Born: July 26, 1922 – Died: December 26, 2000
Jason Nelson Robards Jr., a powerful and highly respected American actor, captivated audiences with his remarkable performances throughout his career. Born on July 26, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of Hope Maxine and the renowned stage and film star Jason Robards Sr. Robards had a diverse heritage, with Swedish, English, Welsh, German, and Irish ancestry. Raised mostly in Los Angeles, he demonstrated his talent not only in acting but also in sports as a star athlete at Hollywood High School. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Robards pursued his passion for acting, attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He achieved great fame and acclaim for his stage performances in productions like Eugene O'Neill's "The Iceman Cometh" and "Long Day's Journey Into Night." Robards also made notable contributions to the film industry, winning consecutive Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayals of real-life individuals. Despite his exceptional talent and success, Jason Robards Jr. passed away from lung cancer on December 26, 2000, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
Jason Robards Jr.'s childhood and upbringing were marked by a strong artistic influence from his father, Jason Robards Sr. His exposure to the world of theater and film at a young age played a significant role in shaping his passion for acting. After completing his military service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Robards dedicated himself to honing his craft at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Robards made his professional stage debut in the 1948 production of "The Big Knife" by Clifford Odets. However, it wasn't until his breakthrough role as Hickey in Eugene O'Neill's "The Iceman Cometh" on the New York stage that he gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim. This role showcased his immense talent and marked a turning point in his career.
Another milestone in Robards' career came with his portrayal of the alcoholic Jamie Tyrone in O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey Into Night" on Broadway. This performance solidified his reputation as a masterful interpreter of O'Neill's work and garnered him further acclaim.
Robards ventured into the world of film and quickly rose to prominence. He won consecutive Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his outstanding portrayals of real-life individuals. The first was for his role as journalist Benjamin C. Bradlee in "All the President's Men" (1976), which chronicled the Watergate scandal. This achievement was followed by his second Oscar win for his portrayal of Earl Partridge in "Magnolia" (1999).
Beyond his acting career, Robards maintained a private personal life. He was married four times and had six children. He had a son with his first wife, Eleanor Pittman, and three sons with second wife Rachel Taylor. His third marriage was to actors Lauren Bacall, with whom he had his son Sam, who also became an actor. Robards' final marriage was to Lois O'Connor.
Robards's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. Known for his intense and commanding presence on screen and stage, he left an indelible mark with his impeccable performances. Robards is regarded as a true icon and legend, having received numerous accolades throughout his career, including two Oscars and a Tony Award. He has been recognized for his contributions to American theater, his mastery of complex and emotionally challenging roles, and his dedication to his craft.
Robards' focus remained on his work and the integrity of his performances. His commitment to his characters and the depth he brought to every role cemented his status as one of the most respected actors in the industry.
In addition to his acting prowess, Robards had a passion for sailing and was known for his love of the sea. He was also involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting various charitable organizations throughout his life.
