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Charles Knox Robinson
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Charles Knox Robinson III (April 13, 1932 — July 22, 2006) was an American actor who appeared in over 80 films and television series over his career. From 1958 through 1971 he was credited as Charles Robinson and, from 1972 onward, his full birth name, Charles Knox Robinson, also became his stage name. His credits have been occasionally commingled with those of younger actor Charlie Robinson who, during an eight-year (1984–92) stint as court clerk Mac Robinson on Night Court had been credited as Charles Robinson.
Key Information
Robinson's first on-screen billing in a feature film was as one of the title characters in 1962's The Interns. He established the Torchlight Project together with his wife, Joan, which aided, empowered and enriched the lives of impoverished children in foreign countries. He was also a member of many organizations including: the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Actors' Equity Association, Playwrights/Dramatists Guild and the Academy of Magical Arts.
Biography
[edit]Born in the New Jersey township of Orange, he was the son of playwright Charles Knox Robinson II and painter Geraldine O'Loughlin. Siblings include Judith Kirby Robinson, actress, and Toni Stuart Robinson Thalenberg, former actress/academic. He was the maternal cousin of actor Gerald S. O'Loughlin. His theatrical family opened his acting career at age three on Broadway.
Receiving his high school diploma from the private Lawrenceville School, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude from Princeton University in 1954. He was an English major and had many campus activities, including serving as president of Triangle Club. After graduation, he served in the Army from 1958 to 1962 as an aide-de-camp to a general in the Pentagon, translator and speech writer, attaining the rank of first lieutenant. He also served as a French and Russian language interpreter for the 1984 Olympics.
He married Joan (who wrote under her birth name, Giovanna)[1] Calistri on May 7, 1960, in New York City.
Career
[edit]Robinson had co-starring and supporting roles in more than eighty films and television series during his career.
His first film was Splendor in the Grass in the small uncredited role of Johnny Masterson. Some of Robinson's other film appearances include Take Her, She's Mine, Dear Brigitte, Shenandoah, and The Singing Nun.
His many television credits include, 77 Sunset Strip, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Stoney Burke, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Bachelor Father, Ripcord, Laramie,[2] Wagon Train, Gunsmoke, The Virginian, The High Chaparral, Ben Casey, The Munsters, My Three Sons, Cade's County, The Sixth Sense, Mannix, Ironside, Banacek, The F.B.I., Barnaby Jones, Griff, O'Hara, U.S. Treasury, The Manhunter, The Six Million Dollar Man, Adam-12, Emergency!, Mobile One, The Paper Chase, Ellery Queen, Cannon, Flying High, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, Airwolf, Switch, Quincy, M.E., Simon & Simon, Finder of Lost Loves, Scarecrow & Mrs. King and The Equalizer.[3]
On Broadway he performed in Tall Story, The Pleasure of His Company and The Good Soup. The first two plays would later become motion pictures with other actors playing the roles he originated.
He was part of the great ensemble cast in Robert Wise's 1966 film The Sand Pebbles. Robinson played Richard Crenna's second in command Ensign Bordelles aboard the fictional Navy gunboat, USS San Pablo, stationed in China. Robinson had a standout scene in which he had to lead his troops under guard of Chinese Nationalist soldiers back to the ship. As the sailors march, they are pummeled by vegetables thrown by the throngs of Chinese citizens. It was one of nine theatrical features in which he appeared during the 1960s, in addition to 23 guest starring roles in TV series episodes.
The 1970s proved to be an even busier decade, with 5 theatrical features as well as 34 television films and episodes of TV series, including four additional installments of The F.B.I., a series which had already featured him in two 1960s episodes.
Fifty years old in 1982, Robinson had eleven screen credits in the 1980s, ten of which were in television films as well as episodes of TV series, with the last two airing in 1986 (February 5 episode of CBS' The Equalizer and June 6 episode of ABC's Comedy Factory, June 6). The eleventh role was in his sole theatrical feature of the decade, 1987's Death Wish 4: The Crackdown in which he played the small part of an unnamed newspaper editor. After a passage of nine years performing in local theater and other activity, he returned to the screen in 1996, at age 64, for one small final role, that of an unnamed lawyer for Matthew Broderick's character in the black comedy The Cable Guy, where he was billed 44th in the end credits as Charles Knox Robinson, III.
