Romanian-American actor known for movie gangster roles in films that include “All My sons,” 1948, “Seven Thieves,” 1960 and “The Old Man Who Cried Wolf,” 1970.
Emigrating to the U.S. at age ten, he grew up in New York, giving up plans to become a rabbi or lawyer in favor of acting. He won a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and began appearing in stock from 1913. He made it to Broadway in 1915 and became noted after appearing in a three-act comedy that he also co-wrote in 1929, “The Kibitzer.” Appearing in some silents, he achieved great success after the advent of sound with his appearance in “Little Caesar” in 1931. Robinson was type cast after that for many years but still managed to give a highly skilled variety of roles in screen, TV and film. Some of his best portrayals were in psychological dramas of the ‘40s.
Robinson’s personal life was beset with problems. Despite a well-known record of patriotic causes during and after WW II, his name was linked with Communist-front organizations and he was called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee where he was ultimately cleared of all suspicions. In 1956 he was forced to sell his famous art collection, one of the world’s largest privately owned, as part of a divorce settlement from his wife of 29 years, actress Gladys Lloyd. During this same time period, he was troubled with an only son who had frequent skirmishes with the law and numerous suicide attempts. Despite all the personal setbacks, Robinson continued to keep busy with his acting career.
Robinson died of cancer on 26 January 1973, Hollywood, CA. In the Academy Award ceremonies that took place after his death, he was awarded a special Oscar in recognition of his achievements in film that spanned five decades. His life was the basis for a 1979 play, “Manny,” and he authored an autobiography, “All My Yesterdays,” released in 1973.
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