Robert Trebor, known for his role as the merchant Salmoneus in the 1990s series “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” and “Xena: Warrior Princess,” has died at 71.
Trebor died on March 11, 2025, at Los Angeles Medical Center in California from sepsis, as confirmed by his wife of 43 years, Deirdre Hennings, to The Hollywood Reporter. Trebor was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012 and had a stem-cell transplant in 2013, which led to long-term side effects.
His online obituary notes, “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 chose the stage name “Trebor,” which is his first name spelled backward, while studying theater at Northwestern University to stand out from a classmate. Early in his career, Trebor performed at New York City’s Ensemble Studio Theater, appearing in plays by Shel Silverstein.
Trebor’s breakthrough came in 1985 when he played serial killer David Berkowitz in the CBS television movie “Out of the Darkness,” alongside Martin Sheen and Héctor Elizondo. His early film work included roles in “52 Pick-Up” (1986), “My Demon Lover” (1987), “Making Mr. Right” (1987), and “Talk Radio” (1988) by Oliver Stone.
His role as Salmoneus brought Trebor significant recognition. He debuted the character in the 1994 telefilm “Hercules and the Lost Kingdom” and continued throughout the five seasons of “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” from 1995 to 1999. He also appeared in four episodes of “Xena: Warrior Princess” from 1996 to 1999.
In a 2001 interview with The Voyageur, Trebor explained his interpretation of Salmoneus: “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 described Salmoneus as an eager individual who relied on his quick wit and smooth talking.
The character’s popularity led to Trebor becoming an action figure and a frequent guest at fan conventions. His career spanned four decades, showcasing his comedic and dramatic skills.
Trebor’s work extended beyond the “Hercules” and “Xena” series, with roles in films like “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” “Turk 182,” and “The Devil’s Rejects.” His television work included appearances in “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles” and “Tales from the Crypt.” His final film appearance was in the Coen Brothers’ 2016 satire “Hail, Caesar!”
As 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), a political satire.
In 2013, Trebor was named an Artist-in-Residence at The Braid (formerly Jewish Women’s Theatre) in Los Angeles, where a scholarship fund is being created in his honor.
Trebor is survived by his wife, Deirdre Hennings, with whom he shared over four decades of marriage.
