Bob's Early Life and Career
Born in Hollywood, Bob grew up in the Baldwin Hills area, where his father had built a house. Even as a young boy, Bob had a natural flair for showmanship, entertaining his neighborhood friends with performances for a penny a pop. He attended Dorsey High School, where he was an active member of the drama club.
During World War II, Bob served as a weatherman in the 10th Weather Squadron, 14th Air Force, stationed in Kunming, China. After being reassigned, he organized the mail for all units in the China-Burma-India theatre. His first acting role was in an Area Entertainment Guild production of "Room Service" for the troops.
Post-War Career and Education
Returning to Los Angeles after the war, Bob attended the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse, a school of theatre arts, graduating in 1949. He then co-founded the Orchard Gables Repertory Theatre Company at the corner of Fountain and Wilcox in Hollywood.
Ambition and Entrepreneurship
Desiring to manage his own theatre, Bob purchased property in 1955 and built a 90-seat theatre with seating "in-the-round." In January 1956, he opened the Horseshoe Stage Theatre on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, where he produced, directed, and starred in plays for many years. The theatre is now known as the Zephyr Theatre.
Personal Life and Later Years
When not acting or teaching, Bob loved to travel in his motorhome, searching for the perfect fishing spot. After living with mobility challenges for a couple of years, Bob passed away peacefully on February 12, 2016, surrounded by his two sons and their family.
