“He hated him more than anyone.”

It’s a bold claim that echoes through Hollywood lore, and in the case of Robert Conrad, it’s just one of many stories that made him a legend—both on and off the screen.

From Chicago’s Grit to Hollywood’s Spotlight

Born Conrad Robert Falk on March 1, 1935, in the heart of Chicago, Robert Conrad’s early life was anything but glamorous. Raised by his single mother, Alice Jacqueline Hartman, in a working-class neighborhood, Conrad learned the value of hard work and grit from a young age. He loaded trucks, delivered milk, and worked construction—jobs that shaped his tough, no-nonsense persona long before he ever set foot on a Hollywood set.

Conrad’s break came after a bold move to California, where he juggled acting classes, stunt work, and bit parts. His raw athleticism and fierce determination quickly caught the attention of Warner Brothers, leading to his first major role as detective Tom Lopaka in the hit TV series “Hawaiian Eye” (1959–1963).

The Wild Wild West: Stardom and Rivalry

But it was “The Wild Wild West” (1965–1969) that catapulted Conrad to stardom. As Secret Service agent James T. West, Conrad brought a new kind of hero to American television—one who performed his own stunts, exuded blue-collar swagger, and never shied away from a fight. The show’s blend of Western, spy thriller, and science fiction was groundbreaking, and Conrad’s physicality set the standard for action stars to come.

Yet, behind the scenes, the chemistry between Conrad and his co-star Ross Martin (Artemis Gordon) was anything but friendly. While fans adored their on-screen camaraderie, insiders recall a simmering rivalry. Conrad, the streetwise tough guy, reportedly saw Martin’s intellectual, theatrical approach as pretentious and even threatening. Crew members remembered tense production meetings, script rewrites to favor Conrad, and a professional relationship that remained cold until Martin’s untimely death in 1981.

Despite the friction, both men remained consummate professionals—delivering performances that made “The Wild Wild West” a cult classic, and their dynamic a topic of fan fascination for decades.

A Career of Many Faces

Conrad’s career didn’t end with one iconic role. He headlined “Ba Ba Black Sheep” (later “Black Sheep Squadron”), bringing to life the real-life WWII hero Pappy Boyington from 1976 to 1978. He starred in “Assignment Vienna,” “The Duke,” and countless made-for-TV movies, many produced under his own company, Conrad Productions. His versatility allowed him to play everything from cowboys to cops, always with a sense of authenticity and unyielding toughness.

Later in life, Conrad hosted “The PM Show with Robert Conrad,” where his candid wit and willingness to engage with fans only deepened his public appeal.

Family at the Center

Behind the tough exterior, Conrad was a family man. He married his first wife, Joan Kenlay, in 1952, and together they raised five children in a home filled with love and laughter. Their 25-year marriage ended amicably—an unusual feat in Hollywood—and they remained supportive co-parents and friends.

In 1977, Conrad met and married Lavella Ioni Fan, with whom he had three more children. Despite a significant age gap, their marriage lasted over three decades before ending in 2010, again on civil terms. Remarkably, Conrad’s blended family thrived, with children from both marriages maintaining close bonds—a testament to his values of loyalty, discipline, and unity.

Several of his children followed him into the entertainment industry, collaborating on projects like “High Mountain Rangers” and “Jesse Hawkes.” His daughter Joan Conrad became a successful television producer, further cementing the family’s creative legacy.

The Crash That Changed Everything

On March 31, 2003, tragedy struck. While driving in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Conrad’s Jaguar collided head-on with another vehicle. Investigators determined Conrad was driving under the influence. The crash left both men severely injured and led to a felony DUI conviction for Conrad, who served six months of house confinement and underwent mandatory counseling.

The accident cast a long shadow. Kevin Bernett, the other driver, endured a difficult recovery and died two years later from complications his family attributed to the crash. Though Conrad was not held legally responsible for Bernett’s death, the incident haunted him. He suffered permanent nerve damage, partial paralysis, and chronic pain—a devastating blow to a man who had built his career on physical strength and daring.

The Final Years

Conrad’s final years were marked by declining health and increasing reclusiveness. He made occasional public appearances, sharing reflections on his storied career, but mostly stayed out of the spotlight. On February 8, 2020, Robert Conrad died at his Malibu home of heart failure, leaving behind a complex legacy.

The Legacy of a Hollywood Maverick

Robert Conrad’s story is one of grit, resilience, and contradiction. He was a television icon, a family man, a tough guy who wasn’t afraid to show vulnerability. He clashed with co-stars, performed his own stunts, and lived his life on his own terms—sometimes at great personal cost.

His legacy lives on not just in the roles he played, but in the family he loved and the fans who still celebrate his work. For all the drama, rivalry, and tragedy, Robert Conrad’s life remains a testament to the enduring appeal of the American tough guy—and the complicated man behind the myth.