Robert Trebor, an actor best known for his role as Salmoneus in the 1990s television series “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” and “Xena: Warrior Princess,” has died at 71.
Trebor passed away on March 11, 2025, at the Los Angeles Medical Center in California due to sepsis, according to his wife of 43 years, Deirdre Hennings, who confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012 and underwent a stem-cell transplant in 2013, experiencing side effects in subsequent years.
His online obituary states, “Mr. Trebor’s talent, humor, energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by all who knew him, most especially by his wife.”
Born Robert Alan Schenkman in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1953, he took on the stage name “Trebor,” which is his first name spelled backward, to differentiate himself from a college classmate while studying theater at Northwestern University. Trebor started his career at New York City’s Ensemble Studio Theater, performing in plays written by Shel Silverstein.
Trebor’s significant break came in 1985 with his role as serial killer David Berkowitz, known as the “Son of Sam,” in the CBS television movie “Out of the Darkness,” alongside Martin Sheen and Héctor Elizondo. His early filmography includes roles in “52 Pick-Up” (1986), “My Demon Lover” (1987), “Making Mr. Right” (1987), and Oliver Stone’s “Talk Radio” (1988).
His role as Salmoneus brought Trebor his most significant recognition. He first took on the character in the 1994 telefilm “Hercules and the Lost Kingdom” and continued as a regular throughout all five seasons of “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” from 1995 to 1999. Trebor also appeared as Salmoneus in four episodes of “Xena: Warrior Princess” from 1996 to 1999.
In a 2001 interview with The Voyageur, Trebor discussed his interpretation of Salmoneus, saying, “I never saw him as a thief. [Bruce Campbell’s] Autolycus was the thief. I never saw him as a con man either, although I could understand why other people could.” He described the character as an overly eager individual who often missed important details, relying on his quick wit and smooth talking to earn a living outside of farming or fighting.
The character’s popularity led to Trebor being immortalized as an action figure and a frequent guest at fan conventions globally. His versatility as an actor allowed him to demonstrate both comedic and dramatic abilities throughout his career spanning four decades.
Beyond his work in the “Hercules” and “Xena” franchises, Trebor’s extensive resume included roles in films like “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” “Turk 182,” and “The Devil’s Rejects.” His television appearances included shows like “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles” and “Tales from the Crypt.” His final film role was in the Coen Brothers’ 2016 satire “Hail, Caesar!” with George Clooney and Josh Brolin.
Trebor was also an author, having written two books: “Dear Salmoneus: The World’s First Guide to Love and Money” (1999) and the political satire “The Haircut Who Would Be King” (2019).
In 2013, Trebor was named one of the first Artists-in-Residence at The Braid (formerly the Jewish Women’s Theatre) in Los Angeles, where a scholarship fund is being established in his memory.
Trebor is survived by his wife, Deirdre Hennings, with whom he spent over four decades of marriage.
