Actor Robert Conrad, known for the television show "The Wild, Wild West," died Saturday at the age of 84, according to his family spokesperson Jeff Ballard.
Conrad died of heart failure in Malibu, California, a little less than a month before his 85th birthday, Ballard said.
Conrad Went From Milkman to Hollywood Star
Conrad was born in Chicago on March 1, 1935, Ballard said.Conrad played James T. West, a Secret Service agent during the administration of President Ulysses Grant. West and fellow agent Artemis Gordon, played by actor Ross Martin, sometimes solved crimes using technology that didn't actually exist during the 1800s, lending a science fiction feel to the series.
Conrad Gave Back to His Community
Conrad supported many organizations helping those in need, Ballard said.He was a longtime supporter of the Wounded Warriors Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the United States Marine Corps, and the Jimmie Heuga Endowment, which provides support to those affected with multiple sclerosis. He was also a proponent of amateur boxing, Ballard said.
Conrad was also a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in Broadcasting and an inductee of the Stuntman's Hall of Fame.
A small private service is pending for March 1.
Conrad is survived by his eight children and 18 grandchildren from two different marriages.