Robert Douglas Purcell, a remarkable individual with a profound aptitude for the creative arts, hails from the charming town of Scituate, nestled on the picturesque south shore of Massachusetts. Throughout his formative years, he consistently demonstrated a remarkable talent for artistic expression, showcasing exceptional skill and dedication in his artistic endeavors during his time at Scituate High School, where he proudly graduated early from the Class of 1976.
As his artistic inclinations continued to evolve, Purcell's natural aptitude for the creative arts led him to take a unique path, joining the esteemed United States Marine Corps. Since 1982, he has made California his home, where he continues to nurture his artistic talents and pursue his passions with unwavering dedication and commitment.
Noteworthy in his personal sphere, Purcell has been a devoted spouse since the year 1985, yet his marital union came to a close in 2003. As a devoted patriarch, he takes immense pride in being the loving father of two stunning daughters. Throughout his illustrious professional career, Purcell's trajectory has been characterized by a consistent flow of projects in the realms of film, television, and commercials.
Purcell's extensive theatrical experience has been showcased through his diverse range of performances in various productions, demonstrating his remarkable versatility as a thespian. Notably, he has taken on the esteemed role of "Major Roberts" in Layon Gray's critically acclaimed World War II drama, "Black Angels Over Tuskegee," which premiered in 2009. Additionally, he has appeared as "Murray" in the New Voices/OC Playwrights Alliance production of "Christmas In Pakistan," a heartwarming holiday tale that debuted in 2007.
Furthermore, Purcell's impressive repertoire includes his portrayal of "Bobby" in the Dillstar West production of "The Soprano's Last Supper," a gripping and intense drama that explores the complexities of human nature. Moreover, he has brought to life the character of "Petruchio" in the Newport Beach Repertory production of "The Haunting of Will Shakespeare," a thought-provoking and imaginative retelling of the Bard's most famous works.
Through these various performances, Purcell has consistently demonstrated his remarkable range and adaptability as an actor, effortlessly transitioning between diverse roles and productions with ease and aplomb.
Purcell's extensive career in film and television has showcased his versatility in portraying a wide range of authority figures, from the "Police Officer" in the critically acclaimed short film, The Silent, released in 2006, to the formidable Army General "Agamemnon" in the award-winning short, Cassandra, also from 2006.
In addition to these more traditional roles, Purcell has also demonstrated his ability to play complex and nuanced characters, such as the "Slot Machine Pit Boss" opposite the legendary Al Pacino in the 2007 blockbuster, Ocean's Thirteen.
However, when asked about his personal favorite roles, Purcell cites his performances as the down-and-out ex-boxer, ex-mafia tough guy "Joe" in the faith-based feature film, Faith Happens, released in 2005, and the gay "Bartender" in the feature film, Hollywood, Je T'aime, released in 2009.
These off-beat characters showcase Purcell's willingness to take on a wide range of roles and his ability to bring depth and nuance to each character he portrays.
Notable beyond his on-screen endeavors, Purcell has concurrently contributed his vocal talents to a variety of comedic radio advertisements for Howard's TV "Halo Hotline" throughout the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim's 2007-2009 baseball seasons, assuming diverse character roles. His television commercials for Howard's TV & Appliances, which feature appearances by Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia and second baseman Howie Kendrick, further showcase his versatility as he takes on the personas of the Angels' Pitching Coach, the Umpire, and a pesky Sports Writer.
