Bobby, a talented individual, was born and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, where he demonstrated an early affinity for acting, tap dancing, and playing the saxophone. By the time he was four and a half years old, he had already developed these skills, which would later become the foundation of his successful career.
In 1930, Bobby made his stage debut, and in 1931, he appeared in his first film at Warner Bros./Vitaphone. He reportedly had a bit part in the 1934 film "Kid Millions" alongside Eddie Cantor. This early exposure led to his Broadway debut in the play "Dead End," which opened on October 28, 1935.
Bobby's success on stage and screen earned him a significant income, with his peak salary reaching $1,500 per week. He also owned a $150,000 home in Beverly Hills and was the sole provider for his mother, two brothers, a sister, and a niece.
In 1940, Bobby returned to Universal Pictures, where he appeared in several films, including the "Little Tough Guys" series. Later that year, he starred in his first East Side Kids film, "Boys of the City," for Monogram Pictures.
Bobby's military service began in 1943, when he was drafted into the 97th Infantry. He served until 1945, making a cameo appearance in the East Side Kids film "Bowery Champs" (1944).
After his military service, Bobby continued to work in film, appearing in the first Bowery Boys picture, "Live Wires" (1946). However, he eventually left the series, citing a desire for more prominent roles.
In 1946, Bobby married Lee, and in 1949, they had a son, Robert Jr. The couple divorced in 1957, and in 1958, Bobby filed for bankruptcy due to his inability to pay alimony and child support.
In his later years, Bobby struggled with personal demons, including heavy drinking. On August 25, 1965, he collapsed at the home of a friend and was admitted to a Veterans Administration Hospital in Los Angeles for treatment of Cirrhosis of the liver.
