Robert Tessier

Robert W. Tessier (June 2, 1934 – October 11, 1990) was an American actor and stuntman who was best known for playing heavy, menacing characters in films and on television.

Early life Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, of Abenaki and French descent, Tessier served as a paratrooper in the Korean War earning both a Silver Star and Purple Heart.

Performing career Tessier was an accomplished motorcycle rider doing stunts in the circus. These skills helped him secure his first film role in The Born Losers directed by Tom Laughlin.

With his shaven head, size and threatening appearance, Tessier went on to play a series of villainous roles on both TV and in film.

Tessier starred as the menacing convict "Connie Shokner" in the 1974 comedy-drama The Longest Yard with Burt Reynolds (whom he counted as one of his friends) and as Kevin in The Deep. He also played alongside Charles Bronson, as a bare knuckle fighter in the film Hard Times and as a main villain in Breakheart Pass.

In his spare time, Tessier was a cabinet maker often making pieces for his co-stars.

Death Tessier died of cancer October 11, 1990, aged 56. He was survived by his six children, mother and two sisters.

Filmography

The Born Losers (1967) – Cueball (as Robert W. Tessier) The Glory Stompers (1967) – Magoo The Sidehackers (1968) – Jake (as Bob Tessier) Run, Angel, Run! (1969) – Gang Leader (uncredited) Five the Hard Way (1969) – Jake (as Bob Tessier) The Babysitter (1969) – Laurence Mackey Cry Blood, Apache (1970) – Two Card Charlie The Hard Ride (1971) The Jesus Trip (1971) – Duncan Private Duty Nurses (1971) – Super bouncer Outlaw Riders (1971) – Beans (as Bob Tessier) The Velvet Vampire (1971) – Biker (as Bob Tessier) Gentle Savage (1973) – Greywolf The Longest Yard (1974) – Connie Shokner How Come Nobody's on Our Side? (1974) – Bike Rider (as Bob Tessier) Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze (1975) – Dutchman Hard Times (1975) – Jim Henry Breakheart Pass (1975) – Levi Calhoun The Deep (1977) – Kevin Another Man, Another Chance (1977) – Blacksmith Hooper (1978) – Amtrac Starcrash (1979) – Chief Thor The Villain (1979) – Mashing Finger Steel (1979) – Cherokee The Cannonball Run (1981) – Biker (as Bob Tessier) The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982) – Verdugo Double Exposure (1982) – Bartender The Lost Empire (1985) – Koro Avenging Angel (1985) – Tattoo Artist The Fix (1985) – Spook No Safe Haven (1987) – Randy Future Force (1989) – Becker Fists of Steel (1989) - Saylor One Man Force (1989) - Wilson Beverly Hills Brats (1989) - Slick Nightwish (1989) – Stanley Fertilize the Blaspheming Bombshell (1990) – Devil-master

Television Kung Fu (1974) – Aztec Warrior Little House on the Prairie (Survival, 1975) – Chief Jack Lame Horse (as Jack Lame Horse) The Last of the Mohicans (1977) – Magua Centennial (1978–1979) – Rude Water Desperate Women (1978) – Outlaw (uncredited) Hart to Hart (1979) "Max in love" episode – Mover #1 Starsky & Hutch (2-part episode in 1979) – Soldier The Billion Dollar Threat (1979) – Benjamin Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (2 episodes both in 1979) – Marcos Marcilka The Dukes of Hazzard (1980) – Mitch Henderson The Incredible Hulk (1980) – Johnny Vega$ (1980) – Sawyer Fantasy Island (1981) – Flynt The Fall Guy (1981–1986) – Thug / Harvey / Garvey / Prisoner CHiPs (1982) – Zorn The A-Team (1983–1985) – Mute / Scully Manimal (1983) – Sailor Poker Player (as Robert W. Tessier) The Rousters (1983) – Bender Magnum, P.I. (1984) – Murderer Spenser: For Hire (1985) – Conan Amazing Stories (1986) – Woodsman Sledge Hammer! (1987) – Stoolie B.L. Stryker (1989)