Robert Alda

Infobox actor
name = Robert Alda


caption = from the trailer for
"Rhapsody in Blue" (1945)
imagesize = 240px
birthname = Alfonso Giuseppe Giovanni Roberto D'Abruzzo
birthdate = birth date|1914|2|26|mf=y
birthplace = New York, New York, United States
deathdate = death date and age|1986|5|3|1914|2|26|mf=y
deathplace = Los Angeles, California, United States
spouse = Flora Martino
Joan Brown (m. 1932)
tonyawards = Best Actor in a Musical
1951 "Guys and Dolls"

Robert Alda (February 26, 1914 – May 3, 1986) born Alfonso Giuseppe Giovanni Roberto D'Abruzzo, was an American actor. He was the father of actor Alan Alda.

Biography

Alda, an Italian American, was born in Annapolis, Maryland to Anthony and Frances T. D'Abruzzo. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School in New York in 1930. He began as a singer and dancer in vaudeville after winning a talent contest, followed by brief work in vaudeville he moved onto burlesque. [cite book | last=Strait | first=Raymond | pages=pp. 7-9 | title=Alan Alda: A Biography | location=New York | publisher=St. Martin's Press | year=1983 | isbn=0312017030] He is known for portraying George Gershwin in the biopic "Rhapsody in Blue" (1945). He was very successful on Broadway, starring in "Guys and Dolls" (1950) for which he won a Tony Award, and in "What Makes Sammy Run?" (1964).

Alda moved to Italy in the early 1960s and appeared in many successful European films over the next two decades, occasionally returning to the U.S. for appearances such as in the film "The Girl Who Knew Too Much" (1969).

Alda's first wife, and mother of actor Alan Alda, Joan Brown, was crowned Miss New York in a beauty pageant. Alda was married to his second wife, Flora Martino, until his death.

Robert Alda made two guest appearances with his son on "M*A*S*H" with his first guest appearance in the episode "The Consultant." His second appearance was in the episode "Lend a Hand." This episode is of particular note since it also featured Alda's youngest son by his second wife Flora Martino, Antony Alda, who is also an actor.

Death

Alda died of a stroke caused by embolism on May 3, 1986, aged 72.

Broadway

* "The Front Page" 1969-1970
* "My Daughter, Your Son" 1969-1969
* "What Makes Sammy Run?" 1964-1965
* "Harbor Lights" 1956
* "Guys and Dolls" 1950-1953

References

External links

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*findagrave|1241
*ibdb|29526
*imdb|0017376