Robert Dowdell

Robert Dowdell (March 10, 1932 – January 23, 2018) was an American actor, best known for his role as Lieutenant Commander Chip Morton in the television series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.

Biography Dowdell was born in Park Ridge, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, and later graduated Parker High School. He attended Wesleyan University and the University of Chicago, before enlisting in the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

After discharging from the service, Dowdell took an interest in acting. It was suggested that he take lessons with Wynn Handman. He was cast in a play written by Leslie Stevens, who went on to create the Western television series Stoney Burke and encouraged him to audition. Dowdell was cast in the recurring role of Cody Bristol. Following Stoney Burke, Dowdell was cast in Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, which aired from 1964 to 1968. Over the next 30 years, he continued to act in various stage, film, and television productions before retiring in 1995.

Personal life Dowdell was married to actress Sheila Connolly from 1965 until their divorce in 1979.

Death Dowdell died of natural causes on January 23, 2018, at age 85 in Coldwater, Michigan.

Filmography

Film Year Title Role Notes 1970 Macho Callahan Blind man 1984 The Initiation Jason Randall 1987 Assassination Capt. Ogilvie - Cappy 1989 Wicked Stepmother Judge 1989 Skin Deep Traffic Judge

Television Year Title Role Notes 1956 Studio One Episode: "American Primitive" 1959 Deadline Beene Episode: "The Neon Touch" 1960 The Fifth Column Television film 1960 Buick-Electra Playhouse Episode: "The Fifth Column" 1960 Moment of Fear Episode: "The Accomplice" 1962 Surfside 6 Eric Hirsh Episode: "Masquerade" 1962–1963 Stoney Burke Cody Bristol 32 episodes 1964–1968 Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea Lt. Comdr. Chip Morton 109 episodes 1969 Land of the Giants Policeman Episode: "Brainwash" 1970 Storefront Lawyers Philip Evers Episode: "The Law Can't Touch Him" 1971 City Beneath the Sea Young Officer Television film 1971 O'Hara, U.S. Treasury Maj. Tony Puller USMC Episode: "O'Hara, U.S. Treasury" 1971 Terror in the Sky Tower Radar Operator Television film 1971–1972 Adam-12 Lt. Tom Ashton / Sgt. Wade / Sgt. Prescott 3 episodes 1972 McMillan & Wife Pilot Episode: "The Face of Murder" 1972 The F.B.I. Dan Bransfield Episode: "Arrangement with Terror" 1975 S.W.A.T. Peter Sedley Episode: "Strike Force" 1977 Most Wanted Dr. Andrews Episode: "The Ritual Killer" 1979 240-Robert Dr. Lewis Episode: "Oil and Water" 1979 Buck Rogers in the 25th Century Galen Episode: "Planet of the Slave Girls" 1979 CHiPs Mr. Adams Episode: "Second Chance" 1982 Hart to Hart Episode: "Hart of Diamonds" 1983 Fame Air Force Major Episode: "Hail to the Chief" 1984 Masquerade Captain Episode: "Caribbean Holiday" 1984 The Master Senator Clayton Episode: "Hostages" 1984–1986 Capitol Sen. Joshua Harrington 3 episodes 1985 V Visitor Doctor Episode: "The Betrayal" 1985 Dynasty Butler Episode: "The Titans" 1986 Outrage! District Attorney Curran Television film 1986 Hotel Cameron Russell Episode: "Restless Nights" 1987 Max Headroom Doctor Episode: "Body Banks" 1990 Freddy's Nightmares Victor Hall Episode: "Funhouse" 1991 Hunter Motel Manager Episode: "Under Suspicion" 1995 American Masters Minister Episode: "Edgar Allan Poe: Terror of the Soul"