Dale Robertson
A television cowboy who brought a quiet, gentlemanly intelligence to the Western hero, becoming one of the medium's most trusted horsemen.
1923–2013 (age 90)·American actor·Birthday: July 14·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Dale Robertson offered a different kind of TV cowboy: less the brooding gunslinger, more the capable, thoughtful businessman in a Stetson. A genuine horseman and former prizefighter, he carried himself with an easy, confident grace that made him a natural for Westerns. His breakthrough came as Jim Hardie, the roving troubleshooter in *Tales of Wells Fargo*, a role that showcased his understated charm and moral clarity. He later helmed another successful series, *Iron Horse*, playing a railroad tycoon. Robertson’s appeal lay in his reliability and his authentic connection to the land; *Time* magazine once called him television's best horseman. While he starred in numerous films, it was on the small screen where he became a fixture, representing a brand of heroic decency that resonated with 1950s and 60s audiences. In later years, he successfully transitioned to business, running a horse breeding ranch in Oklahoma.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Dale was born in 1923, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dale Was Born
The biggest hits of 1923
#1 Movie
The Covered Wagon
Dale's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1923Born
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1928Started school
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1936Became a teenager
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1939Could drive
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1941Could vote
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1944Turned 21
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1953Turned 30
DNA structure discovered by Watson and Crick
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,750Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Song from Moulin Rouge" — Percy FaithBest Picture: From Here to Eternity
1963Turned 40
JFK assassinated in Dallas; Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,100Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Sugar Shack" — Jimmy Gilmer & The FireballsBest Picture: Tom Jones
1973Turned 50
US withdraws from Vietnam; Roe v. Wade decided
Gas: $0.39/galHome: $22,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" — Tony Orlando & DawnBest Picture: The Sting
1983Turned 60
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1993Turned 70
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2003Turned 80
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2013Died at 90
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
Key Achievements
- Starred as the lead in two successful television Western series: *Tales of Wells Fargo* (1957-1962) and *Iron Horse* (1966-1968).
- Appeared as the host of the long-running anthology series *Death Valley Days* from 1968 to 1970.
- Built a career spanning over 60 film and television titles, predominantly in the Western genre.
- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 for his contributions to television.
Did You Know?
He was a decorated tank commander with the 322nd Combat Engineer Battalion of the 97th Infantry Division in World War II.
He won 22 of 24 fights as a professional prizefighter before pursuing acting.
He owned and operated a 3,000-acre horse breeding ranch near Oklahoma City.
He turned down the role of Matt Dillon in *Gunsmoke*, which later went to James Arness.
“A good horse and a straight shot will solve most problems out here.”
