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Robert Trebor, widely recognized for his iconic roles in the 1990s hit series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess, has tragically passed away at the age of 71.
His wife, Deirdre Hennings, confirmed that Trebor succumbed to sepsis on March 11 at the Los Angeles Medical Center, following a lengthy battle with leukemia that began in 2012, along with a stem-cell transplant in 2013.
Born Robert Alan Schenkman in Philadelphia in 1953, the actor chose the stage name “Trebor,” a palindrome of his first name, to differentiate himself from a college classmate.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy, with unforgettable performances and beloved characters that have made a significant impact on the entertainment industry.
Following the news of his passing, tributes flooded in from fans and colleagues who fondly remembered Robert Trebor for his immense talent and warm, endearing personality.
One fan on X wrote: “Rest in peace, Robert Trebor. You were always charming as the lovable Salmoneus. You were the first to see that there was more to #Xena in Hercules TLJ. Thanks for bringing him to life with such warmth and humor.”
Another shared: “RIP Robert Trebor. One of the most hysterically funny physical comedians to ever grace TV. You were truly one of the good ones, my friend.”
A third posted: “Robert was one of my absolute favorite guest stars on Xena & Hercules. Fly high, Robert, and be reunited with all your loved ones. My thoughts are with his wife.”
Fans continued to express their condolences, with one writing: “I’m so sad to hear about Robert Trebor’s passing. He was incredible as Salmoneus in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess — such a fun and unforgettable character! He brought so much joy to those shows, and it’s hard to imagine them without him. RIP!”
Another fan on Instagram wrote: “Oh no. Last month? You know what, I’m going to focus on how Robert Trebor fought illness for many years and continued to pursue his many artistic endeavors. Thanks for all the fun Xena memories, Robert. You’ll be long remembered by Xenites #.”
Robert Trebor made his first appearance as the cunning merchant Salmoneus in the 1994 telefilm Hercules and the Lost Kingdom, and quickly became a fan favorite, charming audiences with his portrayal of Hercules’ materialistic yet endearing friend throughout all five seasons of the show. He also made memorable guest appearances in Xena: Warrior Princess from 1996 to 1999.
Beyond his iconic roles in Hercules and Xena, Trebor demonstrated his impressive range as an actor across a variety of projects. From his early appearances in Out of the Darkness and Talk Radio to his more recent roles in films like the Coen brothers’ 2016 Hail, Caesar!, where he starred alongside Hollywood heavyweights George Clooney and Josh Brolin, Trebor’s versatility and talent left a lasting impact on both TV and film audiences.
