Fans mourn Robert Logan and Jack Karlson, both iconic figures, at age 82

The entertainment world has bid farewell to two cherished stars, Robert Logan, best known for his roles in 77 Sunset Strip and The Adventures of the Wilderness Family, and Jack Karlson, whose theatrical outburst during an arrest became a popular sensation, has always been shrouded in humour and mystery.

Logan's son Anthony confirmed his passing to People at 82, leaving fans and family alike to mourn the loss of a beloved actor and family man.


Born in Brooklyn, Logan's journey to stardom was as fascinating as his on-screen characters.

Karlson’s talents shone initially on the baseball field, where he earned a scholarship that hinted at a future in sports.

However, destiny had other plans, and Logan's path veered towards the bright lights of Hollywood, where he began his acting career as a teenager.


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Robert Logan, known for 77 Sunset Strip and The Adventures of the Wilderness Family, passed away at 82. Credit: Pacific International Enterprises / YouTube


His early foray into acting quickly blossomed, and Logan became a household name with his role in the hit television series 77 Sunset Strip.

The show, aired in the late 1950s and early 1960s, was a cornerstone of television's golden age and showcased Logan's charisma and versatility as an actor.

But his portrayal of Skip Robinson in The Adventures of the Wilderness Family truly captured the hearts of audiences.


The film, which tells the story of a family leaving the hustle and bustle of city life for the tranquillity of nature, resonated with viewers and led to two sequels.

Throughout the 1980s, Logan continued to grace the screen with appearances in shows like Riptide and movies like Patriots.

His last acting credit was in the 1997 film Redboy 13.

Logan turned his creative energies towards documentary filmmaking as his on-screen presence waned.


‘He was the embodiment of agape, literally the Platonic ideal of spousal or familial love,’ his family’s statement read.

‘We felt so lucky and blessed to experience that; so lucky and so blessed to know him.’

Logan's legacy is carried on by his wife, Alina, siblings, children, and grandchildren, who will no doubt continue to cherish the memories and values he instilled in them.

While the exact cause of his death, cited as natural causes, remains private, the mark he left on the world is indelibly public.

Here's a short video to remember Robert Logan's iconic acting:

Credit: YouTube

In other news, Jack Karlson, who passed away a week after his 82nd birthday, was remembered by his family as having lived a full and colourful life.

His catchphrase 'succulent Chinese meal' and the declaration 'democracy manifest' have echoed through the internet, bringing laughter and intrigue to many.

But behind the viral fame was a man who lived a life full of twists and turns.


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Jack Karlson, known for the 'democracy manifest' video, died a week after his 82nd birthday. Credit: 7News / YouTube


Following his passing, his family has come forward to share the story behind the iconic moment that made him an unlikely internet star.

The video that made him famous was uploaded to YouTube in 2009, but the incident occurred in 1991.

It showed Karlson being escorted out of a Chinese restaurant by police, vociferously protesting in a manner that seemed almost Shakespearean in its delivery.

'Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest,' he proclaimed, followed by the now-famous lines about a headlock and the unwarranted handling of his genitals.


The family's silence has been broken, and they've revealed that Karlson always maintained his innocence, claiming it was a case of mistaken identity that led to his arrest.

The police had tipped off a TV crew, expecting a routine arrest, but Karlson's flamboyant response turned the tables, making the police regret their decision to involve the media.

Despite the humour in the video, Karlson's life was not without its hardships. In his later years, he battled various health conditions, including systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and cancer.

His niece, Kim Edwards, shared that Karlson had spent his final weeks in the hospital, where he humorously attempted to escape, reminiscent of his younger days when he was known for several daring prison escapes.

His family has also expressed gratitude for the support they received through a GoFundMe campaign set up to help with his medical expenses.


The campaign has raised over $8,500, contributing to his funeral costs.

In a touching gesture, his family gave him a last taste of red wine through his drip before it was removed, honouring his spirited character.

The legacy of Jack Karlson will be immortalised in an upcoming documentary titled The Man Who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal.

Director Heath Davis spoke of Karlson as an 'icon' and 'Australia's last larrikin,' whose positive outlook on life despite adversity was an inspiration.

The documentary aims to tell the full story of Karlson's life beyond the viral video, and the crew remains committed to bringing it to the big screen.


Karlson's life was indeed one of a kind, marked by his numerous escapes from custody, including a daring leap from a train while being transported to a court hearing from Boggo Road Gaol in 1996.

His ability to impersonate a detective and walk out of a court cell in Parramatta, Sydney, further adds to his legend.

Here's a farewell video to remember Jack Karlson:

Credit: YouTube

Key Takeaways

  • Robert Logan, an actor known for 77 Sunset Strip and The Adventures of the Wilderness Family, has died at the age of 82.
  • Logan passed away from natural causes, and his death was confirmed by his son Anthony.
  • Logan had a shift from a potential baseball career to acting, with a career that spanned several decades.
  • Logan's family has expressed feeling 'so lucky and so blessed' to have had him in their lives, and he is remembered as the embodiment of familial love.
  • Jack Karlson, the man behind the iconic 'democracy manifest' viral video, died a week after his 82nd birthday.
  • Despite Karlson’s rise to internet fame, he maintained that his 1991 arrest was a case of mistaken identity.
  • Karlson’s family remembered him for living a full and colourful life, having touched the lives of many despite facing various challenges.
  • A documentary on his life, The Man Who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal, is set to be released, and the creator of the film considers it an honour to tell Karlson’s story.

As we say goodbye to two iconic figures, Robert Logan and Jack Karlson, we reflect on the joy they brought to their audiences and the love they shared with their families.

Robert Logan and Jack Karlson, thank you for the memories.

May they rest in peace.
 
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