Interview with actor and author Robert (Bob) Dix

By: Anders Frejdh

Published:
2009-08-17

An exclusive interview with the American actor who later turned to writing, Bob Dix, son of the legendary Hollywood actor Richard Dix.

The editor of From Sweden With Love (Anders Frejdh) and Roger Moore's webmaster (Marie-France Vienne) caught up with American Bob Dix to talk about his work on Live and Let Die (1973) and the long-time friendship with Sir Roger.

About Bob Dix:
When Bob and his twin brother did the play, "The Prince and the Pauper," at eleven years of age, he knew he wanted to be an actor like his famous father, Richard Dix. The remark made by his Dad at the time encouraged him; "It looks like you've got it in your blood, Son."

Born May 8, 1935, as a twin ten minutes younger than his brother Richard, Bob grew up in their hometown of Beverly Hills, California. People involved in the movies and their children were always part of his young life.

Bob studied as an actor at the Nation Academy of Theater Arts at Pleasantville, New York the summer he was sixteen. The live stage appearances served as a solid foundation for his future as an actor. Through a friend, Bob was given a test at MGM Studios when he was eighteen years old and the studio signed him to a long-term contract. There he started with a few lines in some of the MGM's movies such as, "The Glass Slipper," The Kings Men," and "Athena," starring Debbie Reynolds, his first Movie Star date. The schooling and experience led to a featured role in the MGM Classic, "Forbidden Planet". To this day the movie has remained a classic.

With the onset of Television, the contract player became part of Hollywood history. After two years with MGM, Bob was released from his contract and became a free lance actor. He worked in numerous movies for 20th Century Fox, "Forty Guns", "The Lone Texan", "Young Jesse James", "Thundering Jets" to mention a few. His work included many of the popular TV shows like, "Gunsmoke," The Rifleman," "Richard Diamond, Private Detective," "Rough Riders," "Death Valley Days," "Sky King" and many more. His credits in the Independent Productions of Hollywood cover a long list which include his part as, "Hamilton," in 007's "Live and Let Die" , still a favorite. Roger Moore and Bob have been close friends since their early MGM days together.

Recently Bob has been a guest at Celebrities Shows and Film Festivals around the country. It's been a learning experience and a great opportunity to meet people. As a second generation Hollywood Actor, Bob's book, Out of Hollywood: Two Generations of Actors, is available.

In January 2005, Bob was staying with a friend at his ranch in the High Desert Country after his Mom's funeral. It was a time in his life to regroup after a long and difficult two years with her suffering with Alzheimer's. Bob was her caregiver until it was necessary to place her in a Palm Springs care center in California. That's when "a God Job" happened. Mary Ellen Kane formerly Mary Ellen McDonald known as, "Other Sister" in Bob's life and for many years throughout their youth together he was, "Other Brother" came for a visit. One visit to the ranch changed their lives. Bob had been a single man for ten years and Mary Ellen lost her husband of forty-six years to cancer two years before. A lifelong, loving friendship ended in marriage May 10, 2005. Mary Ellen is continuing her successful real estate career with Dilbeck Real Estate. Bob and Mary Ellen will attend film festivals together as time permits. In addition, Bob is an active member of Screen Actors Guild of America and will continue to work as an actor and author. The Dix's total retirement is not in their plans. They both believe, "Activity is life". And live it one day at a time.

Read the entire interview with Bob Dix on Roger Moore's website.

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Interview with actor and author Robert (Bob) Dix

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