Robert Webber, a seasoned character actor with a remarkable 40-year career in Hollywood, defied convention by consistently taking on a diverse range of roles, refusing to be pigeonholed into a specific type of character. Throughout his illustrious career, he demonstrated his versatility by occasionally landing leading roles, as evident in the 1965 film Hysteria.
Webber's journey in the entertainment industry began with small stage productions and a few Broadway plays, before he secured his breakthrough role as Juror 12 in the iconic 1957 film 12 Angry Men. He also made a name for himself in numerous war films, showcasing his range by playing the role of Lee Marvin's general in The Dirty Dozen (1967) and real-life Admiral Frank J. Fletcher in Midway (1976).
Webber's impressive filmography also includes notable roles in The Great White Hope (1970),Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978),10 (1979),Private Benjamin (1980),Wild Geese II (1985),and Nuts (1987),in which he co-starred alongside Richard Dreyfuss and Barbra Streisand as prosecutor Francis McMillian.
Tragically, Robert Webber's life was cut short when he succumbed to Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 1989, just a year after completing the 1988 TV production Something Is Out There. His passing left a lasting impact on the film industry, and he will always be remembered for his remarkable body of work. Interestingly, Webber bore a striking resemblance to character actor Kevin McCarthy, making him a standout figure in the world of Hollywood.
