Robert Tessier

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 two Purple Hearts.

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

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