Robert Stack

Robert Stack Profile Photo

Characters played by Robert Stack

Eliot Ness — The Untouchables (1959)

Leader of the Prohibition squad nicknamed 'The Untouchables', known for its courage and honesty. The series features a highly fictionalized portrayal of him and his crew fighting 1930s gangsters, often violating suspects' Fourth Amendment rights without legal consequences.

Captain Rex Kramer — Airplane! (1980)

Ted's former commanding officer who guides the landing from the control tower.

Dr. Ellison — Joe Versus the Volcano (1990)

Dr. Ellison is the physician who tells Joe that he has an incurable condition called a brain cloud and may die within five or six months. He attributes Joe's earlier symptoms to psychosomatic trauma from firefighting and advises him to make the most of his remaining life.

Superintendent (voice) — Recess: School's Out (2001)

High-ranking education official, represents institutional authority and policy decisions.

Lieut. Stanislav Sobinski — To Be or Not to Be (1942)

Lieut. Stanislav Sobinski is a Polish officer who falls in love with Maria Tura and repeatedly leaves Joseph Tura's Hamlet performance to meet her. After joining the Royal Air Force, he exposes Professor Alexander Siletsky's suspicious mission, returns to Warsaw, kills Siletsky, and later flies back to England.

Maj. Gen. Joseph W. Stilwell — 1941 (1979)

High-ranking Army General holding a press conference where he narrowly survives a dropped bomb. Receives reports of the submarine, arrives at the ruined Douglas house, and delivers the film's closing line about the long war ahead.

Chandler Young — Caddyshack II (1988)

Todd Young's father and a club member who supports Judge Smails during the golf tournament.

MacGregor — Uncommon Valor (1983)

MacGregor is a wealthy oilman and a close friend of Col. Cal Rhodes. Because his own son disappeared while serving in Frank Rhodes's platoon, he finances the veterans' training, travel, weapons, and rescue mission. Afterward, his surviving son explains that Frank died in captivity after trying to save him.

John Sullivan — The High and the Mighty (1954)

The aircraft's captain. Burdened by a secret fear of responsibility despite his extensive experience. Initially panics and prepares to ditch the plane mid-ocean, but regains his nerve after being slapped back to reality by Roman, ultimately leading the perilous final approach to San Francisco.

Cliff Henderson — The Last Voyage (1960)

Cliff Henderson is a passenger traveling to Tokyo with Laurie Henderson and Jill Henderson. After the explosion traps Laurie beneath a steel beam and separates Jill from him, he repeatedly risks his life to rescue both. He directs the recovery effort, works with Hank Lawson and Second Engineer Walsh, and helps Lawson into the final lifeboat.

Owen Pentecost — Great Day in the Morning (1956)

Owen Pentecost is a man from North Carolina who travels west to Denver in 1861 on a whim. He is chiefly motivated by the Confederate gold in the divided town, wins Jumbo Means's estate in poker, and leads the Southerners in an escape attempt. Ann Merry Alaine and Boston Grant both fall for him, while a Union soldier ultimately lets him go free.

John Paul Jones — John Paul Jones (1959)

Central protagonist and narrator. A naval officer who transitions from merchant mariner to Continental Navy hero and later Russian admiral. Known for his decisive leadership, refusal to surrender, and strategic raids against British and Ottoman forces. His life is marked by romantic entanglements, political rivalries, and a strong sense of duty.

Career Overview

Robert Stack has 106 screen credits in a career dating back to 1939. Their work spans 7 cinematic universes — most prominently The Untouchables TV Series Collection with 3 titles. Signature works include The Untouchables, Hercules, Airplane!. 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
106
Birth Date
1919-01-13
Birth Place
Los Angeles, California, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 7 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q355153), public domain (CC0).