Robb Webb obit

Robb Webb

29 JANUARY, 1939 – 3 FEBRUARY, 2021

 

He was not on the list.

(January 29,1939 – February 3, 2021)

Beginning in 1997, Robb Webb’s voice was heard by millions introducing CBS’s The Evening

News and 60 Minutes. His unique, warm baritone, laced with hints of the South, also graced serious NFL documentaries and provided many “laugh out loud” interludes on The Late Show with David Letterman. Robb explained his range this way: “I can approach (voice over copy) as a solid newsman or as a dangerous newsman.” The tongue-in-cheek narration he provided for John Lurie’s Fishing with John helped turn the series into a cult hit, and prompted Lurie to call him “the Michael Jordan of narration”. He provided the voice overs for thousands of commercials, including the highly entertaining “Get Rid of Cable” Direct TV series. Robb Webb passed away on February 3, 2021 in New York City of complications from Covid.

 In the 1970s Robb acted on Broadway with George C. Scott and Jack Gilford in SLY FOX, and

 Off Broadway at Manhattan Theater Club and Circle Rep. In the 1960s he studied radio and television production for three years at Ohio State University before heading west to begin his career. While serving in the US Army in Asmara, Ethiopia (now Eritrea), he was the station manager for a TV and radio station run by Armed Services Radio and Television. Returning to the US he became a star radio DJ in San Antonio, and a member of the acting company at the

 Alley Theater in Houston. A skilled photographer as well, he was hired to be the principal photographer for the Alley Theater, and for Hemisfair 1968, the official World’s Fair held in San Antonio. An excellent and meticulous cook, Robb and his wife of 30 years, Pat DeRousie-Webb were generous hosts in the beautiful homes they renovated together in the Catskills and on the Upper West Side. Nelson Robinette (Robb) Webb was born on January 29, 1939 in Whitesburg, Kentucky.

 Although he became a New Yorker to his bones, he retained a love for the Kentucky mountains, co-founding with his poet brother Jim, a literary journal, Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel, now the official journal of the Southern Appalachian Writers Cooperative. He was also an ardent supporter of Appalshop, a vibrant Kentucky arts organization. A consummate professional, widely admired for his work, he was also a loving husband, and doting father and grandfather, a harmonica whiz, a volley ball player, and a man of strong opinions.

 Robb is survived by his wife, Pat De Rousie-Webb of New York City, his daughter Allison (Donald) Willcox, grandson Michael Willcox and granddaughter Sara Willcox of Annandale, Virginia. As well as beloved Sister-in-law, Tamara Havenstein and nieces and nephews; Stephanie (Raymond) Rondy, Raymond Rondy IV (RIV), Genevieve Rondy. Philipp (Jaclyn Lewis) Havenstein and brother-in-law Michael (Jessica) De Rousie.

 He was preceded in death by his brother Jim Webb, and his parents Watson C. Webb and

 Esther June (Salling) Webb and his grandparents Nelson Robinette (Catherine Spangler) Webb and Henry William (Lettie Webb) Salling. He leaves behind a legion of friends and colleagues.

 A family memorial will be planned at a later date. Donations may be sent to The Actor's Fund,

 

ActorsFund.org

 

Self

Fishing with John (1991)

Fishing with John

8.0

TV Mini Series

Narrator (voice)

1991

6 episodes

 

Air Superiority: U.S./Soviet Fighter Matchup

Video

Narrator

1990

 

Test Pilot (1989)

Test Pilot

Video

Narrator

1989

 

Verdict: The Wrong Man

TV Movie

Narrator

1986

 

Murder: No Apparent Motive (1984)

Murder: No Apparent Motive

7.1

Self - Narrator

1984