Robert Alexander Cochran, a distinguished thespian, made his entrance into the world in Eureka, California, where his lumberjack father relocated the family to Wyoming during the 1920s. Cochran's formative years were spent in Wyoming, where he graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1939.
After the expiration of his contract in the year 1948, the talented actor, Steve Cochran, made a triumphant return to the esteemed stage of Broadway, where he had the esteemed privilege of collaborating with the incomparable and legendary Mae West. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career, as he subsequently signed with the renowned Warner Brothers film studio, thereby securing himself leading roles in a plethora of notable motion pictures, including the critically acclaimed "The Damned Don't Cry" released in 1950, "Highway 301" also released in 1950, and "Tomorrow is Another Day" which premiered in 1951.
As Cochran's contract with Warner Brothers came to a close in 1953, he seized the opportunity to break free from the shackles of studio constraints and forge his own path by establishing Robert Alexander Productions, a film company that would serve as a platform for his creative vision.
Throughout this period, Cochran continued to maintain a strong presence in the entertainment industry by freelancing for other studios, taking on a wide range of roles that showcased his versatility as an actor. He made guest appearances on popular television shows, including "Death Valley Days," a classic western anthology series that featured stories set in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the American West.
Cochran's talent for playing complex and nuanced characters also led him to appear in episodes of "Burke's Law," a crime drama that followed the investigations of a wealthy and charismatic police lieutenant. He brought his unique brand of acting to "The Untouchables," a critically acclaimed series that dramatized the true story of Eliot Ness and his team as they took on the notorious Al Capone and his criminal empire.
In addition to his work on these classic TV shows, Cochran also made memorable appearances on "Naked City," a gritty and realistic police procedural that explored the darker side of human nature, and "The Twilight Zone," a groundbreaking science fiction anthology series that pushed the boundaries of storytelling and explored the human condition.
Cochran's ability to adapt to a wide range of roles and genres also led him to appear in episodes of "Route 66," a popular adventure series that followed two young men as they traveled across America in a Corvette, and "The Virginian," a long-running western series that explored the complexities of life on a Wyoming ranch.
Throughout his career, Cochran's dedication to his craft and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters have made him a beloved figure in the world of entertainment, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers.
Notwithstanding his remarkable achievements and accomplishments, Cochran's personal life was marked by a tumultuous and unpredictable nature, characterized by a pattern of marrying and subsequently divorcing three times, leaving a trail of emotional scars and unresolved conflicts in his wake.
Furthermore, Cochran's reputation was also tarnished by his numerous and high-profile extramarital affairs with numerous actresses, including the legendary and iconic Mae West, the blonde bombshell Jayne Mansfield, the Hollywood royalty Joan Crawford, the exotic and alluring Merle Oberon, the talented and versatile Ida Lupino, and the curvaceous and captivating Mamie Van Doren, among many others, leaving a lasting impression on the entertainment industry and the public's perception of him.
Steve Cochran's life was tragically cut short in 1965, amidst a shroud of mystery that has endured for decades. In a bold attempt to revive his production company, he embarked on a perilous journey aboard his 40-foot yacht, accompanied by three women who had been hired as assistants. The group's destination was Central and South America, where they sought to discover unique filming locations for their upcoming projects.
As they sailed through the Caribbean, their yacht drifted into Port Champerico, Guatemala, on June 25, 1965. However, their arrival was marked by a sense of desperation and urgency, as three of the women on board were visibly distressed. Tragically, Steve Cochran, the charismatic leader of the group, was nowhere to be found. It soon became apparent that he had met his untimely demise ten days prior, under circumstances that would leave a lasting impact on those who knew him.
The official cause of Cochran's death was attributed to Acute Infectious Edema, a severe lung infection. Yet, despite this explanation, numerous rumors and speculations began to circulate, suggesting that his demise may have been the result of foul play or poisoning. The exact truth behind Steve Cochran's mysterious death remains a topic of debate to this day, leaving behind a legacy of intrigue and unanswered questions.