He appeared in the 2001 Palm Canyon Theatre Productions Arsenic and Old Lace and The Man Who Came to Dinner. His lifelong entertainment career included his talents as an award-winning playwright,[1] singer, songwriter, musician, linguist and magician. He and his wife, Joan, established the Torchlight Project, which had as its purpose aiding, empowering, and enriching the lives of impoverished and abandoned children in many foreign countries. He was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Actors' Equity Association, Playwrights/Dramatists Guild and the Academy of Magical Arts.[4]
Death
[edit]Robinson died of Parkinson's disease at his Palm Springs home at the age of 74.[5]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Splendor in the Grass | Johnny Masterson | Uncredited |
| 1962 | The Interns | Dr. Dave Simon | |
| 1963 | Take Her, She's Mine | Stanley | |
| 1965 | Dear Brigitte | George | |
| 1965 | Shenandoah | Nathan Anderson | |
| 1965 | The Singing Nun | Marauder | |
| 1966 | The Sand Pebbles | Ensign Bordelles | |
| 1968 | For Singles Only | Jim Allen | |
| 1968 | A Time to Sing | Shifty Barker | Uncredited |
| 1970 | Triangle | Todd Pearson | |
| 1971 | The Bridge in the Jungle | Gales | |
| 1971 | The Brotherhood of Satan | Priest | |
| 1973 | The Daring Dobermans | Steve Crandall | |
| 1974 | So Evil, My Sister | Jerry | |
| 1987 | Death Wish 4: The Crackdown | Editor | |
| 1996 | The Cable Guy | Steven's Lawyer | (final film role) |
Television
[edit] |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Bachelor Father | Steve | 1 episode |
| 1961 | 77 Sunset Strip | Drake Evans | 1 episode |
| 1962 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents | Jerry Lane | Episode: "Bad Actor" (S7.E14) |
| 1961–1962 | Laramie[7] | Bud Williams / Same Moore | 2 episodes |
| 1963 | Stoney Burke | Dennis Mitchner | 1 episode |
| 1963 | Wagon Train | Antone Rose | 1 episode |
| 1963 | Ripcord | Gregor Korvich | 1 episode |
| 1964 | Ben Casey | Edward Bullard | 1 episode |
| 1965 | The Munsters | Alan Benson | 1 episode |
| 1965–1973 | The F.B.I. | (various) | 6 episodes |
| 1967 | Gunsmoke | Amos Cole | Episode: "The Prodigal" (S13.E13) |
| 1968 | The High Chaparral | Warren Bates | 1 episode |
| 1968 | Mannix | Harvey Roanhorse | 1 episode |
| 1968 | My Three Sons | Craig Benson / Mr. Muller | 2 episodes |
| 1970 | The Virginian | John Woods (Sitkonga) | 1 episode |
| 1971 | Adam-12 | Albert Cook / Mark Donin | 2 episodes |
| 1971 | Cade's County | Dick Haskell | 1 episode |
| 1971 | Ironside | Bernie Simmons | 1 episode |
| 1972 | O'Hara, U.S. Treasury | Agent | 1 episode |
| 1972 | Banacek | Arthur Patric McKinney | 1 episode |
| 1972 | The Sixth Sense | Mike Martin | 1 episode |
| 1973 | The Six Million Dollar Man | Prisoner | TV movie |
| 1973 | Barnaby Jones | Gene Merrick | 1 episode |
| 1973 | Griff | Neil Davis | 1 episode |
| 1974 | The Manhunter | Tony | 1 episode |
| 1974–1976 | Emergency! | Alan Benedict / Jack Michaels / Mike Larson | 3 episodes |
| 1975 | Ellery Queen | Lewis Halliday | 1 episode |
| 1975 | Mobile One | 1 episode | |
| 1976 | Cannon | Ernie Buckingham | 1 episode |
| 1977 | The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries | Jim Roper | 1 episode |
| 1977 | Switch | Tom Harris | 1 episode |
| 1979 | Flying High | Anatoli | 1 episode |
| 1982 | Simon & Simon | Anthony Ross | 1 episode |
| 1983 | Quincy, M.E. | Peter Lassiter | 1 episode |
| 1983 | The Paper Chase | 1 episode | |
| 1984 | Airwolf | Carl Zimmer | 1 episode |
| 1985 | Finder of Lost Loves | Salesman | 1 episode |
| 1985 | Scarecrow & Mrs. King | James McNeil | 1 episode |
| 1986 | The Equalizer | Brian | Episode: "Torn" (S1.E17) |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Robinson, Giovanna and Charles Knox (1994). Murder for Rent. Samuel French. ISBN 9780573694295. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- ^ Screenshots of Charles Knox Robinson in "Deadly Is the Night", the November 7, 1961 episode of Laramie
- ^ Charles Knox Robinson's television career at TVIV
- ^ Charles Knox Robinson profile at Adventures in Odyssey
- ^ Lentz, Harris M. III. Obituaries in the Performing Arts {volume 13}, 2006: Film, Television, Radio, Theatre, Dance, Music, Cartoons and Pop Culture. McFarland, 2007 ISBN 078642933X
- ^ Charles Knox Robinson's television career at TVIV
- ^ Screenshots of Charles Knox Robinson in "Deadly Is the Night", the November 7, 1961 episode of Laramie
External links
[edit]- Charles Knox Robinson at British Film Institute
- Charles Knox Robinson at AllMovie
- as Charles Knox Robinson III at AllMovie
- as Charles Robinson at IMDb
- as Charles Robinson at the Internet Broadway Database
- as Charles K. Robinson, Jr. at the Internet Broadway Database
