Births on February 14

Andrew Robinson (actor)

Born on February 14, 1942

Andrew Robinson, American actor and director

Andrew Jordt Robinson, born on February 14, 1942, is a highly respected American character actor whose career spans over five decades in film, television, and theatre. Beyond his impactful performances, he has also significantly contributed to acting education as the former director of the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) acting program at the prestigious University of Southern California.

Beginning his career as a dedicated stage actor, Robinson developed a versatile skill set that would define his prolific career. He is renowned for his ability to disappear into a wide array of supporting roles, predominantly gracing television screens and independent, low-budget cinematic productions. This commitment to diverse character portrayals cemented his reputation as a quintessential character actor, valued for bringing depth and nuance to every part he undertook.

Key Roles and Performances

Robinson’s talent for embodying complex and often morally ambiguous characters has led to several iconic portrayals that resonate deeply with audiences across various genres.

Scorpio in Dirty Harry (1971)

One of his most memorable and chilling performances came early in his film career as the psychotic serial killer, Scorpio, in Don Siegel's groundbreaking 1971 crime thriller, Dirty Harry. Starring Clint Eastwood, this film is widely regarded as a seminal work in the action genre. Robinson's terrifying depiction of Scorpio, a character loosely based on the real-life Zodiac Killer, was so visceral and effective that it initially led to typecasting. His portrayal remains a benchmark for cinematic villains, showcasing his remarkable ability to convey unsettling menace.

Larry Cotton in Hellraiser (1987)

Robinson ventured into the realm of horror with his role as Larry Cotton in Clive Barker's 1987 cult classic, Hellraiser. This influential film, based on Barker's own novella "The Hellbound Heart," introduced the terrifying Cenobites and established a new benchmark for body horror. Robinson's performance as the protagonist caught in a supernatural and gruesome family drama further demonstrated his range and adaptability to intense genre demands.

Elim Garak in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999)

Perhaps his most beloved and critically acclaimed role is that of Elim Garak, the "plain, simple tailor" and enigmatic Cardassian spy, in the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Throughout its acclaimed run from 1993 to 1999, Robinson brought unparalleled depth, wit, and moral ambiguity to Garak, transforming a recurring character into one of the most compelling and popular figures in the entire Star Trek franchise. His nuanced performance explored themes of identity, loyalty, and the complex nature of truth, making Garak a fan favorite and a testament to Robinson’s extraordinary acting prowess. Robinson even further explored the character's intricate past by authoring the highly regarded Star Trek novel, A Stitch in Time, focusing on Garak's life.

Academic and Family Life

Beyond his active acting career, Andrew Robinson dedicated a significant portion of his professional life to nurturing future talent. His tenure as the director of the Master of Fine Arts acting program at the University of Southern California's School of Dramatic Arts underscored his commitment to education and the advancement of theatrical arts. He shares his life with his wife, Irene, and their daughter, Rachel Robinson, who has followed in her father's footsteps as an actress. Notably, Rachel also appeared alongside her father in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "The Visitor," a poignant and highly regarded installment of the series, further intertwining their professional and personal legacies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Andrew Robinson

Who is Andrew Robinson?: Andrew Robinson is a distinguished American character actor, born February 14, 1942, known for his versatile roles across film, television, and stage. He is also a former academic, having directed the MFA acting program at the University of Southern California.
What are Andrew Robinson's most famous roles?: He is widely recognized for his chilling portrayal of the serial killer Scorpio in 1971's Dirty Harry, his role as Larry Cotton in the 1987 horror film Hellraiser, and his iconic performance as Elim Garak in the science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999).
Did Andrew Robinson work on Star Trek beyond acting?: Yes, in addition to his acclaimed portrayal of Elim Garak, Andrew Robinson authored a popular Star Trek novel titled A Stitch in Time, which provides a detailed backstory for his character.
Is Andrew Robinson involved in acting education?: Absolutely. He served as the former director of the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) acting program at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dramatic Arts, demonstrating his dedication to teaching and mentoring aspiring actors.
Does Andrew Robinson's family have a connection to his acting career?: Yes, his daughter, Rachel Robinson, is also an actress and famously appeared with him in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "The Visitor."

References

Andrew Robinson (actor)

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Events on 1942

25 Jan

Thailand
World War II: Thailand declares war on the United States and United Kingdom.
8 Mar

Myanmar
World War II: Imperial Japanese Army forces captured Rangoon, Burma from British.
10 Jul

Soviet Union
Diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and the Soviet Union are established.
13 Aug

Manhattan Project
Major General Eugene Reybold of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authorizes the construction of facilities that would house the "Development of Substitute Materials" project, better known as the Manhattan Project.
25 Sep

Holocaust
World War II: Swiss Police instruction dictates that "Under current practice ... refugees on the grounds of race alone are not political refugees", effectively denying entry to Jews trying to flee occupied Europe during the Holocaust.