Robert Swan, a well-renowned character actor with countless contributions to the film world, has passed away in his home at the age of 78 after a long battle with cancer. His friend Betty Hoeffner gave the details to The Hollywood Reporter.
Some of his best-known roles include his work in Rudy and The Babe.
In Rudy, an underdog sports story, he starred alongside Sean Astin as a Priest. This was the second time working with director David Anspaugh, the first being another iconic role in Hoosiers, where he worked with Gene Hackman.
In The Babe, Swan played the father of nationally beloved baseball player George Herman Ruth, better known as Babe Ruth. The Arthur Hiller-directed film starred John Goodman opposite Swan as Babe Ruth himself.
Additionally, Swan has wide-spanning credits to his name in television and commercials. He worked alongside Jane Fonda in the made-for-TV film, The Dollmaker and appeared in All My Children, Spenser For Hire, and The Equalizer.
He loaned his talents to commercials for United Airlines, Busch and Schiltz beer, Nine Lives cat food, and the Beef Industry Council.
Swan is survived by his wife, Barbara, brothers David and Charles, sister-in-law Elizabeth, nephews Christopher, Bryan, and Daniel, and his dogs, Baci and Chico.