Robert Trebor, the beloved character actor best known for his roles as the cunning merchant Salmoneus in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess, has passed away at the age of 71. His wife, Deirdre Hennings, confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter that Trebor died on March 11, 2025, at the Los Angeles Medical Center due to complications from sepsis.
Trebor had been battling leukemia since 2012 and underwent a stem-cell transplant the following year, which led to various health complications. His passing marks a significant loss for fans of the 1990s fantasy television genre, where his comedic timing and expressive performances often stole the show, even alongside larger-than-life characters like Hercules and Xena.
Born Robert Alan Schenkman in Philadelphia in 1953, Trebor adopted his stage name as a palindrome of his first name to avoid confusion with college classmate Robert Schenkkan. He began his acting career with minor roles in the 1980s, but his breakthrough came with the portrayal of David Berkowitz, the infamous 'Son of Sam', in the 1985 film Out of the Darkness.
Trebor's career flourished as he landed roles in several notable films, including 52 Pickup, Making Mr. Right, Talk Radio, and Universal Soldier. However, he is most fondly remembered for his role as Salmoneus, a materialistic merchant who provided comic relief throughout the series. He first appeared as Salmoneus in the telefilm Hercules and the Lost Kingdom in 1994 and continued to charm audiences across all five seasons of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys from 1995 to 1999.
Trebor reprised his role in the spin-off series Xena: Warrior Princess, appearing in four episodes from 1996 to 1999. His character was originally intended for only two episodes, but his performance resonated so well with viewers that the producers decided to keep him around longer. In a 2005 interview, Trebor shared, "Salmoneus was written for me by the producers of Hercules in the fall of '94. I was originally to appear in two episodes. Before [the episode] wrapped, they asked my availability to appear in two of the three Xena guest star episodes on Hercules to be shot in January of '95. So actually, I was cast in the Xena episodes before Lucy [Lawless] was cast as Xena!"
His versatility as an actor was evident in his appearances on various television shows, including Miami Vice, Murphy Brown, Baywatch, Supernatural, The Flash, and Days of Our Lives. Trebor's last film role was in the Coen brothers' 2016 film Hail, Caesar!, which featured a star-studded cast including George Clooney and Josh Brolin.
In the wake of his death, tributes have poured in from fans who fondly remembered him for his iconic role as Salmoneus. Many took to social media to express their condolences and share memories, with one fan stating, "RIP Robert Trebor. Thanks for bringing so many laughs to Xena!" Another wrote, "Rest in peace, Robert Trebor. You always charmed as the lovable Salmoneus. You were the first to see there was more to #Xena in Hercules TLJ. Thanks for bringing him to life with such warmth and humor."
Trebor is survived by his wife, Deirdre Hennings, whom he married 43 years ago. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Braid, where a scholarship will be established in his honor, or to The Leukemia Research Foundation. A heartfelt tribute on his obituary noted, "Mr. Trebor's talent, humor, energy, and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by all who knew him, most especially by his wife."
As fans remember the joy and laughter he brought to their screens, Trebor's legacy as a talented actor and beloved figure in the fantasy genre will undoubtedly endure.
