Bob Kaliban


Robert Dean Kaliban was an American actor, singer, and musician who served as president of the New York branch of SAG-AFTRA. He also appeared in television, films and TV commercials as the "Ty-D-Bol Man”.

Personal life and career

Kaliban was born on November 6, 1933, in Lisbon, Iowa. After attending Loras College in Dubuque, he moved to New York City in the 1950s where he began his career in the theater. Twice married, Kaliban briefly moved to London and gained a scholarship at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His first role on Broadway was in the musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. He also appeared in Ben Franklin in Paris.
In 1968, Kaliban became president of the Screen Actors Guild. Regarding his role as SAG president, Kaliban stated: “We have been stripped of our dignity and believability as actors by every client who uses real people. The trend must turn back from real people to the real professional.”
Kaliban later appeared in local television commercials in the New York City area. Despite leaving SAG in 1994, he continued to have a “Trustee” status of the Pension Plan until his death.
Kaliban died on December 12, 2020 in California.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleCharacterNoteRef
1978If I Ever See You AgainAccount Supervisor
1979Something Short of ParadiseGeorge Pendleton
1979A Family Circus ChristmasDaddy
1980The [Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw]Big Paw / Announcer
1980The Missing LinkCroak / Slick
1980I Go PogoBewildered Bat
1983The CharmkinsBramble Brother #2
1987The Big BangExtra
1993Tracey Takes on New YorkExtra
1996Christmas in CartoontownVoice-
2003It [Runs in the Family (2003 film)|It Runs in the Family]Jim Lindsay
2011Top Cat: The MovieJudge/Police Chief/MayorFinal role

Television

YearTitleCharacterNoteRef
1963The [Patty Duke Show]Charlie Anderson
1967Run for Your LifeArthur Court
1980Drawing Power!Pop, additional voices
1982A Family Circus EasterDaddy
1979-2009SchoolHouse Rock!Lou, Mr. Chips, additional voices
1995-1996Starla and the Jewel RidersJosh, Merlin, King Jared
1999-2000A Little CuriousLittle Cup, Plush
2007Human GiantDoritos Commercial Man

Video games

Commercials

YearCompanyCharacter
1968-1984Ty-D-BolTy-D-Bol Man
1986-1995Toys "R" UsGeoffrey

Discography

Albums