Robert Alda was a talented and versatile actor who starred in many films, Broadway shows, and television programs. He was the father of Alan Alda, the famous actor and director best known for his role as Hawkeye Pierce in MAS*H. Robert Alda died on May 3, 1986, at the age of 72, after a long struggle with lung cancer. In this article, we will explore his life, career, and the circumstances of his death.
Early Life and Career
Robert Alda was born Alfonso Giuseppe Giovanni Roberto D’Abruzzo on February 26, 1914, in New York City. He was the son of Italian immigrants who ran a barber shop. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School in 1930 and began his performing career as a singer and dancer in vaudeville and burlesque. He changed his name to Robert Alda to avoid being typecast as an ethnic actor.
He made his film debut in Rhapsody in Blue (1945), a biographical film about the composer George Gershwin, whom he portrayed. He received positive reviews for his performance and went on to appear in other musical comedies, such as Cinderella Jones (1946) and April Showers (1948). He also starred in the Douglas Sirk melodrama Imitation of Life (1959), playing a ruthless talent agent who exploits a black actress.
On Broadway, he originated the role of Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls (1950), for which he won a Tony Award. He also starred in What Makes Sammy Run? (1964), a musical adaptation of the novel by Budd Schulberg. He was also the host of several TV game shows, such as What’s Your Bid? (1953) and Can Do (1956).
Family Life and Personal Struggles
Robert Alda married Joan Browne in 1932, when he was 18 and she was 16. They had two sons: Alan, born in 1936, and Antony, born in 1956. The couple divorced in 1946, after Robert had an affair with Flora Marino, an Italian actress whom he met while filming Cloak and Dagger (1946) in Rome. He married Flora in 1955 and they remained together until his death.
Robert had a difficult relationship with his elder son Alan, who resented his father’s infidelity and absence during his childhood. Alan also felt pressured by his father to become a doctor, which he did not want to do. They reconciled later in life and worked together on two episodes of MAS*H, playing father and son surgeons who had to operate together.
Robert also struggled with alcoholism and depression throughout his life. He attempted suicide twice, once by slashing his wrists and once by overdosing on sleeping pills. He sought professional help and managed to overcome his addiction and mental health issues.
Diagnosis and Death
Robert Alda was diagnosed with lung cancer in the early 1980s. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy, but the cancer spread to other parts of his body. He continued to work until his health deteriorated. He died on May 3, 1986, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was cremated and his ashes were interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
According to Heavy.com, Alan Alda revealed that he was with his father when he died. He said that he held his hand and told him that he loved him. He also said that he felt a sense of peace after his father’s death, knowing that he had forgiven him for his past mistakes.
Robert Alda was a talented actor who left behind a legacy of memorable performances. He also faced many challenges in his personal life, but he never gave up on his family or himself. He died after a long battle with lung cancer, but he will always be remembered by his fans and loved ones.
