- Movie star and early dropout died at 82
US Actor Robert Logan has passed away. As confirmed by his son Anthony to People magazine on Wednesday, the Hollywood star died of natural causes on May 6 in Estero, Florida. Robert Logan was 82 years old. German audiences may remember him best as Skip Robinson, the family man in three 1970s Hollywood films who moved from the city to the wilderness. In doing so, Logan embodied the dream of a simpler, happier life for generations of dropouts.
From Banker's Son to Outdoorsman Star
Logan was born on May 29, 1941, in Brooklyn. As one of seven children, he grew up in Los Angeles with his father Frank, a banker, and his mother Catherine. As a student, Logan received a baseball scholarship to the University of Arizona, where he was scouted by Warner Brothers. This led to his first major role, playing J.R. Hale, the slang-talking parking attendant, on the ABC crime series "77 Sunset Strip" from 1961 to 1963. However, it was his role as an outdoorsman who turns his back on civilization that brought Logan worldwide fame.
Worldwide Success with "Swiss Family Robinson" Films
In the revolutionary 1970s, many people dreamed of leaving the city behind and moving to the wild unknown. Logan brought this dream to life on the big screen in "Swiss Family Robinson" (1975), where he played Skip Robinson, a family man who sells everything and moves from Los Angeles to the wilderness. The family builds a log cabin by a lake and lives out their dream of a simpler life, closer to nature's true values. The film resonated with audiences worldwide, and two sequels followed in 1978 and 1979.
"Embodiment of Love for Family"
Logan lived his life according to the values he portrayed in his most famous films. His family described him as the "embodiment of agape, love for family." They expressed their gratitude for having known him. Apart from the "Swiss Family Robinson" films, German audiences may also recognize Logan from the 1969 war film "The Bridge at Remagen," where he played an American soldier. Logan is survived by his four siblings, his wife Alina, two children, and three granddaughters.
Children often admired Robert Logan's portrayal of Skip Robinson in the "Swiss Family Robinson" films, seeing him as a role model for family values and a simpler life. During his childhood in Los Angeles, Logan was one of seven children raised by his banker father Frank and mother Catherine.
