Chuck Roberson

Biography

Charles Hugh Roberson (May 10, 1919 – June 8, 1988) was a notable American actor and stuntman, renowned for his contributions to the film industry. Born in the vicinity of Shannon, Texas, to farmers Ollie W. Roberson and Jannie Hamm Roberson, Chuck grew up on cattle ranches in both Texas and Roswell, New Mexico. Leaving school at the tender age of 13, he embarked on a career as a cowhand and oilfield roughneck.

After relocating to California with his wife and daughter, Roberson joined the Culver City Police Department, where he initially worked as a gatekeeper at MGM Studios. His life took a turn after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, after which he returned to his police duties. It was during a labor strike at Warner Bros. that he met experienced stuntman Guy Teague, who introduced him to opportunities in stunt work at Republic Pictures.

Roberson's first role came in the 1947 film Wyoming, where he doubled for John Carroll and performed stunts. He quickly progressed, landing supporting roles in Westerns alongside legendary figures like John Wayne and John Ford, while also establishing himself as a second-unit director.

His television credits include appearances in popular series such as The Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke, and Bonanza, as well as Disney's The Swamp Fox. In 1980, he published his autobiography, The Fall Guy: 30 Years as the Duke's Double. Roberson passed away from cancer on June 8, 1988, in Bakersfield, California, and was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood Hills. He was also involved in breeding and training racehorses, working alongside fellow stuntman Wayne Burson.