Jason Robards

Jason Robards Profile Photo

Characters played by Jason Robards

'Cheyenne' — Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)

Cheyenne is a wanted outlaw whose gang is falsely blamed for the murders at Sweetwater. After Harmonica discovers that Frank planted evidence against him, Cheyenne escapes custody and joins Harmonica in helping Jill save the ranch. He fights Frank's men on Morton's train, reaches Sweetwater, and later dies from a gunshot wound sustained in the fight.

General Walter C. Short — Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)

The American commander responsible for the defense of Hawaii. He orders aircraft concentrated on runways to prevent sabotage, but this leaves them vulnerable to the Japanese attack. He later receives the warning of impending danger only after the raid, sharing the consequences of the delayed response with Kimmel.

Earl Partridge — Magnolia (1999)

A former quiz-show producer dying of cancer and cared for by a nurse. He asks for help finding his estranged son, sees him shortly before dying, and is awakened briefly during his final moments.

Ben Bradlee — All the President's Men (1976)

The Washington Post executive editor who questions the reporters' sourcing but encourages further investigation, demands thorough confirmation, and ultimately supports publishing the Watergate story.

Charles Wheeler — Philadelphia (1993)

Charles Wheeler is a partner at the law firm and the partner Andrew Beckett admired most. He testifies against Andrew during the wrongful-dismissal trial, supporting the firm's claim that Andrew was incompetent and had deliberately concealed his condition. His testimony deeply affects Andrew, who collapses and is hospitalized afterward.

Larry Cook — A Thousand Acres (1997)

The patriarchal Iowa farmer who attempts to divide his land among his daughters. As he descends into senility and paranoia, he rejects Caroline, clashes with his daughters' farming methods, and sues Rose and Ginny to regain control, causing permanent family division.

Chief Rotzinger — Quick Change (1990)

World-weary but relentless NYPD chief who doggedly pursues the getaway trio across the country, eventually crossing paths with them aboard an airport airliner.

Governor Wallace — Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973)

The state governor who meets with Pat Garrett in Santa Fe. He introduces Garrett to influential figures from the Santa Fe Ring and facilitates the bounty offer for Billy the Kid's capture.

Coleman Ettinger — Dream a Little Dream (1989)

Elderly professor conducting a meditation experiment that causes a body swap.

Charles Halloway — Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)

Charles Halloway is Will Halloway’s father and a thoughtful library worker who understands that the carnival has appeared before. He resists Mr. Dark’s offer of renewed youth, protects the boys and Mrs. Nightshade, confronts the carnival, and helps rescue Jim Nightshade before the storm destroys it.

Henry Drummond — A Big Hand for the Little Lady (1966)

A wealthy cattleman and one of the five high-roller poker players. He is so impressed by Mary's determination and skill that he later intervenes in his daughter's wedding, rejecting his weak-willed prospective son-in-law.

Frank Buckman — Parenthood (1989)

The father of the Buckman siblings, he is a worried patriarch who remains deeply loyal despite family conflict. He reconciles with his anxious son, tries to rescue his indebted son, offers him work, and agrees to care for his grandson when necessary.

Career Overview

Jason Robards has 131 screen credits in a career dating back to 1948. Their work spans 4 cinematic universes — most prominently Addie Mills Collection with 3 titles. Signature works include Once Upon a Time in the West, Tora! Tora! Tora!, Philadelphia. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
131
Birth Date
1922-07-26
Birth Place
Chicago, Illinois, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 4 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q296630), public domain (CC0).