Ultimately, Jason Robards Jr.'s legacy lies in his extraordinary talent, his profound impact on the world of acting, and his enduring contributions to the arts. He will always be remembered as one of the most gifted actors of his generation, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood and the entertainment industry as a whole.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Going Home (TV Movie) | Charles Barton |
| 1999 | Magnolia | Earl Partridge |
| 1999 | Aimee Mann: Save Me (Music Video) | Earl Partridge |
| 1998 | Enemy of the State | Congressman Phillip Hammersley (uncredited) |
| 1998 | Beloved | Mr. Bodwin |
| 1998 | The Real Macaw | Grandpa Girdis |
| 1998 | Heartwood | Logan Reeser |
| 1991–1997 | American Experience (TV Series) | Narrator |
| 1997 | A Thousand Acres | Larry Cook |
| 1995 | Journey (TV Movie) | Marcus |
| 1995 | Crimson Tide | Rear Admiral Anderson, Board of Inquiry President (uncredited) |
| 1995 | My Antonia (TV Movie) | Josea Burden |
| 1994 | The Enemy Within (TV Movie) | General R. Pendleton Lloyd |
| 1994 | Little Big League | Thomas Heywood |
| 1994 | The Paper | Graham Keighley |
| 1993 | The Roots of Roe (TV Movie) | Anthony Comstock (voice) |
| 1993 | Philadelphia | Charles Wheeler |
| 1993 | Heidi (TV Mini Series) | Grandfather |
| 1993 | The Trial | Doctor Huld |
| 1993 | The Adventures of Huck Finn | The King |
| 1992 | Deceptions | Clay (voice) |
| 1992 | Lincoln (TV Movie) | President Abraham Lincoln (voice) |
| 1992 | Storyville | Clifford Fowler |
| 1991 | Mark Twain and Me (TV Movie) | Mark Twain |
| 1991 | American Masters (TV Series) | Narrator |
| 1991 | An Inconvenient Woman (TV Mini Series) | Jules Mendelson |
| 1991 | Chernobyl: The Final Warning (TV Movie) | Dr. Armand Hammer |
| 1991 | The Perfect Tribute (TV Movie) | President Abraham Lincoln |
| 1990 | The Civil War (TV Mini Series) | Ulysses S. Grant (voice) |
| 1990 | Quick Change | Chief Rotzinger |
| 1989 | Black Rainbow | Walter Travis |
| 1989 | Parenthood | Frank Buckman |
| 1989 | Reunion | Henry Strauss |
| 1989 | Dream a Little Dream | Coleman Ettinger |
| 1988 | The Christmas Wife (TV Movie) | John Tanner |
| 1988 | The Good Mother | W. O. Muth |
| 1988 | Bright Lights, Big City | Drunken Writer - Mr. Hardy (uncredited) |
| 1988 | Inherit the Wind (TV Movie) | Henry Drummond |
| 1987 | Breaking Home Ties (TV Movie) | Lloyd |
| 1987 | Laguna Heat (TV Movie) | Wade Shephard |
| 1987 | Square Dance | Dillard |
| 1986 | The Last Frontier (TV Movie) | Ed Stenning |
| 1986 | Johnny Bull (TV Movie) | Stephan Kovacs |
| 1985 | The Long Hot Summer (TV Mini Series) | Will Varner |
| 1985 | The Atlanta Child Murders (TV Mini Series) | Alvin Binder |
| 1984 | Great Performances (TV Series) | Grandpa Martin Vanderhof |
| 1984 | Sakharov (TV Movie) | Andrei Sakharov |
| 1984 | American Playhouse (TV Series) | Erie Smith |
| 1983 | The Day After (TV Movie) | Dr. Russell Oakes |
| 1983 | Something Wicked This Way Comes | Charles Halloway |
| 1983 | Max Dugan Returns | Max Dugan |
| 1981 | Broadway on Showtime (TV Series) | Erie Smith |
| 1981 | The Legend of the Lone Ranger | President Grant |
| 1980 | Melvin and Howard | Howard Hughes |
| 1980 | Raise the Titanic | Admr. James Sandecker |
| 1980 | Haywire (TV Movie) | Leland Hayward |
| 1980 | F.D.R.: The Last Year (TV Movie) | President Franklin D. Roosevelt |
| 1980 | Cabo Blanco | Gunther Beckdorff |
| 1979 | Hurricane | Capt. Charles Bruckner |
| 1978 | A Christmas to Remember (TV Movie) | Daniel Larson |
| 1978 | Comes a Horseman | Ewing |
| 1977 | Julia | Hammett |
| 1977 | Washington: Behind Closed Doors (TV Mini Series) | President Richard Monckton |
| 1976 | The Spy Who Never Was | Inspector Barkan |
| 1976 | All The President's Men | Ben Bradlee |
| 1976 | Addie and the King of Hearts (TV Movie) | Jamie Mills |
| 1975 | Mr. Sycamore | John Gwilt |
| 1975 | A Moon for the Misbegotten (TV Movie) | James Tyrone Jr. |
| 1975 | The Easter Promise (TV Movie) | Jamie |
| 1975 | A Boy and His Dog | Lou Craddock |
| 1974 | The Country Girl (TV Movie) | Frank Elgin |
| 1973 | The Thanksgiving Treasure (TV Movie) | James Mills |
| 1973 | Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid | Governor Wallace |
