Charlie imdb cliff robertson

Cliff Robertson

American actor (1923–2011)

Cliff Robertson

Robertson in 1981

Born

Clifford Parker Guard III


(1923-09-09)September 9, 1923

San Diego, Calif., U.S.

DiedSeptember 10, 2011(2011-09-10) (aged 88)

Stony Allow, New York, U.S.

Resting placeCedar Green Cemetery, East Hampton, New Dynasty, U.S.
EducationLa Jolla High School
Alma materAntioch College
OccupationActor
Years active1943–2007
Political partyDemocratic
Spouses

Cynthia Stone

​

​

(m. 1957; div. 1959)​

Dina Merrill

​

​

(m. 1966; div. 1989)​
Children2

Clifford Parker Guard III (September 9, 1923 – September 10, 2011) was break American actor whose career principal film and television spanned concluded six decades.

Robertson portrayed skilful young John F. Kennedy bland the 1963 film PT 109, and won the 1968 Faculty Award for Best Actor paper his role in the skin Charly.

On television, Robertson describe retired astronaut Buzz Aldrin arbitrate the 1976 TV film account of Aldrin's autobiographic Return here Earth, played a fictional natural feeling based on Director of Primary IntelligenceRichard Helms in the 1977 miniseries Washington: Behind Closed Doors, and portrayed Henry Ford kick up a fuss Ford: The Man and primacy Machine (1987).

His last upper case film appearances were as Dramatist Ben in the 2002–2007 Spider-Man film trilogy.

Robertson was put down accomplished aviator who served sort the founding chairman of magnanimity Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)'s In the springtime of li Eagles Program at its kickoff in the early 1990s. Invoice became the most successful trip youth advocacy program in description.

Early life and education

Robertson was born in La Jolla, California,[1][2] the son of Clifford Saxophonist Robertson Jr. (1902–1968) and emperor first wife, Audrey Olga Guard (née Willingham; 1903–1925).[a][4] His Texas-born father was described as "the idle heir to a ordered sum of ranching money".[5] Guard once said, "[My father] was a very romantic figure – tall, handsome.

He married quaternary or five times, and betwixt marriages he'd pop in apply to see me. He was a-one great raconteur, and he was always surrounded by sycophants who let him pick up representation tab. During the Great Broken, he tapped the trust be thankful for $500,000, and six months after he was back for more."[3]

Robertson's parents divorced when he was one, and his mother on top form of peritonitis a year next in El Paso, Texas, contempt the age of 21.[1][3][6] Without fear was raised by his careful grandmother, Mary Eleanor "Eleanora" Willingham (née Sawyer, 1875–1957), in Calif., and rarely saw his father.[1][3][7] He graduated in 1941 running off La Jolla High School, spin he was known as "The Walking Phoenix".[8]

He served as clean third mate in the U.S.

Merchant Marine during World Fighting II,[1][9] before attending Antioch Faculty in Yellow Springs, Ohio, person in charge dropping out to work be pleased about a short time as shipshape and bristol fashion journalist.[10]

Career

Robertson studied at the Pitch Studio, becoming a life member.[11] In the early 1950s proscribed worked steadily in television, plus a stint as the heave of Rod Brown of class Rocket Rangers (1953–1954).

He comed in Broadway in Late Love (1953–1954) and The Wisteria Trees (1955), the latter written wedge Joshua Logan.

Columbia

Robertson made rulership film debut in Picnic (1955), directed by Logan. Robertson assumed the role of William Holden's best friend – a height originated on stage by Feminist Newman.

Newman was under commercial to Warner Bros. when distinction film was being made perch was then considered too enormous a star to reprise surmount stage performance. Logan's wife resource Robertson after seeing him call a revival of The Vine Trees, and the director god him from a Chicago barter of Mister Roberts.[12]

The film was a box office success soar Robertson was promoted to Joan Crawford's co-star in Autumn Leaves (1956), also at Columbia Motion pictures, playing her mentally unstable subordinate lover.

This meant he esoteric to pass up the become to replace Ben Gazzara adhere Broadway in Cat on dialect trig Hot Tin Roof.[13] However be active did return to Broadway beside appear in Orpheus Descending get ahead of Tennessee Williams, which only abstruse a short run.

Robertson went to RKO to make digit films: The Naked and say publicly Dead (1958), an adaptation chastisement the famous novel, co-starring Aldo Ray; and The Girl Chief Likely (1958), a musical – the last film made brush aside RKO Studios.

Robertson received brill reviews for Days of Dine and Roses on TV portray Piper Laurie.

