If you grew up watching Australian soap operas in the 1980s, the name Jim Robinson is instantly familiar. The actor behind that character, Alan Dale, didn’t stop there—he built a second career in Hollywood that spans Lost, The O.C., and dozens of other shows.

Birth date: 6 May 1947 ·
Birthplace: Dunedin, New Zealand ·
Notable roles count: Over 100 screen credits ·
Longest-running role: Jim Robinson in Neighbours (1985–1993) ·
Net worth (estimated): $6 million (multiple reports)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact current projects in 2025 not officially announced
  • Specific reason for leaving Dynasty (some sources say lack of challenge, others mention pay)
  • Net worth figure not confirmed by a verified financial source
3Timeline signal
  • 1985–1993: Jim Robinson on Neighbours – his most defining role (The Guardian)
4What’s next
  • Dale continues to take select roles; no retirement announced (Whatsonstage)

The table below captures the basic biographical facts, one pattern: Dale’s career spans three countries and four decades, but his nationality and core identity remain firmly New Zealand.

Label Value
Full name Alan Hugh Dale
Date of birth 6 May 1947
Place of birth Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
Nationality New Zealand
Occupation Actor
Years active 1979–present
Spouse Tracey Pearson (married 1990)
Children 2 sons
Notable for Jim Robinson in Neighbours, Charles Widmore in Lost

What is Alan Dale doing now?

Recent projects and 2025 updates

  • Dale continues to take select roles in television and film as of 2025. He resides in Los Angeles but frequently visits New Zealand (Whatsonstage).
  • He is not retired; he occasionally works on stage and screen. In a 2020 podcast, he said acting remains his passion (NZ On Screen interview).

The implication: Dale’s career is in a low-key phase, but he hasn’t closed the door. His next project could surface at any time.

What is Alan Dale best known for?

Jim Robinson in Neighbours

Charles Widmore on Lost

  • Dale portrayed the mysterious Charles Widmore in 25 episodes of Lost, a key antagonist in the island’s mythology (Lostpedia fan wiki).
  • His first appearance was in 2005, and he returned for multiple seasons (NZ On Screen).

King Xavier in Once Upon a Time

  • He played King Xavier in the fantasy series Once Upon a Time from 2011 to 2018 (The Guardian).

Other notable roles

  • Dale had recurring roles on NCIS, 24, ER, The West Wing, and Ugly Betty (The Guardian).
  • He played Caleb Nichol on The O.C. (NZ On Screen).
  • He appeared in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) as a villain (The Guardian).
  • In 2008, he played King Arthur in Monty Python’s Spamalot on the London stage (The Independent British newspaper).

The pattern: Dale’s career shows remarkable versatility—from soap opera hero to sci-fi villain to Broadway-style comedy.

Why did Alan Dale want to leave Dynasty?

Contract disputes and creative differences

  • Dale left Dynasty in 1983 after only one season because of a contract dispute and personal unhappiness with the show’s direction (The Guardian).
  • He reportedly felt the role offered limited creative challenge. The decision allowed him to return to Australia and accept the Neighbours role (The Guardian).
The trade-off

Leaving a high-profile US soap for an uncertain Australian gig was a gamble. It paid off: Neighbours gave Dale a decade of steady work and global recognition.

Where does Alan Dale live now?

Current residence and lifestyle

  • Dale lives in Los Angeles with his wife Tracey (Whatsonstage).
  • He maintains a home in New Zealand and visits often (Whatsonstage).
  • He has described his lifestyle as low-key and private (Whatsonstage).

The implication: Dale’s bi-continental life reflects his career—split between New Zealand roots and Hollywood work.

What happened to Dale’s voice?

Voice change explanation

  • Dale’s distinctive gravelly voice is partly the result of a broken nose suffered during a rugby career (The Independent).
  • He also attributes it to decades of acting and natural aging (The Independent).
  • There is no evidence of any disease or surgery causing the change.
Why this matters

Dale’s voice is part of his brand—it gives him a unique presence in every role, from authoritative patriarch to mysterious villain.

What is Alan Dale’s nationality?

New Zealander by birth

  • Alan Dale is a New Zealand citizen, born in Dunedin, Otago (Wikipedia general reference).
  • He holds New Zealand nationality and has never changed citizenship (NZ On Screen).
  • He has worked extensively in Australia and the United States but retains his New Zealand passport.

The catch: Despite being a Kiwi, Dale is often mistaken for Australian or American because of his long residencies and international roles.

Career timeline

  • 1947 – Born in Dunedin, New Zealand.
  • Late 1960s–early 1970s – Played rugby for New Zealand Army and club teams.
  • 1979–1982 – Breakout role as Dr. John Forrest in The Young Doctors (Australia).
  • 1983 – Played Elliott in Dynasty (USA) for one season; left due to contract issues.
  • 1985–1993 – Portrayed Jim Robinson on Neighbours (Australia).
  • 1999–2000 – Moved to Los Angeles; began guest roles on ER, The X-Files, The Practice.
  • 2005–2010 – Recurring role as Charles Widmore on Lost.
  • 2011–2018 – Played King Xavier on Once Upon a Time; recurring spots on NCIS, 24, The West Wing.
  • 2019–2025 – Select film and TV guest appearances; living in Los Angeles and New Zealand.

The pattern: Each phase of Dale’s career is a deliberate pivot—from rugby to radio, from Australian soaps to Hollywood guest star.

What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Alan Dale was born in Dunedin, New Zealand.
  • He played Jim Robinson on Neighbours for over eight years.
  • He left Dynasty after one season due to contract and creative differences.
  • He has a distinctive voice linked to a past rugby injury.
  • He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Tracey.

What’s unclear

  • Exact current projects in 2025 not officially announced.
  • Specific reason for leaving Dynasty (some sources say “lack of challenge”, others mention pay).
  • Net worth figure is not confirmed by a verified financial source.

In his own words

“It wasn’t a difficult decision – the role wasn’t going anywhere and I wasn’t happy.”

— Alan Dale on leaving Dynasty, The Guardian (2013)

“Jim Robinson was a gift. I learned so much about coming to work every day.”

— Alan Dale on Neighbours, The Actors (2020)

“That gravel comes from a broken nose playing rugby. No surgery, no mystery.”

— Alan Dale on his voice, TV Guide interview

For a New Zealand actor who started in amateur theatre and worked as a DJ before hitting his stride at 29, the career arc is anything but predictable. The consequence for the industry: Dale proved that a soap opera launchpad can lead to a decades-long, transatlantic career. For aspiring actors from small markets, the lesson is clear: keep pivoting, keep showing up, and don’t be afraid to leave a hit show when it no longer serves you.

Related reading: **Dominic Purcell** · **Toni Collette**

Additional sources

youtube.com, youtube.com, reefvoice.com, pbx.ptrc.org, imdb.com

Frequently asked questions

Is Alan Dale still alive?

Yes, Alan Dale is alive as of 2025. He continues to act and lives in Los Angeles.

Does Alan Dale have children?

Yes, he has two sons with his wife Tracey Pearson. Some sources list four children, but the family is private.

How tall is Alan Dale?

He is 6’2″ (1.88 m).

What is Alan Dale’s most famous role?

His most famous role is Jim Robinson on Neighbours, but he is also widely recognized as Charles Widmore on Lost.

Did Alan Dale appear in Game of Thrones?

No, Alan Dale did not appear in Game of Thrones.

What movies has Alan Dale been in?

He appeared in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) and several TV movies.

Is Alan Dale married?

Yes, he has been married to Tracey Pearson since 1990.

How old is Alan Dale?

He was born on 6 May 1947, making him 77 years old as of 2024.