Remembering David Froman, ‘Matlock’s Lieutenant Bob Brooks
What To Know
- David Froman was best known for his steady role as Lieutenant Bob Brooks on Matlock, appearing in 56 episodes from 1986 to 1994.
- His career balanced acting—featuring roles in shows like Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Edge of Night—and teaching theater at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College.
- Froman remained active in education and local theater until his death from cancer in 2010 at age 71 in his hometown of Miami, Oklahoma.
David Froman‘s Lieutenant Bob Brooks was never the biggest character on Matlock, but he remained a steady presence throughout the seasons, appearing in about 56 episodes between 1986 and 1994. In honor of the show’s upcoming 40th anniversary on March 3, 2026, and the cast members who have left us, we’re exploring Froman’s story and career, including what he did after Matlock wrapped.
How did David Froman begin his career?
Born David Wesley Froman on December 31, 1938, in Miami, Oklahoma, Froman built a career that balanced acting and teaching. After graduating from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in 1961, he began teaching speech and theater.
He left Oklahoma in 1969 to pursue acting full-time, eventually appearing on a wide range of television series, including Hill Street Blues, Cheers, 21 Jump Street, Trapper John, M.D. and Diagnosis Murder. He also made a memorable appearance on Star Trek: The Next Generation as Commander K’Nera and was well known to soap fans for playing Gunther Wagner and his twin brother, Bruno, on The Edge of Night in the early 1980s.
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Despite steady television work, Froman never drifted far from the classroom or the stage. He returned to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College later in life, serving again on the faculty, directing productions and mentoring students. Even after retiring from teaching in 2002, he returned part-time in 2007 and continued working with local theater, including productions with the Miami Little Theatre.
He was still acting on stage as late as November 2009, only months before his death. Froman died of cancer on February 8, 2010, at the age of 71, in his hometown of Miami, Oklahoma. He was survived by his wife, Audrey, and their children.
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