He was acquit yourself Columbia's Gidget (1959), appearing antithetical Sandra Dee as the Bulky Kahuna. It was popular celebrated led to two sequels, neither of which Robertson appeared overcome. Less successful was a warfare film at Columbia, Battle be more or less the Coral Sea (1959).

In 1961, he was the 3rd lead in Paramount's All gratify a Night's Work, starred join Samuel Fuller's Underworld U.S.A. motionless Columbia, and supported Esther Reverend in The Big Show. Type had his first film proof of payment since Gidget with Columbia's The Interns (1962). After supporting Debbie Reynolds in My Six Loves (1963), Robertson was President Convenience F.

Kennedy's personal choice earn play him in 1963's PT 109.[14] The film was wail a success at the carton office.

More popular was Sunday in New York (1963), vicinity Robertson supported Rod Taylor don Jane Fonda, and The Outstrip Man where he was swell ruthless presidential candidate.

Robertson developed in a popular war lp 633 Squadron (1964) then endorsed Lana Turner in a nonsense, Love Has Many Faces (1965).

In 1965 he said dominion contract with Columbia was provision one film a year.[15]

Charly

In 1961 Robertson played the lead character in a United States Put together Hour television production titled "The Two Worlds of Charlie Gordon", based on the novel Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes.[16] Frustrated at the progress have a high regard for his career, Robertson optioned class rights to the teleplay brook hired William Goldman to draw up a script.

Before Goldman prepared his work, Robertson arranged cause Goldman to be hired meet Americanize the dialogue for Masquerade (1965), a spy spoof which Robertson starred in, replacing Rex Harrison.

Robertson then made trim war film, Up from high-mindedness Beach (1965) for Fox view guest-starred on that studio's Boob tube show, Batman (1966).

He co-starred with Harrison in The Sweetie Pot (1967) for Joseph Accolade. Mankiewicz then appeared in substitute war film, The Devil's Brigade (1968) with William Holden.

Robertson disliked Goldman's Algernon script impressive replaced the writer with Stirling Silliphant for what became Charly (1968).

The film was recourse box office success and Guard won the 1968 Academy Premium for Best Actor for top portrayal of a mentally-challenged chap.

Stardom

Charly was made by ABC Pictures, which insisted that Parliamentarian Aldrich use Robertson in Too Late the Hero (1970), skilful war film with Michael Caine that was a disappointment send up the box office.

Robertson scatological down roles in The Physicist Tapes, Straw Dogs (before Peckinpah was involved), and Dirty Harry.[17] Instead Robertson co-wrote, starred fashionable, and directed J. W. Coop (1972), another commercial disappointment undeterred by excellent reviews.

Looking back whole his career, Robertson said: "nobody made more mediocre movies better I did.

Mitzie tracker biography of donald

Nobody customarily did such a wide class of mediocrity".[17]

In 1969, immediately rearguard winning the Academy Award presage Charly, Robertson, a lifelong artistry enthusiast, attempted to produce person in charge direct an aviation film, I Shot Down the Red Big noise, I Think, featuring World Combat I aerial combat, using Lynn Garrison's Irish aviation facility.

Position comedic storyline portrayed the Wronged Baron as gay. The stratum aeroplane featured garish paint schemes. Honourableness film was never completed arbiter released.

Robertson played Cole Secondary in The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid (1972) and a opening in Ace Eli and Rodger of the Skies (1973). Without fear appeared in the 1974 intrigue Man on a Swing focus on the 1975 British drama Out of Season.

Later career

Robertson complementary to supporting parts in Three Days of the Condor (1975), which was a big nail. He played the lead cry Obsession (1976), a popular liaison from Brian De Palma champion Paul Schrader, and in prestige Canadian drama Shoot (1976). Recognized was also one of indefinite stars in Midway (1976).

Robertson turned to television for Washington: Behind Closed Doors (1977), proof had the lead in dexterous thriller, Dominique (1978). He shared to directing for The Pilot (1980), also playing the headline role, an alcoholic flyer. Guard played Hugh Hefner in Star 80 (1983). He attempted wring make Charly II in 1980 but it did not happen.[18]

From the 1980s and 1990s before, Robertson was predominantly a triteness actor.

He played villains girder Class (1983) and Brainstorm (1983). He did have the flinch in Shaker Run (1985) compile New Zealand, and Dreams only remaining Gold: The Mel Fisher Story (1986) on TV.

In as well as, he served as the dramatis personae spokesperson for AT&T from 1983 to 1992 and appeared welcome various commercials for their long-distance service and consumer telephones.[19]

He was a villain in Malone (1987), did Dead Reckoning (1990) be concerned TV and supported in Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1991), Wind (1991), Renaissance Man (1994) and John Carpenter's Escape shake off L.A. (1996).

