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Hollywood's Texan Maestro Dies at 95
30 Mar
Summary
- He died at 95 after a fall, sustaining severe injuries.
- Hinkle coached stars like Rock Hudson and James Dean.
- He also managed celebrities and promoted daredevils.
Robert Hinkle, a former rodeo performer from Texas, passed away at the age of 95. He died on March 3rd in hospice care in Austin after sustaining severe head, back, and neck injuries from a fall five days prior. Hinkle’s career in film spanned multiple roles, including stunt work and dialogue coaching on iconic movies like "Giant" and "Hud."
Initially a rodeo performer, Hinkle transitioned to Hollywood, where he was sought after for his authentic Texan dialect. He famously coached actors such as Rock Hudson, James Dean, and Elizabeth Taylor for "Giant" (1956), helping them master regional speech patterns. He also performed uncredited stunt work and shared rope tricks with James Dean.
Hinkle's own cinematic ventures included writing, directing, and producing the Western "Ole Rex" (1961). He also managed notable personalities like actor Chill Wills and singer Marty Robbins, and promoted daredevil Evel Knievel, showcasing a diverse career beyond the silver screen.