American film actor and stuntman (1934–1990)
Robert Tessier |
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| Born | (1934-06-02)June 2, 1934
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| Died | October 11, 1990(1990-10-11) (aged 56)
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| Occupation(s) | actor, stuntman |
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Robert W. Tessier (June 2, 1934 – October 11, 1990) was an American actor and stuntman who was best known for playing heavy, menacing characters in films and on television.
Early life
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, of Abenaki and French descent, Tessier served as a paratrooper in the Korean War earning both a Silver Star and Purple Heart.[1][2]
Performing career
Tessier was an accomplished motorcycle rider doing stunts in the circus. These skills helped him secure his first film role in The Born Losers directed by Tom Laughlin.
With his shaven head, size and threatening appearance, Tessier went on to play a series of villainous roles on both TV and in film.
Tessier starred as the menacing convict "Connie Shokner" in the 1974 comedy-drama The Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds (whom he counted as one of his friends) and as Kevin in The Deep. He also played alongside Charles Bronson, as a bare knuckle fighter in the film Hard Times and as a main villain in Breakheart Pass.
In his spare time, Tessier was an accomplished cabinet maker often making pieces for his co-stars.
Death
Tessier died of cancer October 11, 1990, aged 56. He was survived by his six children, mother and two sisters.[3]