Late in authority life Robertson's career had excellent resurgence. He appeared as Copyist Ben Parker in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man (2002), as well primate in the sequels Spider-Man 2 (2004) and Spider-Man 3 (2007; his last acting role). Significant commented on his website: "Since Spider-Man 1 and 2, Frenzied seem to have a by and large new generation of fans.

Renounce in itself is a beneficial residual."[20] He also starred top and wrote 13th Child (2002) and appeared in Riding greatness Bullet (2004), both horror flicks.

In 1989, he was keen member of the jury destiny the 39th Berlin International Integument Festival.[21]

Television

Robertson's early television appearances aim a starring role in authority live space operaRod Brown prepare the Rocket Rangers (1953–1954), gorilla well as recurring roles natural environment Hallmark Hall of Fame (1952), Alcoa Theatre (1959), and Playhouse 90 (1958, 1960), Outlaws (three episodes).

Robertson also appeared primate a special guest star dishonesty Wagon Train for one page, portraying an Irish immigrant.

In 1958, Robertson portrayed Joe Mud in the first broadcast rob Playhouse 90's Days of Banquet and Roses. In 1960, lighten up was cast as Martinus Car Der Brig, a con checker, in the episode "End blond a Dream" of Riverboat.

Other appearances included: "Wagon Train" (1958), The Twilight Zone episodes "A Hundred Yards Over the Rim" (1961) and "The Dummy" (1962), followed by The Eleventh Hour in the 1963 episode "The Man Who Came Home Late". He guest-starred on such multitude series as The Greatest Put-on on Earth, Breaking Point careful ABC Stage 67.

He abstruse starring roles in episodes nominate both the 1960s and Decennary versions of The Outer Limits, including "The Galaxy Being", influence first episode of the imaginative series. He was awarded hoaxer Emmy for his leading duty in a 1965 episode, "The Game" of Bob Hope Charity the Chrysler Theatre. He exposed as a villain on fin episodes of ABC's Batman convoy as the gunfighter "Shame" (1966 and 1968), the second frustrate with his wife, Dina Merrill, as "Calamity Jan".

In 1976, he portrayed a retired Yell Aldrin in an adaptation well Aldrin's autobiography Return to Earth. The next year, he depict a fictional Director of Middle Intelligence (based on Richard Helms) in Washington: Behind Closed Doors, an adaptation of John Ehrlichman's roman à clefThe Company, feature turn based on the Scandal scandal.

In 1987, he represent Henry Ford in Ford: Nobleness Man and The Machine. Exaggerate 1983 to 1984, he mincing Dr. Michael Ranson in Falcon Crest.

Columbia Pictures scandal

In 1977, Robertson discovered that his record had been forged on put in order $10,000 check payable to him, although it was for uncalled-for he had not performed.

Stylishness also learned that the humbug had been carried out get ahead of then-Columbia Pictures head David Begelman, and on reporting it closure inadvertently triggered one of illustriousness biggest Hollywood scandals of honourableness 1970s.[22] Begelman was charged sustain embezzlement, convicted, and later pinkslipped from Columbia.

Despite pressure tote up remain quiet, Robertson and crown wife Dina Merrill spoke connect the press. As a happen next, Columbia blacklisted him and would not make another film decree him in it until 2002's Spider-Man.[23]

He finally returned to plant film five years later, prima donna in Brainstorm (1983).[10][24] The draw of the scandal is be made aware in David McClintick's 1982 bestseller, Indecent Exposure.

Personal life

In 1957, Robertson married actress Cynthia the former wife of phenomenon Jack Lemmon. They had unadorned daughter, Stephanie, before divorcing burst 1959; he also had natty stepson by this marriage, Chris Lemmon. In 1966, he hitched actress and Post Cereals heir Dina Merrill, the former helpmeet of Stanley M.

Rumbough Jr.; they had a daughter, Ling (1968–2007), before divorcing.[1] He resided in Water Mill, New York.[25]

Robertson was a Democrat and corroborated Arizona congressman Morris K. Udall during the 1976 Democratic statesmanly primaries.[26]

Aviation

A certified private pilot, predispose of Robertson's main hobbies was flying and, among other position, he owned several de Havilland Tiger Moths, a Messerschmitt Bf 108, and a genuine Imitation War II–era Mk.

IX Supermarine Spitfire (MK923).[27][28] His first flat flight was in a Lockheed Model 9 Orion. As deft 13-year-old, he cleaned hangars intend airplane rides. He met Saint Mantz, Art Scholl, and Physicist Lindbergh while flying at neighbourhood California airports.[29] His piloting talent helped him get the extremity as the squadron leader fall to pieces the British war film 633 Squadron.

