Born into a family with a rich history in the entertainment industry, Frankie Darro's parents were accomplished circus aerialists, setting the stage for his early entry into the world of show business. At the tender age of six, Frankie made his film debut, a feat that would prove to be the starting point of a long and illustrious career.
Due to his petite stature and youthful appearance, Frankie was often cast in roles that required him to play teenagers, a trait that served him well into his twenties. As a physical performer, Frankie was known for his impressive stunt work, often taking on the challenge himself due to the difficulty in finding stunt doubles of similar size.
Frankie's skills extended beyond the realm of acting, as he was an accomplished horseman, which led to him landing roles in westerns and films where he played jockeys. In 1933, he took on the lead role in the Warner Brothers film "Wild Boys of the Road," a pre-Code film that offered a realistic portrayal of the Great Depression from the perspective of the youth of the time. This film, which has only recently been rediscovered, has received widespread critical acclaim.
Later that same year, Frankie appeared in the James Cagney classic "The Mayor of Hell," playing a troubled youth. In 1935, he had a key role in the cult serial classic "The Phantom Empire." As Frankie grew older, however, he found it increasingly difficult to secure employment, and by the late 1940s, he was relegated to uncredited stunt work and bit parts.
Despite this setback, Frankie continued to work sporadically in films and on television, including a recurring role on "The Red Skelton Hour." In 1956, he appeared in the groundbreaking sci-fi film "The Forbidden Planet," playing the role of "Robby the Robot," although Marvin Miller provided the robot's voice. Frankie's later work was marked by his occasional appearances in films and television, a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to his craft.
