John S. Robertson

John S. Robertson, born John Stuart Robertson on June 14, 1878, in London, Ontario, Canada, was an actor and film director who died on November 5, 1964, in California at the age of 86.

Robertson began his career on the stage, appearing on Broadway between 1900 and 1910. His credits during that period included Bobby Burnit, The Reckoning, What's the Matter with Susan?, the play Arrah-Na-Pogue, and A Fool and His Money, among other productions.

He transitioned into filmmaking in 1915, beginning his work with Vitagraph before moving to Famous Players–Lasky. Over the course of his directing career he made 57 features. Among his most recognized works was a 1920 screen adaptation of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, starring John Barrymore. Robertson stepped away from film in 1935 as sound pictures became increasingly prevalent in the industry. He was married to screenwriter Josephine Lovett.

After retiring, Robertson settled in Rancho Santa Fe, California. The Byrds recorded a song titled "Old John Robertson," written by bassist Chris Hillman and lead guitarist Roger McGuinn, inspired by him. In his 2020 autobiography Time Between, Hillman recalled Robertson as a distinctive figure in the community, describing his silver belly stetson hat, riding jodhpurs, boots, and long white handlebar mustache. Hillman noted that Robertson knew everyone by name and was consistently accompanied by his wife Jo.