Dabbs Greer was an American character actor best known for his portrayal of Reverend Robert Alden in the beloved NBC series “Little House on the Prairie.” With a career spanning over five decades, Greer established himself as one of television’s most recognizable supporting actors.
Biography Table
| Full Name | Robert William “Dabbs” Greer |
|---|---|
| Profession | TV Actor |
| Date of Birth | April 2, 1917 |
| Birth Sign | Aries |
| Birthplace | Fairview, Missouri |
| Nationality | American |
| Age at Death | 90 (Died April 28, 2007) |
| Net Worth (2025 value) | $1.5 Million |
Early Life & Background
Robert William “Dabbs” Greer was born on April 2, 1917, in Fairview, Missouri. He was the only child of Randall Greer, a local pharmacist, and Bernice Dabbs Greer, who worked as a teacher. Growing up in the small town of Anderson, Missouri, Greer developed an interest in acting from an early age. His mother’s teaching background likely influenced his educational path, as he went on to attend Drury University in his home state.
Career Journey
Greer’s acting career began shortly after his college graduation when he was cast as an extra in the 1938 movie Jesse James. This minor role would be the first of hundreds throughout his impressive career. By the 1950s, Greer had established himself as a reliable character actor in both film and television productions.
His breakthrough came with recurring roles in popular television series, particularly Westerns, which were tremendously popular during the Golden Age of Television. He appeared in shows such as Frontier, Tombstone Territory, and Lawman, always bringing authenticity to his performances.
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Notable Roles
Greer’s most memorable role came in 1974 when he was cast as Reverend Robert Alden in “Little House on the Prairie.” He appeared in over 70 episodes of the series, becoming a beloved fixture of the show until its conclusion in 1983. Prior to this iconic role, he had also made his mark as Coach Ossie Weiss in NBC’s mid-1960s sitcom Hank.
Personal Life
Unlike many Hollywood personalities, Greer maintained a relatively private personal life. There is limited information about his marriages or relationships. He dedicated most of his life to his craft, becoming one of the most prolific character actors in television history. His commitment to acting seems to have been his primary focus throughout his life.
Net Worth & Financial Success
By 2025 valuation standards, Dabbs Greer’s net worth would be estimated at approximately $1.5 million. His income primarily came from his extensive work in television and film. While not achieving leading man status or the accompanying salary, Greer’s consistency and longevity in the industry provided him with financial stability throughout his career.
Physical Attributes
Greer stood at approximately 5’10" (178 cm) tall. His distinctive appearance, characterized by his thinning hair and gentle demeanor, made him perfect for the fatherly or authority figure roles he often portrayed.
Notable Facts & Trivia
One of the most interesting aspects of Greer’s career was his appearance in multiple episodes of Adventures of Superman, making him part of what would become an iconic piece of American television history. He also appeared alongside James Arness in several episodes of Gunsmoke, another landmark television Western.
Later Career
In his later years, Greer continued to work steadily. One of his final notable roles came in 1999 when he portrayed the elderly version of Tom Hanks’ character in The Green Mile. This performance demonstrated his continuing ability to bring emotional depth to his roles, even in his eighties.
Legacy
Dabbs Greer passed away on April 28, 2007, at the age of 90. His legacy lives on through his extensive body of work, which encompasses over 200 television shows and films. He exemplified the working character actor, bringing authenticity and warmth to every role he played.
FAQ
What was Dabbs Greer’s most famous role? Dabbs Greer is best remembered for his role as Reverend Robert Alden on NBC’s “Little House on the Prairie.”
Did Dabbs Greer win any awards for his acting? While Greer did not win major acting awards, his consistent work and contributions to television earned him respect throughout the industry.
How many TV shows did Dabbs Greer appear in? Dabbs Greer appeared in over 200 different television shows throughout his career, making him one of the most prolific character actors in television history.