George R. Robertson also held the distinct honor of appearing in multiple Oscar-nominated films, including three that were nominated for Best Picture. His first film role came in 1968 when he had an uncredited part in Roman Polanski’s hit satanic thriller “Rosemary’s Baby.” In 1970, Robertson appeared, also uncredited, as an airplane passenger named Richard Stout in George Seaton’s disaster blockbuster “Airport.” In 1979, Robertson played a farmer in the labor union drama “Norma Rae,” and in 1991, he was White House Man in Oliver Stone’s “JFK.”
Robertson played several real-life politicians and moguls in his career as well. In 2003, Robertson played the Belgian billionaire Maurice Tempelsman in the TV movie “America’s Prince: The JFK, Jr. Story,” the same year he played Senator J. William Fulbright in “The Pentagon Papers” and presidential hopeful Barry Goldwater in the biopic, “The Reagans.” In 2006, Robertson appeared in the ABC miniseries “The Path to 9/11,” playing Vice President Dick Cheney. Prior to the “Police Academy” films in 1980, Robertson played General Leslie R. Groves in the TV biography “FDR: The Last Year.” He seems to have possessed a look and a knack for playing politicians.
Robertson’s career was mostly seen on television. His last role was in the National Geographic reenactment documentary “Cradle to Grave,” which staged dramatic scenes to take viewers through a single human life cycle. Robertson played the central subject from ages 70 to 90. Robertson’s career spans decades, and performers like him are vital to the basic function of the entertainment industry.
Robertson believed in charity, often taking part in humanitarian efforts. One can make charitable donations in his name to Youth Without Shelter or to UNICEF Canada.