American stuntman and actor, son of Allie W. and Jannie Hamm Roberson, was born into a life of rugged individualism. Raised on cattle ranches in Shannon, Texas, and Roswell, New Mexico, he developed a strong work ethic from a young age. Dropping out of school at 13, he began his career as a cowhand and oilfield roughneck, working tirelessly to provide for his family.
Eventually, he married and brought his wife and daughter to California, where he joined the Culver City Police Department and guarded the gates of MGM studios. His military service in World War II further honed his skills, and upon his return, he resumed his duties as a police officer.
It was during his time at Warner Bros. studios, where he was stationed during a labor strike, that he met stuntman Fred Kennedy, who introduced him to the world of stunts. Roberson's exceptional horseback riding skills and uncanny resemblance to John Carroll led to his first stunt job at Republic Pictures, where he doubled for Carroll in the 1947 film Wyoming.
His striking physical resemblance to John Wayne would go on to earn him nearly 30 years as Wayne's trusted stunt double. Often, he would play small roles and perform stunts in the same film, only to be "killed off" once the final cut was made. As his career progressed, he graduated to larger supporting roles in westerns alongside Wayne and John Ford, while also establishing himself as a second-unit director.
Throughout his illustrious career, Roberson earned the respect of his peers and became one of the most respected stuntmen in Hollywood, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of stunt performers.