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
Charles Knox Robinson
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Birth and family
Charles Knox Robinson III was born on April 13, 1932, in Orange, New Jersey.[1][2] He was the son of playwright Charles Knox Robinson Jr. and painter Geraldine O'Loughlin.[1][6][7] Robinson's father had a notable career writing plays, including works produced on Broadway, while his mother contributed to the family's artistic milieu as a painter.[6] The household's theatrical background exposed him to performance from a young age, as evidenced by his debut on Broadway at three years old.[5] He spent his early childhood in New Jersey, immersed in an environment that fostered creative interests through his parents' professions in writing and the arts.[1] He had two sisters, Toni Thalenberg and Judith Robinson.[3]Education
Robinson attended the Lawrenceville School, a prestigious preparatory institution in New Jersey, where he completed his secondary education.[3] He subsequently enrolled at Princeton University, majoring in English and engaging deeply in campus extracurriculars, notably serving as president of the Triangle Club, Princeton's oldest student-run theatrical organization, during the 1953-54 season.[3][8] His leadership in the Triangle Club involved overseeing productions such as Malice in Wonderland, providing hands-on experience in writing, directing, and performing that honed his dramatic skills.[8] Robinson graduated from Princeton in 1954, earning honors as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, reflecting his academic excellence in the liberal arts.[3] This rigorous education, combining literary studies with practical theater involvement, equipped him with a versatile foundation in storytelling and performance that underpinned his subsequent career in acting across stage, film, and television.[3]Professional career
Stage work
Following his graduation from Princeton University in 1954 and two years of military service, Charles Knox Robinson transitioned into professional acting, drawing on his early exposure to theater through his family's involvement in the industry. His formal stage debut on Broadway came shortly thereafter, marking the beginning of a brief but notable period in live theater during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Robinson's work during this time emphasized supporting roles in comedic and dramatic productions, honing his skills in character-driven performances before he pivoted toward film and television opportunities.[9] Robinson's first major Broadway credit was in the comedy Tall Story (1959), a production adapted from Howard Nemerov's novel The Homecoming Game by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, which ran for 108 performances at the Belasco Theatre. Although specific role details for Robinson in this show are not extensively documented in production records, his involvement highlighted his emerging presence in New York theater circles, contributing to ensemble dynamics in a story centered on college life and romance.[10][4] He followed this with an appearance in The Pleasure of His Company (1958–1959), a Samuel Taylor comedy that enjoyed a successful run of 474 performances at the Longacre Theatre (later moving to the Music Box Theatre).[11][12] Robinson's final Broadway appearance came in 1960 with The Good Soup, a French farce by Félicien Marceau adapted by Garson Kanin, which opened at the Plymouth Theatre (now the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre) and ran for 21 performances.[13][14] While primarily active on Broadway during this era, Robinson's stage training likely included regional or stock theater experiences, though specific off-Broadway or repertory credits remain sparsely documented. By the early 1960s, after these productions, he increasingly focused on screen work, concluding his concentrated stage phase.[9]Film roles
Charles Knox Robinson made his film debut in an uncredited role as Johnny Masterson in Splendor in the Grass (1961), directed by Elia Kazan, marking his entry into Hollywood following a background in theater. His first credited appearance came shortly thereafter in The Interns (1962), where he portrayed Dr. Dave Simon, one of the idealistic young physicians confronting ethical dilemmas in a bustling hospital setting.