Dale Robertson: Age, Net Worth, Family, Relationships, Wife Susan Dee Robbins, Children & Complete Biography
Dale Robertson remains one of the most recognizable faces of classic American Western cinema and television. Rugged, soft-spoken, and authentic both on and off screen, he carved out a legacy that spanned nearly five decades in Hollywood. Known especially for his commanding presence in Westerns, Robertson balanced fame with a deeply private personal life rooted in family values, military service, and a love for ranch living.
This detailed article explores Dale Robertson’s age, net worth, family background, father, siblings, marriages, relationship with Susan Dee Robbins, children, and full life story, drawing from widely referenced biographical sources and public records.
Early Life and Age of Dale Robertson
Dale Robertson was born Dayle Lymoine Robertson on July 14, 1923, in Harrah, Oklahoma, United States. Growing up during the Great Depression, Robertson experienced a modest rural upbringing that shaped his resilient and grounded personality.
He passed away on February 27, 2013, at the age of 89, in La Jolla, California, after a long and full life marked by professional success and personal fulfillment.
Family Background: Father, Mother, and Roots
Dale Robertson was raised in a traditional American household in Oklahoma. While his parents’ names are not extensively documented in mainstream biographies, it is known that his father worked in manual labor, contributing to the hardworking environment in which Robertson was raised.
His family background was rooted in strong work ethics, patriotism, and independence, values that later became evident in both his real life and the characters he portrayed on screen. Robertson often credited his upbringing for his disciplined nature and humility despite Hollywood fame.
Brothers and Sisters (Siblings)
Information about Dale Robertson’s siblings is relatively limited, as he kept his family life private. However, several biography sources note that he had at least one brother, often identified as Chet Robertson.
There is no confirmed public record of sisters, and Robertson rarely spoke about siblings in interviews. This privacy has contributed to some ambiguity, but it aligns with his well-known desire to separate his professional and personal lives.
Military Service: A Defining Chapter
Before his Hollywood career took off, Dale Robertson served his country during World War II. He was a member of the United States Army, where he demonstrated exceptional bravery.
- Awarded the Silver Star
- Awarded the Bronze Star
- Sustained serious injuries during service
His military record was not merely ceremonial; it profoundly influenced his worldview and later roles. The quiet strength and integrity seen in many of his characters mirrored his real-life experiences as a decorated war veteran.
Entry into Hollywood and Career Rise
Robertson’s path to acting was unconventional. After the war, he was discovered while working as a horseman and extra in Hollywood. His natural charisma and authentic Western demeanor quickly caught the attention of casting directors.
He made his film debut in the late 1940s and gained steady recognition through the 1950s. His breakthrough came with Western films and television series, a genre perfectly suited to his background and personality.
Notable Works
- Tales of Wells Fargo (1957–1962)
- The Iron Horse (1966–1968)
- Death Valley Days (host, later years)
- Numerous Western and action films throughout the 1950s–1970s
Robertson became known as a reliable leading man—less flashy than some contemporaries, but deeply respected for his authenticity.
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 Income:
- Film and television acting salaries
- Long-running TV contracts
- Guest appearances and hosting roles
- Ranch ownership and horse breeding
Unlike many Hollywood stars, Robertson lived modestly and invested much of his earnings into ranch life rather than luxury excess.
Relationships and Marriages
Dale Robertson was married four times over the course of his life. Each relationship represented a different chapter in his personal journey.
First Marriage: Frederica Jacqueline Wilson
- Married in 1951
- Divorced in 1956
- One daughter from this marriage
Second Marriage: Mary Murphy
- Married briefly in 1956
- Marriage was annulled the same year
- No children together
Third Marriage: Lula Mae Maxey
- Married in 1959
- Divorced in 1977
- Two daughters from this marriage
This period coincided with the height of Robertson’s television career, which reportedly placed strain on family life due to long working hours and travel.
Dale Robertson and Susan Dee Robbins: A Lasting Marriage
Susan Dee Robbins
Dale Robertson married Susan Dee Robbins on February 2, 1980, and this union proved to be his longest and most stable relationship.
Who Is Susan Dee Robbins?
- Former American Airlines flight attendant
- Lived a private life before and after marriage
- Known for supporting Robertson away from Hollywood spotlight
Their marriage lasted over 33 years, until Robertson’s death in 2013. Unlike his earlier marriages, this relationship was marked by stability, mutual respect, and shared rural living.
The couple resided primarily on Robertson’s Oklahoma ranch, embracing a quiet lifestyle centered on horses, land, and family.
Children of Dale Robertson
Dale Robertson was the father of three daughters, all from his earlier marriages.
Known Children:
- Rochelle Robertson – From his first marriage
- Rebel Lee – From a later relationship
- One additional daughter (name not widely publicized)
He did not have children with Susan Dee Robbins, but she was a devoted stepmother figure.
Robertson was also reported to be a grandfather, though details about his grandchildren remain private.
Life Away from Hollywood
In his later years, Dale Robertson deliberately stepped away from acting. Disenchanted with changes in the film industry, he chose a quieter life centered on:
- Horse breeding
- Ranch management
- Veteran advocacy
- Family time
He rarely attended Hollywood events and declined many interview requests, preferring solitude over celebrity culture.
Personality and Legacy
Dale Robertson was often described as:
- Reserved but warm
- Principled and disciplined
- Loyal to friends and family
His legacy is defined not only by his on-screen work but also by his refusal to conform to Hollywood excess. He represented a generation of actors whose fame never overshadowed their values.
Death and Final Years
Robertson spent his final years in California, closer to medical care, while maintaining ties to Oklahoma. He passed away peacefully at the age of 89, leaving behind a respected body of work and a family that honored his privacy.
Conclusion
Dale Robertson’s life was a compelling blend of service, artistry, and simplicity. From a small town in Oklahoma to the heights of Western television fame, he remained grounded in values shaped by family, faith, and duty. His marriage to Susan Dee Robbins symbolized a peaceful final chapter, while his children and grandchildren continue his legacy.
For classic cinema lovers and Western genre enthusiasts, Dale Robertson remains a timeless figure—authentic, honorable, and unforgettable.
This detailed biography is proudly published on fanzineblog, your destination for classic Hollywood stories and celebrity life histories.