He entered balloon races, including one in 1964 cause the collapse of the mainland to Catalina Haven that ended with him found rescued from the Pacific The depths. He was also a sailplane pilot and owned a Grob Astir.[30]

In 1969, during the laical war conflict in Nigeria, Guard helped organize an effort comparable with fly food and medical machinery into the area.

He besides organized flights of supplies in the neighborhood of the ravaged country of Abyssinia when it experienced famine put in 1978.[27]

Robertson was flying a confidential Beechcraft Baron over New Dynasty City on the morning commentary September 11, 2001, two date after his 78th birthday.

Inaccuracy was directly above the Field Trade Center, climbing through 7,500 feet when the first Boeing 767 struck. He was intelligent by air traffic control sort out land immediately at the oining airport after a nationwide tidy-up to ground all civilian gift commercial aircraft following the attacks.[31]

Young Eagles

He was a longtime participator of the Experimental Aircraft Group (EAA), working his way consume the ranks in prominence deed eventually co-founding the Young Eagles Program with EAA president Tomcat Poberezny.

Robertson chaired the information from its 1992 inception decimate 1994 (succeeded by former eat pilot Chuck Yeager). Along comprise educating youth about aviation, say publicly initial goal of the Sour Eagles was to fly assault million children (many of them never having flown before) former to the 100th Anniversary reminisce Flight celebration on December 17, 2003.

That goal was attained on November 13, 2003. Vicious circle July 28, 2016, the join millionth Young Eagle was flown by actor Harrison Ford.[32] Indoors the EAA, he also supported the Cliff Robertson Work Training in 1993, which offers youths the chance to work fend for flight and ground school instruction.[33]

Death

On September 10, 2011, one grant after his 88th birthday, Guard died of natural causes terminate Stony Brook, New York.[34][35] Reward body was cremated, and adroit private funeral was held go ashore St.

Luke's Episcopal Church encompass East Hampton, New York beam was interred at the Wood Lawn Cemetery.

Filmography

Awards

Robertson was inducted into the National Aviation Corridor of Fame in 2006. Bankruptcy received the Rebecca Rice Alumni Award from Antioch College eliminate 2007. In addition to emperor Oscar and Emmy and a few lifetime achievement awards from a number of film festivals,[36] Robertson has neat as a pin star on the Hollywood Tread of Fame at 6801 Indecent Blvd.

He was also awarded the 2008 Ambassador of Advantage Will Aviation Award by illustriousness National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Bar Association in Alexandria, Colony, for his leadership in charge promotion of general aviation. Flowerbed 2009, Robertson was inducted do the International Air & Leeway Hall of Fame at magnanimity San Diego Air & Distance Museum,[37][38][39] and was part time off the Living Legends of Art.

Notes

  1. ^Several obituaries have stated meander Robertson was adopted by jurisdiction parents. However, the California Derivation Index of 1905–1995 states go off Clifford P. Robertson was first to a mother whose chaste name was Willingham, in Los Angeles County, California, on Sept 9, 1923.

    He was adoptive by his maternal grandmother walk out his mother's death.[3]

References

  1. ^ abcdeKeepnews, Shaft (September 11, 2011).

    "Cliff Guard, Oscar-Winning Rebel, Dies at 88". The New York Times. Archived from the original on Sep 11, 2011. Retrieved September 11, 2011.

  2. ^California Births, 1905–1995Archived November 15, 2011, at the Wayback MachineFamilytreelegends.com
  3. ^ abcdGreen, Michelle (December 5, 1983).

    "Cliff Robertson profile at". People. Archived from the original combination March 11, 2012. Retrieved Nov 25, 2011.

  4. ^Mother's birth and impermanence information per records accessed tower over ancestry.com on September 12, 2011
  5. ^Father's birthplace accessed on ancestry.com restrict September 12, 2011
  6. ^Mother's death word per records accessed on ancestry.com on September 12, 2011
  7. ^Grandmother's nickname and dates accessed on ancestry.com on September 12, 2011
  8. ^"Cliff Robertson/Hollywood Walk of Fame".

    Hollywood Mausoleum of Commerce. Archived from class original on December 1, 2011. Retrieved September 11, 2011.

  9. ^The Not public Museum of the Pacific War: Center for Pacific War Studies - Interview with Mr. Mound Robertson. December 7, 2001.Archived Apr 17, 2021, at the Wayback MachineNational Museum of the Appeasing War.

    Retrieved April 16, 2021.

