Alan Dale (Born May 6, 1947, in Dunedin, New Zealand) is an actor best known for playing the part of Jim Robinson in the Australian soap opera, Neighbours, now well-known for his role on The O.C. as Caleb Nichol. Before joining the cast of Neighbours he had enjoyed a three-and-a-half year stint playing the bad tempered Dr. John Forrest in another Aussie soap, The Young Doctors

After playing Jim Robinson, the stalwart father-figure, for eight years (1985-1993), Dale left Neighbours and later left Australia, moving to Los Angeles, California to further his acting career, where he has appeared in many well known television series including ER, JAG and The West Wing. In 2002, Dale played the undoubtedly evil Toothpick Man in three episodes of The X-Files, including the series finale, before playing Vice President of the United States Jim Prescott for several episodes of the second season of 24, and appearing as Romulan Praetor Hiren in Star Trek: Nemesis.

In 2003, Dale guest starred on the FOX summer TV series, The O.C. playing Caleb Nichol, the wealthy tycoon and father of Kirsten and Hailey Cohen (Kelly Rowan and Amanda Righetti) and grandfather of Seth (Adam Brody). Dale returned for a few episodes and the producers soon realised that the character had a lot of potential, particularly with his son-in-law Sandy (Peter Gallagher), and through the show's villainess Julie (Melinda Clarke). As the season progressed, Caleb went into business with Sandy and his long-time friend Jimmy (Tate Donovan) while he wooed Julie, who was the same age as his daughters. In the season finale, Caleb married Julie and they moved in together with her daughter Marissa (Mischa Barton) but Caleb revealed to Sandy that he was on the verge of bankruptcy. In the show's second season - now airing - Alan Dale will become a regular cast member.

Alan has three grown-up sons and has been married to former Miss Australia, Tracey Pearson since 1990.

External links

• Biography
• Neighbours Fan Site