Doug Robinson
Overview
- Occupation Stunts
- Also Actor, Stunts coordinator
- Birth name Douglas Bowbank Robinson
- Birth date February 8, 1930
- Birth place Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, UK
- Died December 16, 2021
Biography
Douglas Bowbank Robinson, born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1930, was the younger brother of actor and stuntman Joe Robinson. Coming from a family steeped in physical excellence, their father, Joseph Robinson Sr., and grandfather, John, were both world champion wrestlers. Following in their footsteps, Doug and his brother trained rigorously in wrestling and bodybuilding, disciplines that later laid the foundation for their film careers.
Doug entered the film industry in the mid-1950s, quickly gaining attention for his athleticism and strength. One of his earliest screen appearances was in Ben-Hur (1959), and a few years later he joined the cast of Jason and the Argonauts (1963) as one of the famed Greek adventurers. His combination of physical power and screen presence led to a steady stream of work in both cinema and television, often cast as a formidable or villainous character. He appeared in popular British series such as The Avengers and Steptoe and Son, building a reputation as one of the industry’s reliable tough men.
Alongside his brother Joe, Doug became one of the leading stunt arrangers in British cinema, contributing to numerous productions, including several James Bond films. Their collaborative approach and precision helped shape the action style of the era. In addition to their work in film, the Robinson brothers partnered with actress Honor Blackman to write Honor Blackman’s Book of Self-Defence, published in 1965 by André Deutsch—a reflection of their lifelong dedication to strength, discipline, and physical mastery.
Selected films
- Ben-Hur – 1959
- The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll – 1960
- Jason and the Argonauts – 1963
- Rattle of a Simple Man – 1964
- Casino Royale – 1967
- You Only Live Twice – 1967
- Attack on the Iron Coast – 1968
- 2001: A Space Odyssey – 1968
- Salt and Pepper – 1968
- Where Eagles Dare – 1968
- The Persuaders! (TV-series) – 1971
- Diamonds Are Forever – 1971
- Live and Let Die – 1973
- The Man with the Golden Gun – 1974
- Space: 1999 (TV-series) – 1975–1977
- The Spy Who Loved Me – 1977
- Superman – 1978
- Moonraker – 1979
- The Empire Strikes Back – 1980
- For Your Eyes Only – 1981
- An American Werewolf in London – 1981
- Never Say Never Again – 1983
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom – 1984
- Top Secret! – 1984
- Lifeforce – 1985
- A View to a Kill – 1985
- Willow – 1988
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves – 1991