Robert Adams(1906-1965)
- Actor
Born in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana), Adams was educated at
the Moco Teachers' Training College in Jamaica where he graduated with
honors. He began his career in teaching being a headmaster in British
Guaiana, a master on staff at Trinidad College. He was also a qualified
Engineering Draughtsman. He gave up teaching to move to Britain
intending to become a barrister. Penniless, he took any job he could
whilst studying law, resulting in paid jobs as wrester, professional
boxer, artist model, journalist and singer. He contemplated becoming a
opera singer but became involved in the acting scene in London. After
voice training he made his first stage appearance in "Stevedore" with
Paul Robeson at the Embassy Theatre, London. Shortly after he was given
lead roles in "All God's Chillun" and "Emperor Jones" and became a
recognised name on stage, radio and television. Simultaneously he began
his film career, initially for Ealing in "Midshipman Easy". During the
war he served as an A.R.P. (Air Raid Patrol) warden and also worked in
a factory to assist in the war effort.
