Farewell to Beloved Character Actor Robert Trebor, Known for "Hercules" and "Xena" Roles
- Actor Who Played Hercules in Movies Passes Away at 71 Years Old
Bid adieu to Robert Trebor, a renowned TV character actor who gained cult status for his roles in the 1990s hits "Hercules" and "Xena: Warrior Princess." According to The Hollywood Reporter, Trebor, 71, breathed his last on March 11, 2025, due to sepsis at the Los Angeles Medical Center after battling leukemia for years [1][2][4].
Trebor, originally named Robert Alan Schenkman, picked his stage name as a palindrome to avoid confusion with his college mate, Robert Schenkkan, another actor best known for "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Before gracing our televisions, Trebor made a mark in the New York stage, beginning his acting career, and eventually debuted in the 1980 film "Gorp."
His breakthrough year arrived in 1985, with appearances in Woody Allen's "The Purple Rose of Cairo," Bob Clark's "Turk 182," and a chilling role as a serial killer in "Out of the Darkness" alongside Martin Sheen [84]. However, it was the memorable merchant Salmoneus in "Hercules" and "Xena" that immortalized Trebor.
Initially cast for just two episodes, Salmoneus turned out to be a series regular, appearing in 20 episodes of "Hercules" and four of the spin-off "Xena." Trebor's charming, yet cunning portrayal brought comedic relief to both shows, earning him fans worldwide. In fact, his popularity led to the production of an action figure, and he was a beloved presence at fan events [5].
- 1990s
- Impact
Trebor's performances added a unique charm to "Hercules" and "Xena." Known for his witty one-liners, the actor brought laughter and warmth to these action-packed shows. His character, Salmoneus, could be a con artist or a shrewd merchant, but always provided a light-hearted touch to the stories [3].
Despite the tragic end to an extraordinary career, Robert Trebor's legacy remains everlasting in the hearts of fans. His contributions to "Hercules" and "Xena: Warrior Princess" continue to be celebrated, reminding us of the tremendous impact a single character can have on audiences worldwide.
[1] Robert Trebor (Robert Alan Schenkman)
[2] Personal and Acting Career
[3] Impact on 'Hercules' and 'Xena: Warrior Princess'
[4] Cause of Death
[5] There Was Even an Action Figure of Robert Trebor
[84] Martin Sheen Biography
The Hollywood Reporter announced the passing of Robert Trebor in 2025 due to sepsis, a veteran actor recognized for his roles in Hercules and Xena: Warrior Princess. During the 1990s, Trebor, previously known as Robert Alan Schenkman, made a significant impact with his humorous portrayal of Salmoneus in Hercules and Xena, a character that brought light-hearted comedy to the action-packed shows. His popularity led to an action figure being produced, and he continued to be a beloved presence at fan events.
