Robert Tessier, a multifaceted individual of Algonquian Indian descent, was born on June 2, 1934, in Lowell, Massachusetts. He would go on to carve a niche for himself as a formidable actor and stuntman, specializing in portraying menacing villains throughout American cinema during the 1970s and 1980s.
Prior to his acting career, Tessier had served his country with distinction, having seen action in Korea as a paratrooper during his time in the United States Armed Forces. He was awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart for his bravery, and his experiences would later influence his performances on screen.
In addition to his military service, Tessier was an accomplished motorcycle rider and circus stunt performer, showcasing his versatility and flair for the dramatic.
Tessier's breakthrough in the film industry came at the age of 33, with a role in the low-budget Tom Laughlin biker movie, The Born Losers (1967). He went on to appear in numerous films, often playing gang leaders, bikers, and other menacing characters. He shared the screen with the likes of Burt Reynolds on three occasions, in The Longest Yard (1974),Hooper (1978),and The Cannonball Run (1981).
In addition to his film work, Tessier was a prolific television actor, appearing in popular series such as Starsky and Hutch (1975),Magnum, P.I. (1980),The Fall Guy (1981),and The A-Team (1983).
One of Tessier's most iconic roles was that of Jim Henry, a grinning, head-butting street fighter, in the Charles Bronson film, Hard Times (1975). The character has since become an enduring part of film history.
Tessier was also a co-founder of the stunt troupe "Stunts Unlimited," alongside fellow notable stunt performers Hal Needham, Glenn R. Wilder, and Ronnie Rondell Jr.
Sadly, Robert Tessier's life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 56 due to cancer on October 11, 1990.
