'The Wild Wild West': How Did Robert Conrad Die?

Robert Conrad was born on March 1, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Leonard and Alice, who were 17 and 15 years old respectively when they welcomed him.

The star attended several schools, but ended up dropping out of them to start working as a truck driver.

He then pursued his acting career formally by studying theater arts at Northwestern University.

His first official on-screen appearance took place in the 1958 film 'Juvenile Jungle', playing a minor, uncredited role. 

He then starred in the 1962 film 'Nightmare' as "Pete" and then as "John" in the 1979 movie 'The Lady in Red'.

1959 marked his TV debut as "Juanito" in 'Bat Masterson'. However, his most notable television roles include his portrayal of "Tom Lopaka" in 'Hawaiian Eye' from 1959 to 1963, as well as his role of "Jim" in 'The Wild Wild West' from 1965 to 1969, and "Maj. Greg 'Pappy' Boyington" in 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' from 1976 to 1978.

Over the course of his career, from 1959 to 2000, Conrad made appearances in episodes of multiple succesful shows such as 'Maverick', 'Lawman' and 'Columbo'.

The 'Wild Wild West' star also had a successful music career! He studied singing and released two albums with a couple tracks in Spanish after signing a contract with recording label Orfeon. 

Singer Richard Marx's father, Dick Marx, was his music coach.

Robert Conrad walked down the aisle twice. 

In 1952 he married Joan Kenlay, welcoming five children together: daughters Christy, Joan and Nancy, and sons Christian and Shane. Robert and Joan ended up amicably divorcing in 1977. 

That same year the actor met LaVelda Ione Fann (picture), who in 1983 would become his second wife. They welcomed daughters Chelsea, Camille and Kaja, before their 2010 divorce.

Quick facts about Robert Conrad:

• A man got severely injured after the actor crashed his car while driving under the influence. Conrad, who got severely injured too, was sentenced to six months of house confinement 
• Quit acting in 2002
• Credited actors Humphrey Bogart, John Garfield and James Cagney as his biggest idols, influences
• Turned down the role of "Hannibal Smith" on 'The A-Team'
• His final on-screen appearance took place in the 2002 film 'Dead Above Ground', playing "Reed"

Robert Conrad passed away on February 8, 2020, in Malibu, California. The actor died of heart failure at age 84.

He was cremated at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, with his ashes sprinkled into the Pacific Ocean.