Willard S. Robertson

Willard S. Robertson (January 1, 1886 – April 5, 1948) was an American actor and writer born in Runnels, Texas, who built a career spanning stage, screen, and prose fiction. He died in Hollywood, California.

Robertson's path to acting was not direct. He initially practiced law in Texas before an encouragement from Joseph Jefferson prompted him to pursue the stage. His early theatrical ambitions were short-lived, however, and he returned to legal work as an attorney with the Interstate Commerce Commission. During World War I, Robertson served as an administrator in the Chicago office of the federal railway police. He eventually resumed his stage career in earnest, appearing in 16 Broadway productions between 1907 and 1930. Among his verified Broadway credits are the plays These Days and Tia Juana, both from his 1927–1928 period on the New York stage.

Robertson's film career began in 1924 and continued until his death in 1948, encompassing more than 140 productions. He frequently appeared in supporting roles portraying figures of authority, including doctors, elected officials, military officers, and lawyers. He played Jackie Cooper's stern but loving father in the drama Skippy (1931) and reprised a role in its sequel Sooky (1931). Later film appearances included a flamboyant lawyer in Remember the Night (1940) and the sheriff in The Ox-Bow Incident (1943).

In addition to his acting work, Robertson authored the novel Moon Tide (1940). The book was subsequently adapted into the drama thriller Moontide (1942), directed by Archie Mayo and starring Jean Gabin and Ida Lupino.