R.I.P. Robert Wolders, Laredo star and longtime partner of Audrey Hepburn

The Dutch actor was often typecast as a dashing lover.

The Everett Collection

Born in the Netherlands, Robert Wolders got typecast in Hollywood as an "exotic lover." A Dutch accent and dashing looks were exotic enough in the midcentury film industry. His first television appearance came on Flipper, in the 1965 episode "Flipper and the Spy," when the dolphin and young Sandy have to root out a spy — played by the foreign-born Wolders, naturally.

A year later, Wolders landed a regular gig, portraying rookie Ranger Erik Hunter on the lighthearted Western adventure series Laredo. He joined the cast in the second season — which was cut short and canceled after 56 episodes in 1967.

Wolders continued to pop up in guest roles on shows like The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The F.B.I. and Bewitched. In 1974, he turned up as a handsome boyfriend — and ski instructor — of Mary Richards on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, in "Not Just Another Pretty Face."

In 1980, Wolders met Academy Award winner and icon Audrey Hepburn. He asked her out for dinner. She said she was busy with a night shoot. But she was not blowing him off. The following day, the two met and talked for hours, immediately clicking.

Wolder and Hepburn would remain together until she passed in 1993 from cancer. He accompanied her on her trips as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. "I have a wonderful man in my life, I have my Robert," Hepburn told Barbara Walters in an interview in 1989. 

Wolders died on Thursday at the age of 81, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Details of his death were not given by his family.

People we have lost in 2018

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  • John Mahoney, the beloved father of 'Frasier'
  • Clint Walker, the towering star of 1950s Western 'Cheyenne'
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  • David Ogden Stiers, M*A*S*H star and Disney voice actor
  • Steven Bochco, creator of 'Hill Street Blues' and 'NYPD Blue'
  • John Mahoney, the beloved father of 'Frasier'
  • Clint Walker, the towering star of 1950s Western 'Cheyenne'
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Harry Anderson of 'Night Court' and 'Cheers'

He was a magician whose antics earned him the nickname Harry the Hat, a character he later shared with the masses on Cheers. READ MORE

David Ogden Stiers, M*A*S*H star and Disney voice actor

The actor behind "Winchester" died at the age of 75. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Steven Bochco, creator of 'Hill Street Blues' and 'NYPD Blue'

The pioneer of prestige television passed away at 74. READ MORE

Image: AP PHOTO / NICK UT

John Mahoney, the beloved father of 'Frasier'

The veteran stage actor was 77. READ MORE

Image: AP Photo / Reed Saxon

Clint Walker, the towering star of 1950s Western 'Cheyenne'

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Image: The Everett Collection

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Image: The Everett Collection

Margot Kidder, best known as Lois Lane of 'Superman'

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Image: The Everett Collection

Vic Damone, legendary singer, popular entertainer and TV host

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Image: The Everett Collection

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Actress Doreen Tracey passed away January 10 at the age of 74. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Peter Wyngarde, British actor who appeared in 'The Prisoner,' 'Flash Gordon' and a Lucy special

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Image: The Everett Collection

Dorothy Malone, Oscar-winning actress and 'Peyton Place' star

On January 18, Dorothy Malone passed away at the age of 93. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Deanna Lund, a.k.a. Valerie Scott on 'Land of the Giants,' Anna Gram on 'Batman'

The actress passed away at the age of 81. READ MORE

Jean Porter, actress from 'The Abbott & Costello Show'

The '40s and '50s starlet passed away at the age of 95 on January 13. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Harry Landers, co-star on 'Ben Casey' and many beloved TV shows

Bette Davis kickstarted an acting career that led to the 'Star Trek' finale. READ MORE

Frank Buxton, writer, actor and director on 'The Odd Couple,' 'Happy Days'

The multifaceted TV talent passed away on January 2 at the age of 87. READ MORE

Image: The Everett Collection

Joseph Campanella of 'Mannix,' 'The Bold and the Beautiful' and more

The accomplished actor passed away at 93. READ MORE

Greta Thyssen, actress on 'The Three Stooges' and 'Perry Mason'

The actress passed away on January 6 at the age of 90. READ MORE

Bradford Dillman, prominent '60s and '70s film and TV actor

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Image: The Everett Collection

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Image: WHDH-TV / YouTube

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Eunice Gayson, the first Bond girl and guest star on 'The Saint'

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Jerry Maren, the last surviving Munchkin from 'The Wizard of Oz'

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Image: CBS / The Everett Collection / Warner Bros.

William Phipps, prolific actor who voiced Prince Charming

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Frank Doubleday, classic TV bad guy and villain from Escape From New York

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Allyn Ann McLerie of 'The Tony Randall Show'

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Bob Dorough, Schoolhouse Rock! composer

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Image: The Everett Collection

Barbara Dodd Remsen, classic TV actress and notable casting director

She lit up the screen and lifted up actors like Tom Selleck and Kevin Costner. READ MORE

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