[15] During the 1960s, Robinson established himself in supporting roles across war dramas and light comedies, often embodying earnest military figures or everyman characters that added depth to ensemble casts. Key examples include his turn as Stanley in Take Her, She's Mine (1963), a family-oriented comedy starring James Stewart; Nathan Anderson in the Civil War drama Shenandoah (1965), directed by Andrew V. McLaglen; and the antagonistic Marauder in the musical biopic The Singing Nun (1966). His most prominent early role was as Ensign Bordelles in Robert Wise's epic The Sand Pebbles (1966), a naval adventure set in 1920s China, where he supported leads Steve McQueen and Richard Attenborough amid themes of cultural clash and heroism on the Yangtze River gunboat USS San Pablo. Over a career spanning feature films from 1961 to 1996, Robinson accumulated more than 20 credits, predominantly in secondary parts that highlighted his versatile, professional demeanor.[5] His roles evolved from youthful military ensigns in period pieces to more seasoned character actors in contemporary settings, reflecting broader industry shifts toward diverse supporting ensembles. In later works, such as the satirical comedy The Cable Guy (1996) directed by Ben Stiller, he played Steven's Lawyer, contributing to the film's blend of humor and tension with a brief but memorable courtroom presence opposite Jim Carrey. This progression underscored Robinson's adaptability, from high-stakes war narratives to comedic undercurrents in mainstream cinema.Television appearances
Robinson began his television career in the late 1950s, debuting with guest appearances in anthology series such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955–1962) and General Electric Theater (1953–1962), where he played roles like Gregg Foster in the episode "Shadow of a Hero."[16][17] Over the course of four decades, he accumulated more than 40 television credits from the 1960s through 2001, primarily as a character actor in episodic dramas, Westerns, and comedies, demonstrating his adaptability across genres. In the early 1960s, Robinson frequently appeared in popular Western and detective series, including Laramie (1959–1963) as Sam Moore, Wagon Train (1957–1965), 77 Sunset Strip (1958–1964) as Drake Evans, and The Munsters (1964–1966), showcasing his ability to portray both rugged supporting characters and comedic foils.[16] He also guest-starred in medical dramas like Ben Casey (1961–1966) and family-oriented shows such as Bachelor Father (1957–1962) as Steve, often embodying authoritative or everyman figures that added depth to ensemble casts.[17] During the 1970s, Robinson's television work expanded into crime procedurals and action series, with notable guest spots in The Virginian (1962–1971), where he portrayed the dual role of John Wood/Sitkonga in the episode "Gun Quest," as well as The F.B.I. (1965–1974), Barnaby Jones (1973–1980) as Gene Merrick, and Emergency! (1972–1979) in multiple episodes including "The Firehouse Four" as Jack Michaels and "The Girl on the Balance Beam" as Alan Benedict.[18][16] These roles underscored his versatility in high-stakes narratives, from Western showdowns to emergency medical scenarios. In the later stages of his career, Robinson transitioned to voice acting and recurring supporting parts, most prominently as the comedic nemesis Hank Murray in the radio series with TV adaptations of Adventures in Odyssey (1987–present), voicing the character across numerous episodes in the 1980s and 1990s.[4] He continued with live-action guest appearances in prime-time dramas like Quincy, M.E. (1976–1983) as Peter Lassiter, Simon & Simon (1981–1988) as Anthony Ross, and The Bold and the Beautiful (1987–present) as a doctor, maintaining his status as a reliable character actor into the early 2000s.[16]Personal life and death
Marriage and family
Charles Knox Robinson married actress Joan Calistri, whose formal name was Giovanna Calistri, on May 7, 1960, in New York City.[2][19] Calistri, born on November 28, 1928, began her career as a dancer in New York before transitioning to acting, including a Broadway role and appearances in early television and film, such as the 1961 movie Run Across the River.[20][21] The couple, both established performers, shared a professional life intertwined with their acting pursuits, relocating from New York to California in support of film and television opportunities, eventually settling in Palm Springs where Robinson continued stage work.[19][20] They remained married until Calistri's death on January 5, 2001, in Palm Springs from a heart attack.[22][23][20] Records indicate no known children from the marriage.[2]Philanthropy
