Robert Mandan

Robert Mandan (February 2, 1932 – April 29, 2018) was an American actor, best known for his role as Chester Tate, the womanizing businessman husband of Jessica Tate (Katherine Helmond) on the satirical sitcom Soap from 1977–81. 2Career Mandan first acted in such television serials as NBC's From These Roots (1958-61) and businessman Sam Reynolds on Search for Tomorrow (1965-70). He also appeared on Broadway in the 1970 musical Applause. His sitcom appearances prior to Soap include an auctioneer in the 1972 premiere episode of Sanford and Son, attorney Mr. Morrison in a 1973 episode of All in the Family, and Barry, gay friend of Maude on a 1974 episode of Maude. He also guest-starred in an episode of the western series Sara in 1976. He played Mr. Kirby in the 1979 NBC television adaptation of You Can't Take it With You and the ineffective but well-meaning Colonel Fielding on the 1981 TV adaptation of Private Benjamin. Roles in two movies in 1982 were Zapped! as Walter J. Coolidge and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas as Senator Charles Wingwood.In 1984–85, he played James Bradford on ABC's Three's a Crowd opposite John Ritter and in 1986 as Peace Corps member D