Robert Machray (actor)
Robert Machray | |
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| Born | Robert Machray Ward May 4, 1945 San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Died | January 12, 2025 (aged 79) North Hollywood, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Stage and television actor |
| Years active | 1977–2011 |
Robert Machray Ward (May 4, 1945 – January 12, 2025) was an American actor.[1] He was perhaps best known for playing the recurring role of fire marshal Dobbins in the American sitcom television series Cheers.
Life and career
Machray was born in San Diego, California.[2][3] His stage career included numerous major roles at Shakespeare festivals, and major roles with companies such as the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera, Hartford Stage and Playwrights Horizons, among others.[4]
Machray began his film and television career in 1977, appearing in the television film Panic in Echo Park.[4] He then appeared in the sitcom television series Operation Petticoat.[4]
Machray guest-starred in television programs including Cheers, Roseanne, Life Goes On, The Drew Carey Show, Suddenly Susan, Profiler and Three's Company.[2][4] He also appeared in two films: Cutting Class (as Mr. Conklin) and The Master of Disguise.[2] In 1983, he was cast in a summer stage production of My Fair Lady.[4] He retired in 2011, last appearing in the satirical television mockumentary sitcom Parks and Recreation.[5]
Machray lived in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, with his husband, Luigi Camperchioli. He died of complications from dementia and two strokes at his home on January 12, 2025, at the age of 79.[6][7]
References
- ^ Herman, Jan (August 20, 1993). "The Utah Fest Shakespearience". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. p. 100. Retrieved April 8, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c "Robert Machray". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
- ^ "Robert Machray". AllMovie. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Machray joins Theaterfest". The Lompoc Record. Lompoc, California. May 22, 1983. p. 8. Retrieved April 8, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Evans, Greg (January 14, 2025). "Robert Machray Dies: Character Actor Who Played Fire Marshal Dobbins On 'Cheers' Was 79". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ^ "Robert Machray Ward". Neptune Society. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
- ^ Barnes, Mike (January 14, 2025). "Robert Machray, Veteran Stage Actor and Fire Marshal Dobbins on 'Cheers,' Dies at 79". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 14, 2025.