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Entertainment • Reality TV

Phil Robertson

Phil Alexander Robertson was an American hunter, businessman, and television personality best known as the founder of Duck Commander and as the patriarch of the Robertson family on Duck Dynasty.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Phil Alexander Robertson was an American hunter, businessman, and television personality best known as the founder of Duck Commander and as the patriarch of the Robertson family on Duck Dynasty. He became a prominent reality television figure through Duck Dynasty, which aired from 2012 to 2017. Robertson died on May 25, 2025, at age 79.

Early life

Robertson was born in Vivian, Louisiana, on April 24, 1946, and was raised in a large family in northern Louisiana.

Duck Commander

He founded Duck Commander, a company that made duck calls and other hunting products, after developing an improved duck call in the early 1970s.

Duck Dynasty

Robertson and his family became reality television stars on Duck Dynasty, which followed both their family life and their business in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Later life and death

In later years, Robertson continued to appear in media projects connected to his family and outdoor life. He died on May 25, 2025, at age 79.

Key facts

  • Founded Duck Commander, a hunting-products company, in the 1970s.
  • Became widely known as the family patriarch on A&E's Duck Dynasty, which ran from 2012 to 2017.
  • Was also featured on Duck Commander, a hunting program on the Outdoor Channel.
  • Lived much of his life in Louisiana and was closely associated with the state's outdoor and hunting culture.
  • He died in 2025 at age 79 after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease was reported by his family.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Phil Robertson?
He was an American hunter, businessman, and television personality best known for founding Duck Commander and appearing on Duck Dynasty.
What was Duck Commander?
Duck Commander was a Louisiana-based hunting-products company founded by Robertson that produced duck calls and related equipment.
What is Phil Robertson best known for on television?
He is best known as the patriarch of the Robertson family on Duck Dynasty, an A&E reality series that aired from 2012 to 2017.
When was Phil Robertson born?
He was born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana.
When did Phil Robertson die?
He died on May 25, 2025, in West Monroe, Louisiana, at age 79.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Robertson
    Supports: Birth and death dates; occupations; Duck Commander; Duck Dynasty; family role.
  2. A&E — https://www.aetv.com/shows/duck-dynasty/cast/phil-robertson
    Supports: Duck Dynasty cast information; Duck Commander origin; family background.
  3. ABC News — https://abcnews.com/GMA/Culture/duck-dynasty-star-phil-robertson-dies-age-79/story?id=122198267
    Supports: Death age, Duck Commander founding, Duck Dynasty dates and family context.
  4. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/25/arts/television/phil-robertson-dead.html
    Supports: Death notice, age, role in Duck Dynasty, family context.
  5. PBS NewsHour — https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/phil-robertson-duck-dynasty-patriarch-and-conservative-cultural-icon-dies-at-79
    Supports: Duck Dynasty fame, Louisiana background, family and cultural prominence.
  6. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5001500/
    Supports: Birth and death dates; known-for titles; spouse.