In the later stages of his career, Charles Knox Robinson shifted significant focus toward philanthropy, channeling his resources and energies into initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable populations. Alongside his wife, Joan Calistri Robinson, he co-founded the Torchlight Project in 1990, a charitable endeavor dedicated to supporting impoverished and abandoned children in foreign countries.[2][4][3] The Torchlight Project's mission centered on aiding, empowering, educating, and enriching the lives of children in underserved regions, providing essential support through targeted aid programs.[4] These efforts included funding educational opportunities and basic necessities for at-risk youth abroad, reflecting Robinson's commitment to social good as his acting roles diminished in frequency during the 1980s and 1990s.[1] While specific metrics on the project's reach are not widely documented, it represented a collaborative partnership with his wife that underscored their shared values of compassion and global outreach.[2] Robinson's philanthropic work through the Torchlight Project marked a meaningful transition from his professional life in the entertainment industry, where he had been a longstanding member of organizations such as the Screen Actors Guild and Actors' Equity Association, to a more dedicated role in humanitarian causes.[1] This initiative, sustained until his later years, highlighted his enduring dedication to fostering hope and opportunity for children facing adversity worldwide.[4]Illness and death
In his later years, Charles Knox Robinson suffered from Parkinson's disease, which progressively impacted his health.[2][5] Robinson passed away on July 22, 2006, at his home in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 74, due to complications from Parkinson's disease.[1][2] This followed the death of his wife, Joan Calistri, in 2001, after 41 years of marriage. He was survived by his sisters, Toni Thalenberg and Judith Robinson.[2][5][1] He was buried at Ocean View Cemetery in Oakwood, Richmond County, New York.[2] Despite his declining health, Robinson continued his philanthropic work with the Torchlight Project, which he had co-founded with his wife to support impoverished children abroad, underscoring his enduring commitment to humanitarian causes.[1][2]Filmography
Film
Robinson's film career spanned from 1961 to 1996, with appearances in numerous feature films, often in supporting roles.[5] 1961- Splendor in the Grass - Bud's brother (uncredited)[5]
- The Interns - Dr. Dave Simon[16]
- Take Her, She's Mine - Lance[5]
- Dear Brigitte - George[16]
- Shenandoah - Nathan Anderson[5]
- The Singing Nun - Marauder[5]
- The Sand Pebbles - Ensign Bordelles[5]
- For Singles Only - Jim Allen[16]
- A Time to Sing - Shifty Barker[16]
- Triangle - Todd Pearson[5]
- The Brotherhood of Satan - Fisher[24]
- The Daring Dobermans - Uncredited role[25]
- So Evil My Sister - Jerry[26]
- Man on the Outside - Mr. Arnold[25]
- Death Wish 4: The Crackdown - Editor[16]
- The Cable Guy - Steven's Lawyer (as Charles Knox Robinson III)[5]
Television
Robinson's television career began in the late 1950s with guest appearances in anthology and western series, evolving into over 40 credits across drama, crime procedurals, and family-oriented programs through 2001. His roles ranged from one-off guest spots to recurring voice work, often portraying authority figures, supporting characters, or comedic foils.[27] The following table provides a chronological inventory of select television appearances, highlighting key examples from his extensive small-screen work.| Year | Show | Episode/Season Details | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Bachelor Father | Season 1 (specific episode unspecified) | Guest |
| 1959 | Laramie | Season 1 (specific episode unspecified) | Guest |
| 1962 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents | Season 7, Episode 14 ("Bad Actor") | Jerry Lane |
| 1964 | The Munsters | Season 1, Episode 5 ("Munster Masquerade") | Alan Benson |
| 1967 | Mannix | Season 1 (specific episode unspecified) | Guest |
| 1967 | Ironside | Season 1 (specific episode unspecified) | Guest |
| 1970 | The F.B.I. | Season 5, Episode 20 ("Deadly Reunion") | Henry Robinson |
| 1970 | The Virginian | Season 8, Episode 20 ("No War for the Warrior") | John Wood / Sitkonga |
| 1971 | Adam-12 | Season 3, Episode 25 (unspecified title) | Guest |
| 1971 | Cannon | Season 1, Episode 13 (unspecified title) | Guest |
| 1972 | Emergency! | Season 1 (specific episode unspecified) | Guest |
| 1973 | The Six Million Dollar Man | Season 1, Episode 1 ("The Solid Gold Kidnapping") | Prisoner |
| 1975 | Ellery Queen | Season 1, Episode 1 ("The Adventure of Auld Lang Syne") | Lewis Halliday |
| 1976 | Francis Gary Powers: The True Story of the U-2 Spy Incident | TV movie | Wheatley |
| 1981 | Simon & Simon | Season 1 (specific episode unspecified) | Guest |
| 1985 | The Equalizer | Season 1 (specific episode unspecified) | Guest |
| 1987 | The Bold and the Beautiful | Season 1 (specific episode unspecified) | Doctor (as Charles Knox Robinson) |
| 1987–2006 | Adventures in Odyssey | Multiple episodes (radio drama series) | Hank Murray (recurring voice role); additional voices (e.g., Nagle, Nathan Hale) |