Robert Dowdell was an American actor.

Dowdell's first starring role in television was in the Western series Stoney Burke (1962-63). It featured future Hawaii Five-O star Jack Lord in the title role as a rodeo rider, with Dowdell as his sidekick, Cody Bristol, who follows him around the rodeo circuit. (Bruce Dern and Warren Oates also were regulars on the show.)

Dowdell was best known for his work on the television series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea from 1964-68. Dowdell portrayed Chip Morton, the lieutenant commander on the submarine Seaview under the command of Adm. Harriman Nelson (Richard Basehart). The series was created by Irwin Allen, based on his 1961 movie of the same name.

The actor also popped up on shows including Land of the Giants, Adam-12, Hart to Hart, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Fame and CHiPs.

Dowdell died January 23, 2018, in Coldwater, Michigan. He was 85.