Robert Gist, a spirited individual, was raised in the midst of Chicago's stockyards during the tumultuous era of the Great Depression. His tumultuous childhood led him to a stint in reform school after he was involved in a physical altercation that resulted in another boy being injured. However, instead of following the conventional path, Gist found himself at Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago, where his interest in acting was first piqued.
Following his early start in Chicago radio, Gist transitioned to the stage, taking on roles in productions in Chicago and on Broadway. One of his most notable performances was in the long-running play "Harvey" alongside Josephine Hull. During his time in "Harvey," Gist made his film debut in New York-shot scenes for 20th Century-Fox's beloved Christmas classic "Miracle on 34th Street" in 1947.
Gist's Broadway credits also include a role in director Charles Laughton's "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial" in 1954, where he shared the stage with Henry Fonda and John Hodiak. While filming "Operation Petticoat" in Key West, Florida, Gist confided in director Blake Edwards about his desire to direct, and Edwards later hired him to helm episodes of the TV series "Peter Gunn" in 1958.
Gist went on to direct for numerous TV shows, including "Naked City" in 1958, "The Twilight Zone" in 1959, and "Route 66" in 1960, among many others.
