Actor Robert Logan died on May 6th according to an announcement from his family which was delayed for the preparation of the official obituary.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Robert Francis Logan Jr., born in Brooklyn on May 29, 1941, was the first of eight children. He was the son of bank executive Francis Logan and Catherine Quigley.
Logan's early years were marked by talent and potential, leading him to the University of Arizona on a baseball scholarship where he was discovered by a Warner Bros. talent scout.
Logan’s career breakthrough came in the popular ABC detective series "77 Sunset Strip." Portraying J.R. Hale, Logan appeared in 50 episodes during the show's fourth and fifth seasons, stepping in as the new valet driver after Edd Byrnes’ character, Kookie. The series carved a notable place for him in television history, creating a legacy that many fans remember fondly.
Although "77 Sunset Strip" was ultimately canceled, Logan continued to find roles on television. He had appearances on "Dr. Kildare" and "Mr. Novak," showcasing his versatility as an actor across different genres.
His continued success saw him reuniting with Byrnes in the 1965 musical comedy "Beach Ball," a film that emphasized Logan’s dynamic range in the entertainment industry.
Logan’s versatility again shone through when he co-starred with Fess Parker on NBC’s "Daniel Boone," taking on the character Jericho Jones. This role further cemented his place in the hearts of television audiences.
His most significant film role came in 1975 with "The Adventures of the Wilderness Family," where he played Skip Robinson. This film was a commercial success, grossing $28.8 million, and led to two sequels, "The Further Adventures of the Wilderness Family" (1978) and "Mountain Family Robinson" (1979).
Logan continued to act in various roles until his last major appearance in the 1986 film "A Night in Heaven," portraying a rocket engineer and estranged husband.
Logan passed away due to natural causes in Estero, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, a brother, a niece, and a nephew by marriage. These family tragedies marked his later years.
He is survived by his wife of nearly four decades, Alina; his daughter, Courtney Worthington; his son, Anthony; his daughter-in-law, Hayley; and his granddaughters, Elsa, Ingrid, and Alma. His remaining siblings, Logan “Patty” Lahey, Theresa Bertram, Janet Haines, and Timothy Logan, also survive him, alongside numerous nieces and nephews.
Reflecting on his father's life, Anthony Francis Logan noted, “He was just an amazing person. … He was a really fantastic, hands-on adventurous father really similar to Skip Robinson in the movies.” The family held off announcing his passing until the completion of his obituary, a testament to their need for privacy and respect.
Robert Logan is interred at Cedar Grove Cemetery on the University of Notre Dame’s campus. His passing marks the end of a cherished legacy, leaving behind a significant impact on both television and film.
In his varied roles—from a valet driver on a popular detective show to a beloved family man in adventure films—Logan displayed a unique talent that resonated with many. His contributions to the entertainment industry remain memorable and influential.
Logan's passing is mourned by his family and fans, who remember him not just for his on-screen roles but for his adventurous spirit and loving nature. “We are so lucky to have experienced that and so blessed to know him,” his son reflected.
The legacy of Robert Logan remains through his influential roles and the family he cherished. His career serves as a testament to his talent and dedication.
