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'The Wild Wild West' Star Robert Conrad Dead at 84
By
Rodolfo Vieira
Feb 09, 202005:12 P.M.
Robert Conrad, the legend behind the role of Secret Services agent James T. West in “Wild Wild West,” has recently passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy that few will be able to match.
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The heartbreaking news was shared by the family’s spokesman Jeff Ballard, who said that, even though his loved ones are saddened by his passing, he will “live forever in their hearts.”
Robert Conrad posing during a photocall at the 53rd Monte Carlo TV Festival in Monte-Carlo, Monaco | Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
HE STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM
Conrad was born in Chicago in 1935 and literally worked his way to the top. Before making it in show business, he made a living as a milkman and a local nightclub singer.
But everything changed in 1958 when he moved to Los Angeles. Shortly after coming to the City of Angeles, the aspiring actor landed a role in “Hawaiian Eye.” After that, he went on to star in “The Wild Wild West.”
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Robert Conrad at the Los Angeles International Airport on New Year's Eve in 1980 in Los Angeles, California | Photo: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
That would be the part that he would become most famous for and it was a very big deal because the show, which ran from 1965 to 1969, followed the adventures of America’s first Secret Service agents – West and Artemus Gordon.
Conrad passed away one day after fellow actor Orson Bean
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After the success of “The Wild Wild West,” Conrad didn’t have any problems finding work and starred in several television shows such as “Baa Baa Black Sheep,” also known as Black Sheep Squadron, and “Assignment Vienna.”
Robert Conrad and wife LaVelda at the cocktail party for the "CBS at 75" television gala at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City | Photo: Evan Agostini/Getty Images
HE HAD LITTLE SUCCESS IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
During the 50s and 60s, Conrad kept his love for music alive and recorded a few songs under the name of Bob Conrad, having signed a recording contract with the Orfeon label, which helped him release two albums.
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Unfortunately, Conrad wasn’t as successful as a musician as he was as an actor. Once again, he found his ground in front of the camera, this time on the big screen as he starred in “Murph the Surf,” “The Lady in Red” and “Samurai Cowboy.
CONRAD'S ACCOLADES
During his career, the late 84-year-old received the Distinguished Service Award in Broadcasting, a Bronze Wrangler Award and People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male Performer in a New TV Program.
Conrad passed away one day after fellow actor Orson Bean, who lost his life on Friday night after being struck by two vehicles while crossing the street in Venice, California.
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