The original Marlboro Man Robert Bob Norris has died. The real-life rancher and philanthropist spent a life not smoking despite the fact that he became the face of a cigarette company.
Norris died in the care of Pikes Peak Hospice in Colorado Springs, Colorado last November 3, according to CNN. He was 90 years old.
“If any man could be described in three words, for Bob they would be ‘the real deal.’ His solid authenticity — whether astride a horse, sitting in a board room, mentoring a child or sharing a moment with a friend — was his personal and professional brand. No doubt it was these qualities — along with his tall, ruggedly handsome, lanky good looks — that landed him the unexpected role of the first ‘Marlboro Man’ on television,” an official statement said.
Norris said that he was never a smoker even though he was the face of cigarette commercials for more than a decade.
He stopped working for the cigarette company after realizing that he could be setting a bad example for his children. (TN)
