Robert J. Stevenson (October 10, 1915 – March 4, 1975) was an American politician and former actor who served on the Los Angeles City Council for the District 13 from 1969 to 1975.

[1] In 1957, Stevenson was cast as Dave Weller in the episode "Deep Fraud" of John Bromfield's syndicated crime drama, Sheriff of Cochise, set in Arizona.

[3] In 1958, Stevenson had a recurring role as "Big Ed", the town bartender in the 26-episode NBC western television series, Jefferson Drum, starring Jeff Richards as a crusading Old West newspaper editor.

[4] After Jefferson Drum, Stevenson appeared in two episodes as a police lieutenant named "Ringer" in the short-lived ABC series, The Man from Blackhawk, starring Robert Rockwell as a roving insurance investigator.

He had been ill for several months and underwent surgery for multiple retinal breaks in October and November 1974 but managed to return to his city council seat in December of that year.

[9] A funeral service was held in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, with the Reverend Frank Kelly of St. Athanasius Episcopal Church officiating.

[10] Robert Stevenson began his City Hall career as a field deputy for Councilman James Potter and later had the same job for Paul H. Lamport in the 13th District.

[11] Known for his "progressive voting record,"[13] Stevenson was "the innovator of a new system of council hearings," being the first councilman to hire outside counsel to conduct an investigation.

He and Council Member James B. Potter, Jr. took the lead in successfully opposing a proposed freeway (State Route 160) through Laurel Canyon that would have linked Slauson Avenue in Ladera Heights with the San Fernando Valley.

Stevenson submitted an ordinance that would have required outdoor eating places along Hollywood, Ventura and Wilshire boulevards to be enclosed as a way to prevent the spread of litter.

[19] Robert Stevenson and eight other people were indicted in February 1970 on charges of conspiracy and bribery in the asserted proposed establishment of gambling dens in Chinatown the previous year.