Robert Swan, a beloved character actor known for his roles in iconic sports films such as “Hoosiers,” “Rudy,” and “The Babe,” has passed away at the age of 78. Swan’s friend Betty Hoeffner confirmed that he died on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer at his home in Rolling Prairie, Indiana.
In addition to his memorable roles in sports movies, Swan also portrayed a Canadian Mountie in Brian De Palma’s “The Untouchables” and a bloodied deputy in Oliver Stone’s “Natural Born Killers.” He also appeared as lawmen in “Who’s That Girl” and “Mo’ Money.” Swan’s versatility as an actor allowed him to play a range of characters, showcasing his talent and skill.
One of Swan’s most notable roles was in the film “Hoosiers.” In this 1986 movie, he portrayed Rollin Butcher, an Indiana farmer with two sons on the Hickory High School basketball team. He was one of the few people in town to welcome new coach Norman Dale, played by Gene Hackman. Later, Swan’s character joins Coach Dale on the bench as a Huskers’ assistant. The film perfectly captured the underdog spirit of small-town basketball and Swan’s performance helped bring the story to life.
Swan had the privilege of working with “Hoosiers” director David Anspaugh again in the film “Rudy.” Released in 1993, “Rudy” tells the inspiring story of a young man’s perseverance and determination to play football for the University of Notre Dame. Swan played a priest in this heartwarming underdog story, which also featured Sean Astin in the title role. Swan’s performance added depth and emotional resonance to the film.
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In between his appearances in “Hoosiers” and “Rudy,” Swan portrayed the father of New York Yankees slugger George Herman Ruth in Arthur Hiller’s “The Babe,” starring John Goodman. These three sports films showcased Swan’s ability to embody different characters and bring them to life on the big screen.
Born in Chicago on October 20, 1944, Swan had a passion for both acting and singing. As a youngster, he sang at the Church of St. Paul & the Redeemer in Hyde Park and performed with the chorus at the Lyric Opera and Chicago Symphony. He also acted in various theaters around Chicago and even made it to Broadway in 1974 in the play “The Freedom of the City.”
Swan’s acting career took off with his first film, “Somewhere in Time,” released in 1980. In this movie, he played a stagehand who gets into a fight with Christopher Reeve’s character in the year 1912. Swan’s talent and on-screen presence caught the attention of filmmakers, leading to more opportunities in the film industry.
Throughout his career, Swan appeared in a wide range of films, including “Take This Job and Shove It,” “Doctor Detroit,” “Grandview, U.S.A.,” “That Was Then … This Is Now,” “Betrayed,” and “Backdraft.” He also had notable television roles in the 1984 ABC telefilm “The Dollmaker” and shows like “All My Children,” “Spenser for Hire,” and “The Equalizer.”
Aside from his acting work, Swan lent his voice to commercials for United Airlines, Busch and Schlitz beer, Nine Lives cat food, and the Beef Industry Council. He was also a founder and performer at the Harbor County Opera in Three Oaks, Michigan.
Swan is survived by his wife Barbara, brothers David and Charles, sister-in-law Elizabeth, nephews Christopher, Bryan, and Daniel, and his beloved dogs Baci and Chico. He will be remembered for his contributions to the film industry and his talent as an actor.
Swan had also written a screenplay titled “The Saint and the Scoundrel,” which focused on the life of Samuel Johnson, the English lexicographer who published “A Dictionary of the English Language” in 1755 and suffered from Tourette syndrome. Although Swan’s screenplay had yet to be produced, he was actively seeking opportunities to bring his vision to the screen.
A celebration of Swan’s life will be held at a later date, featuring a reading of his screenplay “The Saint and the Scoundrel.” The reading will star “Hill Street Blues” actor Daniel J. Travanti as Samuel Johnson, Si Osborne as his biographer, and an actor to be named as the narrator, a role Swan had dreamed of portraying.
Robert Swan’s legacy as an actor will live on through his memorable performances and the impact he made on the film industry. His talent and passion for his craft will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.
