Biography

Edward G. Robinson

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Overview

Born
December 12, 1893 · Bucharest, Kingdom of Romania [now Romania]
Died
January 26, 1973 · Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA (cancer)
Birth name
Emmanuel Goldenberg
Nicknames
- Eddie
- Manny
Height
5′ 5″ (1.65 m)

Biography

Emanuel Goldenberg arrived in the United States from Romania 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, Edward G. Robinson (the "G" stood for his birth surname), 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 Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet (1940) and A Dispatch from Reuters (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.
- IMDb mini biography by: Ed Stephan <stephan@cc.wwu.edu>

Family

Spouses
Children
Parents
Relatives

Trademarks

Prideful, villainous and violent characters involved in the underworld
His short, stocky frame
The line "Yeah, see" but pronouncing it "Yeah, say", which has become an iconic imitation.
Speaking with his hands, particularly pointing thumbs at himself and waving thumbs up in the air.
His powerful, realistic acting style

Trivia

Although best known for playing fierce, angry and often murderous men, he was actually well-liked and respected by almost everyone off-screen, having been a sensitive, quiet, artistic type when not performing.
Died two weeks after he had finished filming Soylent Green (1973).
Was a great art lover, especially paintings. Robert Wagner, who knew him very well, revealed that Robinson bought a [Paul Cézanne painting that did not fit with his living room. So he first changed the mantel of the living room, then the wallpaper of the living room, then the furniture around the painting, but he still didn't like it. So he finally chose another apartment for the painting.
When he died in 1973, he left an estate valued at $2.5 million, which largely consisted of rare works of art.
Never nominated for an Academy Award. He was awarded an Honorary 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.

Quotes

If I were just a bit taller and I was a little more handsome or something like that, I could have played all the roles that I have played, and played many more. There is such a thing as a handicap, but you've got to be that much better as an actor. It kept me from certain roles that I might have had, but then, it kept others from playing my roles, so I don't know that it's not altogether balanced.
I did a picture called Double Indemnity (1944) with Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck for Paramount. It was, in fact, the third lead. I debated accepting it; Emanuel Goldenberg told me that at my age it was time to begin thinking of character roles, to slide into middle and old age with the same grace as that marvelous actor Lewis Stone. Gladys was hospitalized again, and I had empty night hours to debate the decision. In the end it came to this: Wherefore was this night different from any other night (a question asked at the passover seder table by the youngest celebrant in regard to the anniversary of the Jewish exodus from Egypt)? Wherefore was this picture different from any other picture? I was never the handsome leading man; I could proceed with my career growing older in roles that would grow older, too. And (forgive me for being mercenary) there was, instead of a decrease in pay, a slight hike. The decision made itself.
I have not collected art. Art collected me. I never found paintings. They found me. I have never even owned a work of art. They owned me.
To last you need to be real.
To be entrusted with a character was always a big responsibility to me.