Robert Vaughn

Robert Francis Vaughn (November 22, 1932 – November 11, 2016) was an American actor and political activist, with a career in film, television, and theater that spanned almost six decades. Known for his roles in big-screen classics such as 'The Young Philadelphians' and 'The Magnificent Seven', Vaughn's on-screen presence and acting prowess earned him several major award nominations. His most famous roles were 'secret agent Napoleon Solo' on The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and 'private detective Harry Rule' on The Protectors. Vaughn was also known for using his influence and platform to speak out on political matters. He was a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and was actively against the Vietnam War. Furthermore, Vaughn held a PhD in communications, with his 1970 doctoral thesis exploring the impact of the House Committee on Un-American Activities on American Theater. Despite his achievements, Vaughn noted his own struggles with emotional instability in childhood, a fact that he believed had shaped his career.

Born in New York City, Vaughn lived with his grandparents in Minneapolis while his mother traveled and performed. He attended school and college in Minneapolis before moving to Los Angeles. Here, he pursued theater arts. He later earned his master's degree in theater and PhD. in communications. Vaughn's career is notable for its diversity, spanning roles from William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' to leading roles in television series and Hollywood films. Later in his career, Vaughn remained active in the film and television industry, making several cameo appearances in popular series such as 'Law & Order' and 'Coronation Street'. He passed away in November 2016 after a year-long battle with Leukemia.