Robert Trebor, known for his role as the merchant Salmoneus in the 1990s TV series “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” and “Xena: Warrior Princess,” has passed away at 71.
Trebor died on March 11, 2025, at the Los Angeles Medical Center, California, due to sepsis. His wife of 43 years, Deirdre Hennings, confirmed this to The Hollywood Reporter. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012 and underwent a stem-cell transplant in 2013, which led to subsequent side effects.
His online obituary noted, “Mr. Trebor’s talent, humor, energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by all who knew him, most especially by his wife.”
Born Robert Alan Schenkman in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1953, he adopted the stage name “Trebor,” which is “Robert” spelled backward, to differentiate himself from a college classmate at Northwestern University. Early in his career, he performed at New York City’s Ensemble Studio Theater, appearing in plays by Shel Silverstein.
Trebor’s breakthrough role was in 1985 as serial killer David Berkowitz, the “Son of Sam,” in the CBS movie “Out of the Darkness,” alongside Martin Sheen and Héctor Elizondo. His early film work included “52 Pick-Up” (1986), “My Demon Lover” (1987), “Making Mr. Right” (1987), and Oliver Stone’s “Talk Radio” (1988).
Trebor gained fame with his role as Salmoneus, first appearing in the 1994 telefilm “Hercules and the Lost Kingdom”. He was a regular in “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” from 1995 to 1999 and appeared in four episodes of “Xena: Warrior Princess” from 1996 to 1999.
In a 2001 interview with The Voyageur, Trebor said, “I never saw him as a thief. [Bruce Campbell’s] Autolycus was the thief. I never saw him as a con man either, although I could understand why other people could.” He portrayed his character as an overly eager individual who relied on wit and charm to make a living.
The character’s popularity led to Trebor being turned into an action figure and a regular presence at fan conventions. His acting career spanned four decades, showcasing his comedic and dramatic range.
Beyond “Hercules” and “Xena,” Trebor’s work included films like “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” “Turk 182,” and “The Devil’s Rejects.” His television roles included appearances in “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles” and “Tales from the Crypt.” His final film role was in the 2016 Coen Brothers’ satire “Hail, Caesar!”
An author, Trebor wrote two books: “Dear Salmoneus: The World’s First Guide to Love and Money” (1999) and “The Haircut Who Would Be King” (2019).
In 2013, Trebor became one of the first Artists-in-Residence at The Braid, formerly known as the Jewish Women’s Theatre, in Los Angeles, California, where a scholarship fund is being established in his memory.
Trebor is survived by his wife, Deirdre Hennings, with whom he shared over four decades of marriage.
