Robert Fuller was born Leonard Leroy Lee Jr. on July 29, 1933, is an American actor renowned for his portrayals of rugged characters in Western television series and his later role as a physician in the medical drama Emergency!
Born in Troy, New York, as the only child of Elizabeth (Betty) Lee, Fuller—originally nicknamed Buddy—moved with his family to Key West, Florida, where he was raised and adopted his stepfather's surname, Robert Simpson Jr. He dropped out of school at age 14 and relocated to Hollywood in 1950 at 17, initially working as a dancer, stuntman, and usher at Grauman's Chinese Theatre while pursuing acting opportunities. Drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he served from 1953 to 1955, earning recognition as an outstanding soldier on Guard Mount three times before returning to acting.
Fuller's early career included bit parts as an extra in films like “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953) and his first speaking role in “Friendly Persuasion” (1956), followed by features such as “Teenage Thunder” (1957) and “The Brain from Planet Arous” (1957). He gained prominence on television with the role of Jess Harper, a young ranch hand, in the Western series ‘Laramie’ (1959–1963), which aired on NBC and showcased his charismatic presence alongside John Smith. Transitioning seamlessly, he then played trail scout Cooper Smith in the final two seasons of ‘Wagon Train’ (1963–1965), solidifying his status as a leading man in the genre.
In a notable shift from Westerns, Fuller starred as Dr. Kelly Brackett, the dedicated head of emergency medicine at Rampart Hospital, in the long-running NBC series ‘Emergency!’ (1972–1979), co-starring with Julie London and Bobby Troup; the show, which highlighted paramedic services, reached millions and influenced public awareness of emergency response. His film work included the Western sequel “Return of the Seven” (1966) alongside Yul Brynner. Over five decades, Fuller appeared in numerous guest spots on shows like ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Fuller married actress Patty Lyon on December 20, 1962, with whom he had three children—Rob, Christine, and Patrick, before their divorce in 1984. He wed actress Jennifer Savidge on May 19, 2001. Retiring from acting in 2001 after his final guest appearances, he relocated to a ranch in Texas in 2004, where he now focuses on horse ranching.
FULLER, Robert
(aka Buddy Lee, Bob Fuller) (Leonard Leroy Lee Jr.) [7/29/1933, Troy, New York, U.S.A.
- ] – stuntman, film, TV actor,
singer, married to actres Patricia Lee Lyon [1943-1994] (1962-1984) father of
actor Rob Fuller (Robert Jeffrey
Fuller) [1966- ], assistant director, actress Christine
Fuller (Jill Christina Fuller) [1968- ], Patrick Daniel Fuller [1975- ], married to Jennifer Savidge (Jennifer Alyson Savidge) [1952- ] (2001-
), awarded Golden Boot Award [1989], awarded Silver Spur Award [2007],
inducted into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum [2007], awarded
Spirit of the Cowboy Lonestar Legacy Award [2013].
Return of the Seven – 1966 (Vin)
The Alaska Kid (TV) – 1991 (Bowie)
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