Robert Urich

Synopsis

American actor Robert Urich is best known for his iconic role as Dan Tanna in the television series Vega$. Throughout his career, Urich appeared in numerous films and television series, notably guest-starring on Saturday Night Live and starring alongside Clint Eastwood in Magnum Force. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 55 due to a rare form of cancer known as synovial cell sarcoma. In honor of his legacy, Urich and his wife established a cancer center in Michigan. The couple was also devoted parents to three adopted children.

Profile: Robert Urich

Born: December 19, 1946, Toronto, Ohio

Occupation: Actor, Producer

Robert Urich was an accomplished actor and producer whose career spanned several decades in film and television. He received a four-year football scholarship to Florida State University, where he majored in communications. He later earned a master’s degree in broadcast research and management from Michigan State University. Although he initially worked as an account executive at Chicago’s WGN radio in the early 1970s, his passion for acting led him to pursue opportunities in theater and television.

Urich’s breakthrough came when he was cast as Burt Reynolds’ younger brother in the play The Rainmaker, which prompted Reynolds to encourage him to move to Hollywood. He made his television debut in the 1973 comedy series Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, but it was his role as Officer Jim Street in ABC’s 1975 cop series S.W.A.T. that garnered significant attention from audiences.

In 1976, Urich showcased his versatility by playing Peter Campbell in the groundbreaking comedy Soap, followed by his iconic role as detective Dan Tanna in the series Vega$, which solidified his status as a household name.

The 1980s saw Urich appear in a variety of films, including the cult sci-fi comedy The Ice Pirates alongside Anjelica Huston and Turk 182 with Timothy Hutton. He then returned to television as the lead investigator in Spenser: For Hire, which aired from 1985 to 1988.

In 1996, Urich faced a significant personal challenge when he was diagnosed with synovial cell sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. This diagnosis led to the cancellation of his TNT Western series The Lazarus Man after just one season. However, Urich’s resilience shone through as he made a successful return to television, hosting the medical reality series Vital Signs on ABC in 1997. He continued to work in television, taking on a lead role in a short-lived revival of The Love Boat and appearing in the NBC sitcom Emeril in 2001, along with various made-for-TV movies.

Urich’s battle with cancer came to a tragic end when he passed away on April 16, 2002, at the age of 55.

He was first married to Barbara Rucker from 1968 to 1974. In 1974, he married Heather Menzies, with whom he had three children: Ryan (born 1979), Emily (born 1980), and Alison (born 1998). Robert Urich is remembered not only for his contributions to the entertainment industry but also for his courage in facing life’s challenges.