Robin David Sachs (5 February 1951 – 1 February 2013) was an English actor whose career spanned theatre, television, film and voice work. He became a familiar face in genre productions—sci‑fi, fantasy and action—and was praised for his ability to play charming antagonists and memorable supporting characters. His screen credits include appearances in both mainstream studio pictures and cult television series.
Early life and stage work
Sachs was born on 5 February 1951 in London, England. He trained and worked as a stage actor before moving more regularly into screen roles; theatre remained an important part of his background and informed his approach to character work. During his early career he appeared in a variety of dramatic and comedic productions, developing the versatility that later served him in film and voice roles.
Screen and voice career
On television and in film Sachs built a reputation for strong supporting performances. He appeared in episodes and productions associated with popular series and movies, including work on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. His film credits include roles in large studio projects and genre comedies such as Galaxy Quest, and he took parts in blockbuster franchises including The Lost World: Jurassic Park. In later years he also supplied voices for animated features and video games, most notably lending his voice to entries in the Resident Evil franchise, such as Resident Evil: Damnation.
Selected roles
- Appearances on television series and miniseries, including science fiction work
- Supporting roles in feature films ranging from action to comedy
- Voice performances for animated films and video games
Colleagues and fans often noted Sachs's flair for portraying urbane or roguish characters; his vocal range made him a sought‑after performer for animated and interactive projects where distinctive voices are crucial.
Personal life and legacy
Sachs was married to actress Siân Phillips from 1979 until their divorce in 1991; Phillips had previously been married to Peter O'Toole. He later married Casey DeFranco in 1995; that marriage ended in 2006. Sachs lived in the United States for many years and continued to work internationally.
Robin Sachs died on 1 February 2013 at his home in Los Angeles, California from an apparent heart attack. He is remembered by fans of genre film and television for a body of work that combined stage discipline with a distinctive screen presence, and for voice performances that reached a broad audience in animation and gaming.