Robert Sterling facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Sterling
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Sterling in 1956
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William Sterling Hart
November 13, 1917 New Castle, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | May 30, 2006 (aged 88) |
| Alma mater | University of Pittsburgh |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1939–1986 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 4, including Tisha Sterling |
Robert Sterling (born William Sterling Hart; November 13, 1917 – May 30, 2006) was an American actor. He was most famous for playing George Kerby in the TV show Topper from 1953 to 1955.
In 1960, Robert Sterling received a special star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This honor recognized his important work in television.
Contents
Robert Sterling's Life and Career
Early Life
William Sterling Hart was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, on November 13, 1917. This town is about 50 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. His father, William S. Hart, was a baseball player for the Chicago Cubs.
Before he became an actor, Robert Sterling went to the University of Pittsburgh. He also worked as a clothing salesman.
Starting His Acting Career
In 1939, Robert Sterling signed a contract with Columbia Pictures. He changed his name from William Sterling Hart to Robert Sterling. He did this to avoid being confused with a famous silent movie star named William S. Hart. His name was legally changed in 1943 while he was training to be a pilot in Texas.
Sterling appeared in many small movie parts for Columbia Pictures. Some of these films include Blondie Meets the Boss (1939) and Mr Smith Goes to Washington (1939). He also appeared in a short film with Buster Keaton called Pest from the West (1939).
He then moved to 20th Century Fox and played lead roles in movies like Manhattan Heartbeat (1940). In November 1940, he joined Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).
Becoming a Star
At MGM, Robert Sterling got bigger roles. He starred in I'll Wait for You (1941) and The Getaway (1941). He also appeared with Ann Sothern in Ringside Maisie (1941). He later married Ann Sothern.
Sterling had a good supporting role with Greta Garbo in Two-Faced Woman (1941). He also appeared in Johnny Eager (1941) with Robert Taylor. In 1942, he was the third-billed actor in Somewhere I'll Find You. This was a very popular film starring Clark Gable and Lana Turner.
Just as his career was really taking off, Sterling joined the military.
Service in World War II
During World War II, Robert Sterling served in the United States Army Air Forces. He worked as a flight instructor. He left the army in October 1945.
Post-War Career
After the war, Sterling returned to acting. He appeared in The Secret Heart (1946) at MGM. He also starred in Roughshod (1949) at RKO.
He made a Western movie called The Sundowners (1950). He also appeared in Bunco Squad (1951).
Sterling started performing on Broadway in a play called The Gramercy Ghost. During this time, he met actress and singer Anne Jeffreys. They later got married.
He also started appearing on television shows. These included Studio One and The Ford Theatre Hour. He was in an episode of Lights Out with Grace Kelly. He also appeared in Betty Crocker Star Matinee with Audrey Hepburn.
In 1951, Sterling had an excellent role in the hit MGM film Show Boat. He played Steve Baker, opposite Ava Gardner. He also supported Audie Murphy in Column South (1953). Robert Sterling and his second wife, Anne Jeffreys, also created a singing and acting show for nightclubs.
The Topper Years
Robert Sterling is perhaps most famous for his role in the TV show Topper. He starred with his wife, Anne Jeffreys. The show was based on a 1937 movie.
Sterling played George Kerby, a lively ghost. Anne Jeffreys played his wife, Marion Kerby. Leo G. Carroll played the main character, Topper. The show aired on CBS from 1953 to 1955.
In 1955, Sterling and Jeffreys also appeared in a TV play called Dearest Enemy. He continued to guest star on shows like The Loretta Young Show and Lux Video Theatre. In 1957, they appeared together in an episode of Wagon Train.
Love That Jill and Other Roles
In 1958, Robert Sterling and Anne Jeffreys starred in another comedy series called Love That Jill. They played the heads of competing modeling agencies in New York City.
Sterling then returned to movies. He had good roles in Return to Peyton Place (1961) and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1961).
From 1961 to 1962, Sterling co-starred in the CBS show Ichabod and Me. In 1963, he appeared in The Twilight Zone episode "Printer's Devil" with Burgess Meredith. He was also in The Alfred Hitchcock Hour and Naked City.
Later Career and Work
After the early 1960s, Sterling made fewer acting appearances. He was seen in shows like Nanny and the Professor and Love, American Style. He also appeared in the TV movie Letters from Three Lovers (1973).
In the 1970s, Robert Sterling became a vice president for a company. This company created software for supermarket barcoding and computer inventory systems. Later, he started his own company called Sterling & Sons. It made custom golf clubs.
In the 1980s, he guest starred on shows such as Fantasy Island, Simon & Simon, and Murder, She Wrote.
Robert Sterling's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located at 1709 Vine Street.
Personal Life
Robert Sterling was married two times. His first marriage was in 1943 to actress and singer Ann Sothern. They had a daughter named Patricia, who also became an actress, known as Tisha Sterling. Ann Sothern and Robert Sterling divorced in 1949.
Sterling met actress and singer Anne Jeffreys after his Broadway debut. They got married in 1951. They remained married for 55 years until his death. They had three sons together.
Robert Sterling was a member of the Republican Party. He supported Dwight Eisenhower in the 1952 presidential election.
Robert Sterling passed away on May 30, 2006, at his home in Brentwood, California. He was 88 years old.
Selected Filmography
- The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1962) (Season 1 Episode 8: "House Guest") as Ray Roscoe
