Robert Keith
Biography
Robert Keith (February 10, 1898 – December 22, 1966) was a prominent American actor known for his extensive work on stage and in film, particularly during the 1950s when he became a recognizable character actor.
Keith gained acclaim for his portrayal of a weak and indecisive father in the gripping drama Fourteen Hours (1951). He showcased his versatility in the musical Guys and Dolls (1955) as a hardened police officer and captured audiences in The Wild One (1953), where he played the ineffective sheriff and father to Marlon Brando's love interest.
His talent extended beyond film; Keith starred in Douglas Sirk's acclaimed melodrama Written on the Wind, further solidifying his presence in Hollywood. On the small screen, he took on memorable roles, including that of Richard Kimble's father in the classic series The Fugitive. He also appeared in notable episodes of iconic shows, such as "Ten O'Clock Tiger" in Alfred Hitchcock Presents and "The Masks" in The Twilight Zone, showcasing his ability to adapt to various genres.
Throughout his career, Robert Keith left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, remembered for his compelling performances and diverse roles.
Filmography
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Boomerang!
1947 • 'Mac' McCreery
Branded
1950 • T. Jefferson Leffingwell
The Rodeo Thief
2021
Drum Beat
1954 • Bill Satterwhite
Posse from Hell
1961 • Captain Jeremiah Brown
Love Me or Leave Me
1955 • Bernard V. Loomis
Buckskin (2021)
2021
Object of Obsession
1994
Written on the Wind
1956 • Jasper Hadley
Edge of Doom
1950 • Mandel
Operation Overlord
2021
The Reformer and the Redhead
1950 • Tim Harveigh
Men in War
1957 • The Colonel
Small Town Girl
1953 • Judge Gordon Kimbell
Ransom!
1956 • Police Chief Jim Backett
My Foolish Heart
1950 • Henry Winters
Meteor (2021)
2021
Underwater!
1955 • Father Cannon
The Wild One
1953 • Sheriff Harry Bleeker
Woman on the Run
1950 • Inspector Martin Ferris
My Man Godfrey (1957)
1957 • Alexander Bullock
Here Comes the Groom
1951 • George Degnan