| 1973 | Old Faithful (TV Movie) | Jason Robards |
| 1972 | The House Without a Christmas Tree (TV Movie) | Jamie Mills |
| 1972 | Circle of Fear (TV Series) | Elliot Brent |
| 1972 | The War Between Men and Women | Stephen Kozlenko |
| 1971 | Murders in the Rue Morgue | Cesar Charron |
| 1971 | Johnny Got His Gun | Joe's Father |
| 1971 | Jud | Unknown |
| 1970 | Fools | Matthew South |
| 1970 | Tora! Tora! Tora! | General Walter C. Short |
| 1970 | The Ballad of Cable Hogue | Cable Hogue |
| 1970 | Rosolino Paternò, soldato... | Sam Armstrong |
| 1970 | Julius Caesar | Brutus |
| 1969 | Spoon River (TV Movie) | Reader |
| 1968 | The Night They Raided Minsky's | Raymond Paine |
| 1968 | Once Upon a Time in the West | Manuel 'Cheyenne' Gutiérrez |
| 1968 | Isadora | Singer |
| 1967 | The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (TV Movie) | Dr. Henry Jekyll | Mr. Edward Hyde |
| 1967 | Hour of the Gun | Doc Holliday |
| 1967 | The Bell Telephone Hour (TV Series) | Romeo |
| 1967 | The St. Valentine's Day Massacre | Al Capone |
| 1967 | Divorce American Style | Nelson Downes |
| 1966 | ABC Stage 67 (TV Series) | Royal Earle Thompson |
| 1966 | Any Wednesday | John Cleves |
| 1963–1966 | Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (TV Series) | Irish LaFontain | Ivan Denisovich |
| 1966 | A Big Hand for the Little Lady | Henry Drummond |
| 1965 | A Thousand Clowns | Murray |
| 1964 | Mr. Broadway (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1964 | Abe Lincoln in Illinois (TV Movie) | Abraham Lincoln |
| 1963 | Act One | George S. Kaufman |
| 1962 | Long Day's Journey Into Night | Jamie Tyrone (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1962 | Westinghouse Presents: That's Where the Town Is Going (TV Movie) | Hobart Cramm (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1962 | Tender Is the Night | Dr. Richard 'Dick' Diver (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1961 | By Love Possessed | Julius Penrose (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1961 | The Case of the Dangerous Robin (TV Series) | (as Jason Robards Sr.) |
| 1960 | Play of the Week (TV Series) | Theodore 'Hickey' Hickman |
| 1960 | The Iceman Cometh (TV Movie) | Theodore 'Hickey' Hickman |
| 1960 | Dow Hour of Great Mysteries (TV Series) | Detective Anderson (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1959 | A Doll's House (TV Movie) | Dr. Rank (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1959 | Sunday Showcase (TV Series) | Alex Reed (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1959 | The DuPont Show of the Month (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1959 | Playhouse 90 (TV Series) | Robert Jordan (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1959 | The Journey | Paul Kedes (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1958 | Omnibus (TV Series) | Prime Minister |
| 1955–1957 | Studio One (TV Series) | Prisoner | Leonard O'Brien | Frank Cameron |
| 1957 | The Seven Lively Arts (TV Series) | (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1956–1957 | The Alcoa Hour (TV Series) | Jayson | Bert Palmer | Bridger (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1956–1957 | Goodyear Playhouse (TV Series) | (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1955–1956 | Star Tonight (TV Series) | (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1955–1956 | Justice (TV Series) | Karder (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1955–1956 | Appointment with Adventure (TV Series) | Joe | Jed |
| 1955–1956 | Armstrong Circle Theatre (TV Series) | Paul Foster | Ralph Sawyer | Reinhardt Schmidt |
| 1955 | The Philco Television Playhouse (TV Series) | Mason | Joe Grant (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1955 | Windows (TV Series) | (as Jason Robards Jr.) |
| 1951–1954 | The Big Story (TV Series) | Mr. Simms | Aaron Dudley |
| 1954 | The Man Behind the Badge (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1954 | Mama (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1950 | The Magnavox Theater (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1947 | Follow That Music (Short) | Unknown |
