Robert Snow, Secret Service Agent Turned ‘In the Line of Fire’ Adviser, Dies at 93

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Robert Snow, a seasoned Secret Service agent who provided technical consultation for movies such as “In the Line of Fire,” “The American President,” and “Air Force One,” passed away on March 22nd, according to his family. He was 93 years old.

After retiring from his 33-year tenure with the Secret Service, Snow was sought out for his knowledge during the production of Wolfgang Petersen’s movie In the Line of Fire (1993), where Clint Eastwood played a CIA agent struggling with the memories of the JFK assassination.

In interviews with the Chicago Tribune in 1997, Harvey Keitel stated that characters like the one he played in ‘Taxi Driver’ and similar films were often depicted as simple-minded individuals who could barely string a full sentence together and spent their time loitering on street corners wearing dark sunglasses. However, according to him, his role in ‘In the Line of Fire’ offered a more accurate portrayal of what it’s really like to be part of the Secret Service.”

This version aims to maintain the original meaning while using simpler and more natural language, making it easier for readers to understand.

He collaborated with Petersen and Eastwood on the films “Air Force One” (1997) and “Absolute Power” (1997), respectively, as well as two installments of the “X-Men” series: the initial franchise launch by Bryan Singer in 2000, followed by “The Last Stand,” directed by Brett Ratner in 2006.

Speaking about the 1995 film “The American President” starring Michael Douglas, Snow expressed admiration for director Rob Reiner, who was knowledgeable and familiar with the presidency. Additionally, he mentioned that Reiner was often referred to as the lone Republican on the movie set.

Snow has contributed his skills to 17 different Hollywood movies, including “First Kid” from 1996, “Murder at 1600” in 1997, the film “Contact,” directed by Robert Zemeckis, and “Deep Impact,” helmed by Mimi Leder, both released in 1998. The list continues with “Dick,” directed by Andrew Fleming from 1999, “Thirteen Days” under Roger Donaldson’s direction in 2000, followed by “Chasing Liberty” and “Welcome to Mooseport,” both from 2004, the latter being directed by Donald Petrie.

He did note that he wasn’t always listened to.

A technical advisor lays out the truth, but ultimately, the director has free reign in his decisions,” he pointed out. “One must learn to adapt and move forward. They’re not creating a documentary meant for historical accuracy.

1932 saw the birth of Snow in Rochester, New York. He joined the U.S. Counterintelligence Corps in 1950 amidst the Korean War, and later, he graduated from Michigan State University in 1957.

Born on March 3rd, 1932, Snow hailed from Rochester, New York. During the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Counterintelligence Corps in 1950. He completed his education at Michigan State University in 1957.

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Born on March 3rd, 1932, Snow was a native of Rochester, New York. Joining the U.S. Counterintelligence Corps during the Korean War in 1950, he went on to graduate from Michigan State University in 1957.

He started his career with the Secret Service in 1959, based in Buffalo, New York. Later, he transferred to Washington D.C. to work in the division combating counterfeit currency. During this time, he also worked for both the Ford and Carter administrations in the White House. He traveled abroad with Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. His service ended when he reached the compulsory retirement age of 60 in 1993.

During an interview with Ryan Gajewski from THR in July, producer Jeff Apple shared that his inspiration for creating a Secret Service film stemmed from personally encountering President Lyndon B. Johnson in Miami back in 1965. He expressed a sense of awe, stating, “These individuals leap out of the vehicle with dark sunglasses and suits, and I was simply captivated.

Later on, he contacted Snow, who was previously the assistant director at the Secret Service. After retiring, Snow continued working on the project for an impressive nine months in California, where he was also involved with a movie. Remarkably, he even had the opportunity to play a role as a Secret Service agent in the X-Men film directed by Singer.

Snow resided in Ashburn, Virginia, but he was more than just a resident; he dedicated 24 years of his life as a volunteer with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In this role, he served as their Director of Law Enforcement Liaison.

Among the family members who carry on his legacy are Tom, Dan, Karen, Barbie, and Kathy – his children; along with fourteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. His beloved wife of 67 years, Marilyn, departed in 2021 at the age of 87 following a battle with ALS.

Rhett Bartlett contributed to this report.

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2025-04-12 20:54