Dale Robertson was one of the most recognizable faces of classic American Western television. Known for his rugged charm, calm masculinity, and authentic cowboy persona, he became a household name during the golden age of Hollywood Westerns. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Robertson built not only a successful acting legacy but also a life rooted in family values, discipline, and independence.
This article explores Dale Robertson’s age, net worth, family background, father, siblings, marriages, relationship with Susan Dee Robbins, children, and key Wikipedia facts, offering a complete and reliable biography for readers and fans.
Early Life and Age of Dale Robertson
Dale Robertson was born Dayle Lymoine Robertson on July 14, 1923, in Harrah, Oklahoma, United States. Raised in rural Oklahoma, he grew up surrounded by farmland, horses, and a strong sense of self-reliance. This environment played a major role in shaping the tough yet grounded personality that later defined his screen roles.
He passed away on February 27, 2013, at the age of 89, in La Jolla, California. Even in his later years, Robertson remained admired for his dignity, privacy, and unwavering connection to his roots.
Wikipedia Overview and Career Highlights
According to publicly available biographical sources such as Wikipedia, Dale Robertson began his journey to stardom after serving in the United States Army during World War II. He was highly decorated for bravery, earning the Silver Star and Bronze Star, an achievement that added to his real-life hero image.
After the war, he entered Hollywood in the late 1940s. Unlike many actors of his time, Robertson did not rely heavily on acting schools. Instead, his natural presence, athletic build, and authentic demeanor helped him stand out.
Major Career Achievements
- Star of “Tales of Wells Fargo” (1957–1962)
- Lead role in “The Iron Horse” (1966–1968)
- Longtime host of “Death Valley Days”
- Appeared in numerous Western and action films from the 1950s–1970s
He was especially respected for portraying strong but honorable men—lawmen, ranchers, and soldiers—without excessive dramatics.
Dale Robertson’s Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2013, Dale Robertson’s estimated net worth was approximately $5 million.
Sources of His Wealth
- Long-running television contracts
- Film appearances during Hollywood’s studio era
- Hosting duties on popular TV series
- Ranch ownership and horse breeding
- Real estate investments
Unlike many celebrities, Robertson lived a relatively modest life. He invested wisely and avoided excessive Hollywood lifestyles, which helped preserve his wealth over decades.
Father, Family Background, and Upbringing
Information about Dale Robertson’s father and mother remains limited, as he was a notably private individual. What is known is that he was raised in a working-class American family in Oklahoma, where discipline, honesty, and hard work were essential values.
His upbringing instilled:
- Strong moral discipline
- Respect for authority and service
- A lifelong love for animals, especially horses
These values remained central to his life, even after fame.
Brothers and Sisters (Siblings)
Dale Robertson is believed to have had at least one brother, often identified in secondary sources as Chet Robertson. However, detailed public records about his siblings are scarce.
Robertson intentionally kept his family life away from public attention, focusing media exposure strictly on his professional career.
Relationships and Marital Life
Dale Robertson’s personal life included four marriages, reflecting both the challenges and commitments of a long life lived partly in the public eye.
First Marriage: Frederica Jacqueline Wilson
- Married: 1951
- Divorced: 1956
- Children: One daughter
This marriage occurred during the early rise of his Hollywood career.
Second Marriage: Mary Murphy
- Married and annulled in 1956
- No children
- Short-lived union
Third Marriage: Lula Mae Maxey
- Married: 1959
- Divorced: 1977
- Children: Two daughters
This was one of his longest marriages and coincided with the height of his television success.
Dale Robertson and Susan Dee Robbins: Marriage and Life Together
Dale Robertson married Susan Dee Robbins on February 2, 1980. This marriage lasted over three decades, until his death in 2013, making it the most stable and enduring relationship of his life.
Who Is Susan Dee Robbins?
Susan Dee Robbins worked as a flight attendant before marrying Robertson. Unlike his earlier relationships, this marriage was marked by privacy, mutual respect, and companionship rather than public attention.
Their Life Together
- Lived primarily on a ranch in Oklahoma
- Shared a deep love for horses and rural living
- Avoided Hollywood social scenes
- Focused on family, animals, and peaceful living
Susan Dee Robbins stood by Robertson during his retirement and final years, providing care and companionship away from the spotlight.
Children of Dale Robertson
Dale Robertson was the father of three daughters, all from his earlier marriages.
Known Children
- Rochelle Robertson – Daughter from his first marriage
- Rebel Lee Robertson – Daughter from a later relationship
- One additional daughter from his third marriage (name kept private)
He did not have children with Susan Dee Robbins, but she was a stepmother figure to his daughters.
Robertson was known to be a devoted father who valued privacy and family stability above publicity.
Personal Values and Life Outside Hollywood
Beyond acting, Dale Robertson was deeply involved in:
- Horse breeding
- Ranch management
- Veteran affairs
- Conservative, private living
He famously declined roles that conflicted with his moral beliefs and once turned down the lead role in Bonanza because he did not want to wear a toupee—an example of his strong personal principles.
Death and Legacy
Dale Robertson passed away peacefully in 2013. His death marked the end of an era for classic Western television. Fans remember him as:
- A genuine cowboy figure
- A decorated war veteran
- A disciplined actor with integrity
- A family-oriented man
His work continues to be watched through reruns and classic TV platforms, keeping his legacy alive.
Final Thoughts
Dale Robertson’s life story is more than a Hollywood biography—it is a reflection of discipline, service, family, and authenticity. From his Oklahoma roots to international television fame, he remained grounded in values that many admire even today.
This detailed biography has been carefully written for readers of angliatimes, aiming to provide trustworthy, well-structured, and engaging content for fans and researchers alike.
