Robert Dean Kaliban (November 6, 1933 â December 12, 2020) was an American actor, singer, and musician who served as president of the New York branch of SAG-AFTRA. He also appeared in television, films and TV commercials as the "Ty-D-Bol ManâÂÂ.
Kaliban was born on November 6, 1933, in Lisbon, Iowa. After attending Loras College in Dubuque, he moved to New York City in the 1950s where he began his career in the theater. Twice married, Kaliban briefly moved to London and gained a scholarship at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His first role on Broadway was in the musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. He also appeared in Ben Franklin in Paris.
In 1968, Kaliban became president of the Screen Actors Guild. Regarding his role as SAG president, Kaliban stated: âÂÂWe have been stripped of our dignity and believability as actors by every client who uses real people. The trend must turn back from real people to the real professional.âÂÂ
Kaliban later appeared in local television commercials in the New York City area. Despite leaving SAG in 1994, he continued to have a âÂÂTrusteeâ status of the Pension Plan until his death.
Kaliban died on December 12, 2020 in California.
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