Robert Hinkle, a rodeo performer, stunt performer, dialogue coach, producer, and director, has passed away after a long and successful career at the age of 95, the Hollywood Reporter reports.
According to the outlet, who spoke with Hinkle’s daughter, he passed away on March 3 in Austin while in hospice care after suffering head, back, and neck injuries in a fall in his driveway five days before.
Among the many notable accomplishments on his resume, Hinkle was responsible for serving as the dialogue coach on the acclaimed films Giant and Hud, working with Rock Hudson and Paul Newman.
Robert Hinkle’s Legacy
Hinkle was born in Brownfield, Texas, knowing from a young age that he wanted to pursue a career in acting, specifically as a “movie cowboy.” However, after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and helped deliver supplies in the Berlin Airlift. While he was serving his country, he also competed in rodeos.
He got his start in Universalâs Bronco Buster (1952), mainly doing stunts. He then moved to Los Angeles and truly began his career.
Hinkle initially interviewed for a part in the 1956 movie “Giant,” but was asked to return the following day and was asked if he could teach Rock Hudson to talk like him. He ultimately took the job, serving as a dialogue coach for g James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, Mercedes McCambridge, Carroll Baker and Dennis Hopper, helping them sound just like a Texan.
âTexans donât just say the words, they linger over them like theyâre old friends, worthy of a cup of coffee,â Hinkle wrote in his 2009 book, Call Me Lucky: A Texan in Hollywood. âItâs the journey, not the destination, thatâs important in a conversation.â
Alongside his numerous appearances in films and television shows over the years, he wrote, directed, and produced various projects.
The Hollywood Reporter contributed to this article.
Tributes Pour In For Robert Hinkle
“Bob was an extraordinary storyteller, performer, author, producer, director, a man of a thousand talents, even for a time, the agent of EVIL KNIEVEL!,” actor and filmmaker Brian Vincent shared on Instagram. “Bob loved to talk about the entertainment business and had great plans for future movies. How inspiring it is for someone to be 95 years old and still so full of vigor, spirit and drive!”
“Rest In Peace Robert Hinkle,” one person shared on X (formerly Twitter).
“rest in peace,” another person posted.
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