Robb Webb

(January 29,1939 – February 3, 2021)

Beginning in 1997, Robb Webb’s voice was heard by millions introducing CBS’s The Evening

News and 60 Minutes. His unique, warm baritone, laced with hints of the South, also graced

serious NFL documentaries and provided many “laugh out loud” interludes on The Late Show

with David Letterman. Robb explained his range this way: “I can approach (voice over copy)

as a solid newsman or as a dangerous newsman.” The tongue-in-cheek narration he provided

for John Lurie’s Fishing with John helped turn the series into a cult hit, and prompted Lurie to

call him “the Michael Jordan of narration”. He provided the voice overs for thousands of

commercials, including the highly entertaining “Get Rid of Cable” Direct TV series. Robb

Webb passed away on February 3, 2021 in New York City of complications from Covid.

In the 1970s Robb acted on Broadway with George C. Scott and Jack Gilford in SLY FOX, and

Off Broadway at Manhattan Theater Club and Circle Rep. In the 1960s he studied radio and

television production for three years at Ohio State University before heading west to begin

his career. While serving in the US Army in Asmara, Ethiopia (now Eritrea), he was the station

manager for a TV and radio station run by Armed Services Radio and Television. Returning to

the US he became a star radio DJ in San Antonio, and a member of the acting company at the

Alley Theater in Houston. A skilled photographer as well, he was hired to be the principal

photographer for the Alley Theater, and for Hemisfair 1968, the official World’s Fair held in San

Antonio. An excellent and meticulous cook, Robb and his wife of 30 years, Pat DeRousie-Webb

were generous hosts in the beautiful homes they renovated together in the Catskills and on the

Upper West Side.

Nelson Robinette (Robb) Webb was born on January 29, 1939 in Whitesburg, Kentucky.

Although he became a New Yorker to his bones, he retained a love for the Kentucky

mountains, co-founding with his poet brother Jim, a literary journal, Pine Mountain Sand &

Gravel, now the official journal of the Southern Appalachian Writers Cooperative. He was also

an ardent supporter of Appalshop, a vibrant Kentucky arts organization. A

consummate professional, widely admired for his work, he was also a loving husband, and

doting father and grandfather, a harmonica whiz, a volley ball player, and a man of strong

opinions.

Robb is survived by his wife, Pat De Rousie-Webb of New York City, his daughter Allison

(Donald) Willcox, grandson Michael Willcox and granddaughter Sara Willcox of Annandale,

Virginia. As well as beloved Sister-in-law, Tamara Havenstein and nieces and nephews;

Stephanie (Raymond) Rondy, Raymond Rondy IV (RIV), Genevieve Rondy. Philipp (Jaclyn

Lewis) Havenstein and brother-in-law Michael (Jessica) De Rousie.

He was preceded in death by his brother Jim Webb, and his parents Watson C. Webb and

Esther June (Salling) Webb and his grandparents Nelson Robinette (Catherine Spangler) Webb

and Henry William (Lettie Webb) Salling. He leaves behind a legion of friends and colleagues.

A family memorial will be planned at a later date. Donations may be sent to The Actor's Fund,

ActorsFund.org