Robert Prosky facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert Prosky
Robert Prosky and Joseph McKenna in Fishelson's adaptation of The Golem at Manhattan Ensemble Theatre, 2002
Born	Robert Józef Porzuczek (1930-12-13)December 13, 1930 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	December 8, 2008(2008-12-08) (aged 77) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Resting place	Rock Creek Cemetery Washington, D.C., U.S.
Other names	Robert Józef Prosky
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1971–2008
Spouse(s)	Ida Hove ​ (m. 1960)​
Children	3, including John Prosky

Robert Prosky (born Robert Joseph Porzuczek, December 13, 1930 – December 8, 2008) was an American actor. He was known for playing many different characters in movies, TV shows, and plays. He became famous in the 1980s for his roles in films like Thief (1981) and The Natural (1984).

Robert Prosky also appeared in popular movies such as Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), and Miracle on 34th Street (1994). On TV, he was well-known for playing Sgt. Stan Jablonski in the police drama Hill Street Blues.

About Robert Prosky's Early Life

Robert Prosky was born on December 13, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His family was Polish American. His father worked as a grocer and a butcher. Robert grew up in a regular neighborhood and later studied at the American Theatre Wing. He also graduated from Temple University.

Before becoming a famous actor, he performed in small local theaters. During the Korean War, he served in the United States Air Force. He left the Air Force early to help his family's store after his father passed away suddenly.

Robert Prosky's Acting Career

Robert Prosky had a long and successful career in acting. He appeared in many different types of productions.

Movies and Films

Prosky acted in many well-known movies. Some of his roles include:

• Leo in Thief (1981)
• Will Darnell in John Carpenter's Christine (1983), where he owned the auto repair shop
• The Judge in The Natural (1984)
• Grandpa Fred in Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
• Jonathan Lundy in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
• Judge Henry Harper in Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

He also appeared in films like Hoffa (1992), Last Action Hero (1993), and Dead Man Walking (1995).

Television Roles

Robert Prosky was a regular on several TV shows. He played Sgt. Stan Jablonski on Hill Street Blues from 1984 to 1987. He also appeared in Danny and Veronica's Closet.

He was considered for the role of Coach Ernie Pantusso on the popular show Cheers but turned it down. Later, he played Rebecca Howe's father on the same show. He also made a guest appearance on Frasier.

Stage Performances

Besides movies and TV, Prosky was a very active stage actor. He performed in over 100 plays at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C.. One of his most famous stage roles was playing Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman.

He also performed on Broadway, which is the highest level of theater in the U.S. He was nominated for two Tony Awards, which are very important awards for stage acting. He also won a Drama Desk Award.

Robert Prosky's Family Life

In 1960, Robert Prosky married Ida Hove. They had three sons together: Stefan, John, and Andrew. Two of his sons, John and Andrew, also became actors.

Robert Prosky's Passing

Robert Prosky passed away on December 8, 2008, just five days before his 78th birthday. He died in Washington, D.C. His son John stated that the cause was complications from heart surgery. He was remembered as a talented actor who could play many different kinds of characters.

Filmography

Television

• Hill Street Blues (1984–1987) - Sgt. Stan Jablonski
• Murder She Wrote (1987) - Bishop Patrick Shea
• The Murder of Mary Phagan (1988) - Tom Watson
• From the Dead of Night (1989) - Dr Walter Hovde
• A Green Journey (1990) - Bishop Baker
• Coach (1991) - Jake "The Snake" Connolly
• Cheers (1992) - Navy Captain Franklin Howe
• Frasier (1996) - T.H. Houghton
• Veronica's Closet (1997-1998) - Pat Chase
• ER (2007) - Wayne Rutley

Stage Performances

See also

In Spanish: Robert Prosky para niños