  10. ^ abCliff Robertson biodataArchived May 22, 2011, at the Wayback Killing, yahoo.com; accessed April 26, 2015.
  11. ^Garfield, David (1980). "Appendix: Life Chapters of The Actors Studio type of January 1980". A Player's Place: The Story of Nobility Actors Studio.

    New York: MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc. p. 278. ISBN .

  12. ^Logan, Joshua (1978). Movie stars, reach people and me. Bantam Doubleday Dell. pp. 7–8. ISBN .
  13. ^Schallert, E. (August 18, 1955). "Cliff Robertson gains plum Crawford lead; Lance Architect starred".

    Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 166816412.

  14. ^Hoberman, J. (August 26, 2003). "Lights, Camera, Exploitation". Village Voice. Archived from the original on June 30, 2008. Retrieved November 25, 2011.
  15. ^Hopper, H. (August 8, 1965). "Cliff Robertson: Career that's fleeting high". Los Angeles Times.

    ProQuest 155264948.

  16. ^"U.S. Steel Hour: "The Two Infinitely of Charlie Gordon" (2/22/1961)". YouTube. 18 April 2018. Archived superior the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  17. ^ abA. H.

    (July 16, 1972). "Cliff Robertson flies the 'coop' to glory". The New Royalty Times. ProQuest 119540258.

  18. ^Bruce McCabe, G. Brutal. (September 8, 1980). "Cliff Guard Bringing Charly Back to Southeast Boston". The Boston Globe. ProQuest 293973554.
  19. ^Horovitz, Bruce (April 19, 1993).

    "AT&T Appears Eager to Call Bendy a New Image". The Los Angeles Times. p. 56.

  20. ^"Cliff Robertson's Continuance Achievements"Archived October 6, 2011, fuzz the Wayback Machine. Retrieved Nov 14, 2007.
  21. ^"Berlinale: 1989 Juries". berlinale.de. Archived from the original congregation February 15, 2016.

    Retrieved Go on foot 9, 2011.

  22. ^"Cliff Robertson". The Telegraph. London. September 11, 2011. Archived from the original on Haw 26, 2021. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  23. ^Lee, G. (March 28, 1980). "The Lonely Ordeal of Scarp Robertson". Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 162762482.
  24. ^McClintick, David.

    Indecent Exposure: A Estimate Story of Hollywood and Bulwark Street, William Morrow and Date, 1982.

  25. ^"Career Achievements". Official Website method Cliff Robertson. Archived from magnanimity original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
  26. ^"Cliff Guard obituary: Oscar-winning actor".

    Los Angeles Times. September 10, 2011. Archived from the original on Hawthorn 22, 2017. Retrieved April 16, 2020.

  27. ^ abHall, Bob. Southeastern Antiquing and Collecting Magazine. Cliff Guard Collects Vintage AircraftArticle on Robertson's private aviation collectionArchived December 10, 2004, at the Wayback Connections.

    2004.

  28. ^First Cross-Country Soaring or (You Ain't John Wayne – Robertson)Archived 2010-11-16 at the Wayback Machine
  29. ^Gene Smith (December 1987). "Real Aerodrome Kids Never Grow Up". Air Progress.
  30. ^"National Aviation Hall of Reputation article on Cliff Robertson".

    Archived from the original on June 18, 2007. Retrieved September 26, 2006.

  31. ^Official Cliff Robertson siteArchived Oct 2, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  32. ^"Harrison Ford Flies 2 Onemillionth Young Eagle". Archived from interpretation original on August 20, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  33. ^"Cliff Guard Work Experience".

    Archived from rendering original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.

  34. ^"Cliff Guard, who played JFK in 'PT-109', dies". Yahoo! News. September 11, 2011. Archived from the contemporary on December 17, 2011. Retrieved November 25, 2011.
  35. ^"US film performer Cliff Robertson dies aged 88".

    BBC. September 11, 2011. Archived from the original on Sep 11, 2011. Retrieved September 11, 2011.

  36. ^"Award Winners". August 28, 2010. Archived from the original gain control August 28, 2010. Retrieved Sept 23, 2019.
  37. ^Sprekelmeyer, Linda, editor. These We Honor: The International Aerospace Hall of Fame.

    Donning Front elevation. Publishers, 2006. ISBN 978-1-57864-397-4.

  38. ^Bergqvist, Pia (2011-09-13). "Legendary Actor and Aviator Rockface Robertson Dies at 88". FLYING Magazine. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
  39. ^"Cliff Robertson's Influenza Jolla roots went deep". San Diego Union-Tribune. 2011-09-15.

    Retrieved 2025-01-14.

External links