With the Poltergeist remake hitting theaters nationwide in a week, I decided to take a look back at the original film series and see what some of the actors are up to now. Unfortunately, most of the Freeling children – Carol Anne (Heather O’Rourke) and Dana (Dominique Dunne) – have since passed away, but Robbie, played by Oliver Robins, is still in good health and doing very well for himself in the entertainment industry.
Oliver Robins was born in July of 1971. At age 11 he booked his first credited role in Million Dollar Infield, followed by Airplane II. For the rest of his short career as an actor he would appear in horror titles, most noticeably as Robbie Freeling in the classic Poltergeist (1982). One of the most famous scenes from the hit movie including Robbie’s struggle with a spiritually possessed clown doll. Robins also appeared in Don’t Go to Sleep, another horror film that saw him in a supporting role in 1982. Oliver, and thus Robbie, returned for the sequel Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986) and showcased Robbie’s growth as a young man when he jumps into the fray to save his sister. At the end of 1986, Robins was a guest star on a single episode of “The Twilight Zone” before he quietly left the limelight.
So, where is Oliver Robins now?
Later on in life Robins emerged as a graduate from the University of South California with his degree in film and media; now with the intention of working behind the camera. Since then he has written and directed a number of comedies and dramas including Eating L.A. (1999), Dumped (2000), Wild Roomies (2004), You’ve Got A Friend (2007), Man Overboard (2008), 2900 Wishes. 1 Regret. (2012) and Connected (2015). Dumped and Wild Roomies received an international distribution deal and You’ve Got A Friend premiered on the Hallmark Channel in June of 2007 to massive ratings.
Not bad for the little boy terrorized by ghosts!
