Edward G. Robinson was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Little Caesar, Double Indemnity, and Key Largo. Born Emmanuel Goldenberg in Romania, he became a dominating figure in film, particularly known for playing tough, gritty characters.
Personal and Family Life
Edward G. Robinson was born on December 12, 1893, in Bucharest, Romania. He arrived in the United States at the age of ten and grew up in New York City. Robinson was married twice; his first marriage to Gladys Lloyd lasted from 1927 until their divorce in 1956. He later married Jane Robinson in 1958, a union that lasted until his death in 1973. He had one son, Edward G. Robinson Jr.
Career
Robinson began his acting career while attending City College and got a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He made his film debut in the silent movie The Bright Shawl in 1923. He became famous for his role as Rico Bandello in Little Caesar (1931), setting a new standard for gangster portrayals on screen. Throughout his career, he starred in various successful films, showcasing his versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles.
Death and Legacy
Edward G. Robinson passed away on January 26, 1973, in Hollywood, California, due to cancer. He left behind a rich legacy as one of Hollywood’s finest actors, especially noted for his contributions to the gangster film genre. In recognition of his lifetime achievements, he was awarded a special posthumous Oscar in 1973.
Filmography
Title | Release Date | Character |
---|---|---|
The Cincinnati Kid | 1965-10-15 | Lancey Howard |
Double Indemnity | 1944-07-06 | Barton Keyes |
Good Neighbor Sam | 1964-07-22 | Simon Nurdlinger |
The Prize | 1963-12-25 | Max Stratman/Walter Stratman |
House of Strangers | 1949-07-01 | Gino Monetti |
The Stranger | 1946-07-02 | Federal Agent Wilson |
Key Largo | 1948-07-16 | Johnny Rocco |
The Red House | 1947-02-04 | Pete Morgan |
Manpower | 1941-08-09 | Hank McHenry |
The Ten Commandments | 1956-10-05 | Dathan |
Soylent Green | 1973-04-18 | Sol Roth |
Never a Dull Moment | 1968-06-26 | Leo Joseph Smooth |
Black Tuesday | 1954-12-31 | Vincent Canelli |