Date of Birth

12 December 1893, Bucharest, Romania

Date of Death

26 January 1973, Hollywood, California, USA

Birth Name

Emmanuel Goldenberg

Edward G. Robinson arrived in the United States at age ten, and his family moved into New York's Lower East Side. He took up acting while attending City College, abandoning plans to become a rabbi or lawyer. The American Academy of Dramatic Arts awarded him a scholarship, and he began work in stock, with his new name, in 1913. Broadway was two years later; he worked steadily there for 15 years. His work included "The Kibitzer", a comedy he co-wrote with Jo Swerling. His film debut was a small supporting part in the silent The Bright Shawl (1923), but it was with the coming of sound that he hit his stride. His stellar performance as snarling, murderous thug Rico Bandello in Little Caesar (1931)--all the more impressive since in real life Robinson was a sophisticated, cultured man with a passion for fine art--set the standard for movie gangsters, both for himself in many later films and for the industry. He portrayed the title character in several biographical works, such as The Story of Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet (1940) and This Man Reuter (1940). Psychological dramas included Flesh and Fantasy (1943), Double Indemnity (1944), The Woman in the Window (1944)and Scarlet Street (1945). Another notable gangster role was in Key Largo (1948). He was "absolved" of allegations of Communist affiliation after testifying as a friendly witness for the House Un-American Activities Committee during the McCarthy hysteria of the early 1950s. In 1956 he had to sell off his extensive art collection in a divorce settlement and also had to deal with a psychologically troubled son. In 1956 he returned to Broadway in "Middle of the Night". In 1973 he was awarded a special, posthumous Oscar for lifetime achievement

Interred at Beth El Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York, USA, in the Goodman Mausoleum.

Incredibly, never even nominated for an Academy Award. He was awarded a special "Lifetime Achievement" Oscar two months after his death. His wife, who accepted for him, commented on how thrilled he was to learn he would be given the award.

Was originally slated to play Dr. Zaius in Planet of the Apes (1968) but dropped out due to heart problems.

Pictured on a 33¢ USA commemorative postage stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series, issued 24 October 2000.

Portrayed Steve Wilson, crusading editor of The Illustrated Press, on CBS Radio's "Big Town" (1937-1943).

Father of Edward G. Robinson Jr..

Died two weeks after he had finished filming Soylent Green (1973).

The inspiration for the voice of Chief Clancy Wiggum (Hank Azaria) on "The Simpsons" (1989).

Although best known for playing fierce, shady little men, Robinson was well liked by almost everyone off-screen, having been a sensitive, quiet, artistic type when not performing.

Was nominated for Broadway's 1956 Tony Award as Best Actor (Dramatic) for "Middle of the Night."

Was named #24 greatest actor on The 50 Greatest Screen Legends by the American Film Institute

According to the March 31, 1941, issue of "Time" magazine, he and Melvyn Douglas bid $3,200 for the fedora hat that Franklin Delano Roosevelt had worn during his three successful campaigns for the presidency. They acquired the hat at a special Hollywood auction to benefit the Motion Picture Relief Fund. Both Robinson and Douglas were identified as "loyal Democrats". Robinson would later be "grey-listed" during the McCarthy Red Scare hysteria of the 1950s and have to make his living on stage.

Member of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1953.

Lived in a Yiddish community in Romania until he was 9.

Donated $100,000 to the United Service Organization (USO) during WW2. Like many celebrities, Robinson also pitched in at the Hollywood Canteen and, being multilingual (he reportedly spoke seven languages fluently), worked on broadcasts to countries occupied by the Nazis.

Spoke seven other languages besides English, including Yiddish, Romanian and German.

When he died in 1973, he left an estate valued at $2,500,000 which largely consisted of rare works of art.

Price:  £160.00