)

Television

Robert Swan television credits
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1979 The Duke Un­known Episode: "Long and Thin, Lorna Lynn" [4]
1981 Walking Tall Warren Episode: "The Fire Within" [2]
1981 The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo Danny TV movie [2]
1984 The Dollmaker Victor TV movie [1][3]
1985 The Twilight Zone Bob Segment: "Nightcrawlers" (S1.E4) [2][3]
1986, 1987 Spenser: For Hire Virgil Crebbs / Mike Kaminski 2 episodes [1][2]
1987 Stingray Captain Thomas 1 episode [3]
1988 All My Children Jeb Tidwell 1 episode [1][2]
1989 The Equalizer Joe Halsey Episode: "Suicide Squad" [1]
1993–1994 Missing Persons Dan Manaher 1 episode [3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Barnes, Mike (August 9, 2023). "Robert Swan, Actor in 'Hoosiers,' 'Rudy' and 'The Babe,' Dies at 78". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Evans, Greg (August 9, 2023). "Robert Swan Dies: 'Hoosiers', 'Rudy' Actor Was 78". Deadline. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e Franklin, McKinley (August 9, 2023). "Robert Swan, 'The Untouchables' and 'Hoosiers' Actor, Dies at 78". Variety. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  4. ^ Abbott, Jon (12 September 2009). Stephen J. Cannell Television Productions: A History of All Series and Pilots. McFarland. p. 100. ISBN 9780786454013. Retrieved 7 July 2025.