Andrew Jordt Robinson (photo ©Diane Krauss) was born on February 14, 1942, in New York City.

Andrew Robinson studied at the University of New Hampshire but later moved to the New School for Social Research in New York, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English. His original intention was to become a journalist but he turned to acting and had a scholarship that allowed him to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art

Initially, Andrew Robinson acted in theater, and in the late ’60s began to have his first roles in television and movies. In 1971, he obtained the role of a serial killer in the movie “Dirty Harry” getting positive reviews from critics.

With that role, Andrew Robinson also won fame but was also typecast as the serial killer so he was cast in other similar roles in other movies, including the now classic horror “Hellraiser”.

In 1970, Andrew Robinson married Irene. They had a daughter, Rachel, who became an actress as well.

Since the ’70s, Andrew Robinson also had roles in TV shows such as a regular character on the soap opera “Ryan’s Hope” between 1976 and 1978 and many appearances as a guest star in more or less famous shows. In 1993 he was cast to play Elim Garak, a Cardassian tailor with a mysterious past, in the series “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”. Originally, Garak was supposed to appear in one episode only but eventually he became one of the most important recurring characters in the series also thanks to Robinson’s ability to express the many facets of his character.

In “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”, Garak interacts primarily with Dr. Bashir, and Andrew Robinson formed a friendship with the actor who played him, Alexander Siddig, so much that he’s the godfather of the son he had with his colleague Nana Visitor.

In the ’90s, Andrew Robinson also became a TV director working in various series including “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “Star Trek: Voyager” and directing his daughter Rachel in “Judging Amy”.

In 2000, Andrew Robinson published the novel “A Stitch in Time”, based on the series “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and focused on his character Garak. Robinson stated that for him the novel was a way to get total closure of the character.

In 1993, Andrew Robinson founded the Matrix Theatre Company and in addition to directing it he teaches acting at the University of Southern California. I wonder if any of his students will become as good as him.