Dale Robertson
Biography
Dayle Lymoine Robertson was an iconic American actor renowned for his prominent roles in television, particularly in Western genres. He gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Jim Hardie, a roving investigator, in the beloved series *Tales of Wells Fargo*, which originally aired on NBC from 1957 to 1961 before moving to ABC for its final season. Robertson's character was often depicted as a thoughtful and humble Western hero, a unique twist in the genre. Additionally, he took on the role of Ben Calhoun in ABC’s *The Iron Horse*, which showcased his versatility as an actor.
Over the span of his career, Robertson appeared in over sixty Western films and television shows, solidifying his status in Hollywood. Notably, he served as the host of the syndicated anthology series *Death Valley Days* from 1968 to 1970. His narration on *Tales of Wells Fargo* included personal insights on law, morality, and common sense, making him a distinctive voice among his peers. Despite his action-oriented roles, Robertson expressed disdain for the gun he had to carry, viewing it as merely a "tool of the trade."
In addition to his series work, Robertson made guest appearances on shows like *The Ford Show* in 1960 and *The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show* in 1962. He continued to contribute to the Western genre with roles such as the lead in A.C. Lyles' *Law of the Lawless* in 1963, following the conclusion of *Tales of Wells Fargo*.
Filmography
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Coast of Skeletons
1965 • A.J. Magnus
A Day of Fury
1956 • Jagade
Blood on the Arrow
1964 • Wade Cooper
City of Bad Men
1953 • Brett Stanton
Rambling Rose
1991
The Gambler from Natchez
1954 • Vance Colby
Sitting Bull
1954 • Bob Parrish
Two Flags West
1950 • Lem
The Devil's Hand
2014
The Cariboo Trail
1950 • Will Gray
Law of the Lawless
1964 • Judge Clem Rogers
Call Me Mister
1951 • Capt. Johnny Comstock
Son of Sinbad
1955 • Sinbad
Golden Girl
1951 • Tom Richmond
O. Henry's Full House
1952 • Barney Woods (segment "The Clarion Call")
Fighting Man of the Plains
1949
Take Care of My Little Girl
1951 • Joe Blake