Robert Urich was born into a family of Slovak and Rusyn descent, raised Catholic in Toronto, Ohio, alongside his three siblings. His parents, John P. Urich and Cecelia (née Halpate) Urich, instilled in him a strong sense of values and morals, which would shape his future endeavors.
Robert's athletic prowess earned him a four-year football scholarship to Florida State University (FSU),where he excelled in his studies and developed a passion for radio and television communications. He went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Radio and Television Communications from FSU in 1968 and his Master's degree in Broadcast Research and Management from Michigan State University in 1971.
After completing his education, Robert joined WGN radio in Chicago as a sales account representative, before transitioning to television as a weatherman. However, it was during this time that he realized his true calling was acting.
Robert's big break came in 1972 when he landed a role in the stage production of "The Rainmaker" alongside Burt Reynolds, another FSU alumnus. Reynolds, who had taken Robert under his wing, introduced him to producer Aaron Spelling, who would later cast him in the TV series S.W.A.T. (1975).
Although S.W.A.T. was cancelled after one season, Spelling remained a mentor to Robert, casting him in Vega$ (1978),a series that would run for several years. Robert's success in Vega$ led to further roles in TV series and films, cementing his status as a talented actor.
In the late 1990s, Robert was diagnosed with cancer, which forced the cancellation of his TV series, The Lazarus Man (1996). However, after undergoing treatment, his cancer went into remission, and he resumed his acting career with a role in Love Boat: The Next Wave (1998).
Tragically, Robert's cancer would eventually claim his life on April 16, 2002, at the age of 55. He left behind a loving wife, children, siblings, and a large extended family, who remembered him for his kindness, generosity, and dedication to his craft.
