The Unbreakable Bond: 7 Surprising Facts About Chris Pine’s Father, Hollywood Veteran Robert Pine

Few Hollywood families can boast a multi-generational legacy quite like the Pines. While Chris Pine has cemented his status as a modern-day leading man with blockbuster roles in the Star Trek and Wonder Woman franchises, the foundation of his talent and work ethic was laid long ago by his father, the esteemed actor Robert Pine. As of this current date, December 18, 2025, Robert Pine remains an active and respected figure in the industry, proving that his career is far from over.

The relationship between Chris and his father, Robert Pine, is not just one of a famous son and his supportive dad; it’s a unique Hollywood story of two actors navigating the same demanding career decades apart. From the iconic police sergeant role that defined the 1970s to recent joint appearances on the SAG-AFTRA picket line, Robert Pine’s influence on his son and the wider industry is profound. This deep dive uncovers the seven most surprising and essential facts about the man who raised Captain Kirk.

Robert Pine: A Hollywood Veteran's Complete Profile and Biography

Robert Pine, born Granville Whitelaw Pine, is a quintessential American character actor whose career spans over six decades, encompassing hundreds of roles across film, television, and stage. His professional life is a testament to longevity, versatility, and the enduring power of a strong work ethic—qualities he instilled in his famous son, Chris Pine.

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• Full Name: Granville Whitelaw Pine
• Date of Birth: July 10, 1941
• Age (as of 2025): 84
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
• Spouse: Gwynne Gilford (m. 1969)
• Children: Chris Pine (Actor) and Katie Pine
• Parents: Granville M. Pine (Patent Attorney) and Virginia Whitelaw Pine
• Best Known For: Sergeant Joseph "Joe" Getraer on the TV series CHiPs (1977–1983)
• Notable Roles: Appearances in The Office, Grey's Anatomy, Red Eye, Jobs, and multiple Star Trek series.
• Education: Attended Ohio Wesleyan University.
• Current Status: Continues to act, with roles scheduled for 2025.

The Pine Family: An Unprecedented Acting Dynasty

The common knowledge is that Chris Pine followed his father into acting, but the reality is that the Pine family's connection to Hollywood runs much deeper, establishing a three-generation dynasty in the entertainment world. This deep-rooted history provides a unique context for Chris Pine’s own career trajectory.

It's a Three-Generation Acting Legacy

The acting bloodline doesn't stop with Robert and Chris Pine. Robert Pine is married to actress Gwynne Gilford, who had a notable career in the 1970s, appearing in films like Fade to Black and television shows such as The Young and the Restless. Furthermore, Chris Pine's maternal grandmother, Anne Gwynne, was a prominent actress and pin-up model during the 1940s, known as one of the original "scream queens" of Universal horror films. This means Chris Pine is a third-generation actor, a rarity even in Hollywood, drawing his talent from both the Pine and Gilford/Gwynne sides of his family.

Robert Pine’s Iconic Role: The Sergeant on 'CHiPs'

For an entire generation, Robert Pine is instantly recognizable as Sergeant Joseph Getraer, the steady, by-the-book supervisor to the wild antics of Ponch and Jon on the hit NBC series CHiPs. The show ran from 1977 to 1983 and became a cultural phenomenon. Robert Pine's role was crucial, providing the grounded, authoritative counterpoint to the show's action and comedy. While Chris Pine is celebrated for his blockbuster roles, Robert's work on CHiPs remains a pillar of television history, showcasing his enduring presence and ability to play a believable, nuanced authority figure over 139 episodes.

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Chris Pine’s Candid Praise for His Father's Humility

Despite his own massive success, Chris Pine has often spoken with profound respect and admiration for his father’s career and character. In a recent appearance on Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast, Chris Pine opened up about growing up with actor parents and praised his father's "strength and humility". He recounted how Robert Pine, despite his fame from CHiPs, worked tirelessly in the years following the show, taking on countless guest roles and smaller parts to ensure his family was financially secure. This anecdote provides a crucial, personal insight into the dedication and professionalism that Robert Pine models for his son—a true working actor who prioritized stability over fame.

7 Surprising Facts About Robert Pine's Enduring Career

Beyond the well-known *CHiPs* role, Robert Pine’s filmography is vast and surprisingly diverse, spanning over 400 credits. His continuous work, even into his eighties, solidifies his status as a Hollywood legend and a true working actor.

1. He Has Roles Scheduled for 2025: Proving his career is still thriving, Robert Pine is listed in the cast for the upcoming 2025 film The Cowboy Killer, as well as a role in The Unbreakable Boy (2024). This continuous booking of projects underscores his demand and relevance in the industry decades after his peak TV fame.
2. He is a 'Star Trek' Veteran: Much like his son who captains the USS Enterprise, Robert Pine has his own history with the Star Trek universe. He has appeared in two different series: Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise. This shared sci-fi heritage adds a fascinating layer to the father-son dynamic.
3. He Was in the Iconic Film 'Red Eye': In 2005, Robert Pine appeared in the Wes Craven thriller Red Eye, starring Cillian Murphy and Rachel McAdams. His role, though minor, is part of a high-profile, critically acclaimed film, demonstrating his ability to seamlessly transition between major studio films and television.
4. He Has Shared the Screen with His Son: While they haven't had a major co-starring vehicle, Robert and Chris Pine have appeared together on the red carpet, most notably at the premiere for Chris's Apple TV+ series *Five Days at Memorial*. More recently, they were seen side-by-side on the SAG-AFTRA picket line, highlighting their solidarity and shared commitment to the acting profession.
5. His Career Spans Over 60 Years: Robert Pine began his professional acting career in the 1960s, meaning he has worked consistently across six different decades of Hollywood history. From early guest roles in classic shows like Wagon Train and Gunsmoke to his recent projects, his longevity is a rare feat.
6. He is an Advocate for Children's Causes: Beyond his professional life, Robert Pine is an active philanthropist. He has publicly supported events like the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Make March Matter event, often appearing alongside Chris Pine, showing their shared commitment to charitable work.
7. He Has Played a Character Named 'Captain Kirk': In a bizarre twist of fate, Robert Pine played a character named "Captain Kirk" in a 1996 episode of the TV series The Sentinel, decades before his son would take on the legendary role of James T. Kirk in the 2009 film Star Trek. This coincidence is a fun piece of trivia that underscores the family's deep ties to the sci-fi genre.

The Impact of Robert Pine on Chris Pine's Career and Persona

Chris Pine's public persona—often described as grounded, intelligent, and humble—is a direct reflection of the values instilled by his father. Unlike many Hollywood children who shy away from their parents' shadow, Chris has embraced it, often citing his parents' struggles and successes as his primary motivation.

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The younger Pine has noted that seeing his father’s dedication to the craft, rather than just the celebrity, provided a realistic view of the industry. Robert Pine's extensive resume of guest-starring roles, often referred to as "The Robert Pine Effect," taught Chris that a successful acting career is built on consistency, professionalism, and the willingness to take on any good role, no matter the size. This mentorship is evident in Chris Pine's own diverse filmography, which balances massive tentpole franchises with smaller, character-driven independent films.

Ultimately, the story of Chris Pine’s father, Robert Pine, is a powerful narrative about the backbone of Hollywood: the dedicated character actor. Robert Pine is more than just "Chris Pine's dad"; he is a veteran who has contributed significantly to television and film for over half a century, and his influence continues to shape one of the biggest stars in the world today.