Let me tell you about Robert Urich, a man who carried the heart of Ohio steel town grit. Born in the small town of Toronto, Ohio, Robert never strayed far from the lessons he learned there. As he told the Los Angeles Times, "I think the reason I've had such a long career has a lot to do with where I come from and how I was raised—to work hard and respect others." This philosophy guided him through his journey in the entertainment world, shining brightly in popular TV series like Vega$ and Spenser: For Hire.
It’s been nearly two decades since Robert's untimely passing at the age of 55. His son, Dr. Ryan Urich, fondly recalls his father's relentless work ethic. "The guy was the epitome of professionalism," Ryan shares with Closer Weekly. "He simply wanted to keep going because acting was his passion. For him, it wasn't work—it was a calling." Robert's dedication to his craft was evident in every role he took on, and it left a lasting impression on those who worked with him.
From Football Fields to Acting Stages
Robert's journey took a pivotal turn when he left Ohio after earning a football scholarship to Florida State University. Unfortunately, an injury cut short his football career, but this setback didn't stop him. He transitioned into modeling and acting, finding his big break when his FSU alumnus, Burt Reynolds, cast him in a 1972 stage production. "Robert was an athlete, artist, a wonderful friend, and one of those rare people who never said anything unkind about anybody," Burt said, as noted in the L.A. Times. "His professionalism was second to none."
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A Can-Do Attitude
Robert's positive attitude made him a favorite among producers, landing him in a diverse array of projects, from sitcoms like Soap to action-packed shows like S.W.A.T. and classic Westerns like Lonesome Dove. Some projects lasted longer than others, but Robert cherished them all equally. "He wasn't the type to dwell on the negatives," Ryan explains. "If a show didn't work out, well, it still aired, he got paid, and he got to collaborate with amazing people. It was just another step forward."
A Resilient Spirit in Love and Life
Robert's resilience was evident in his personal life as well. After his first marriage to actress Barbara Rucker ended in divorce in 1974, he quickly found love again with Heather Menzies, known for her role as Louisa in The Sound of Music. Their marriage lasted until Robert's passing. "Part of why their relationship worked is that they weren't typical Hollywood types," Ryan says. "They didn't indulge in the glitz and glamour, they genuinely understood each other. Their idea of a perfect day was anything, as long as they were together."
A Family Built on Love and Adoption
After facing multiple miscarriages, Robert and Heather chose to adopt three children: Ryan, now 40, and his sisters Emily, 39, and Allison, 21. "He was incredibly laid-back and always eager to communicate," Ryan recalls. "Even when I got into trouble at school, he would lie down on the floor, knees bent, and say, 'So what's really going on?' He just wanted to understand and connect with me."
