RP
Robert Preston
14quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert Preston was an American actor of stage and screen, best known for his powerful voice and authoritative presence.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on June 8, 1918, in Newton, Massachusetts, Robert Preston passed away on March 21, 1987, at the age of 68 due to complications from lung cancer.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Preston was an American actor who primarily worked in film and television. He also had a successful career in theater, performing on Broadway and in regional productions.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Newton, Massachusetts, Preston developed a passion for the arts at an early age. He attended Boston Latin School before moving to New York City to pursue a career in acting. Preston's early life was marked by a strong foundation in music and drama, which would serve him well throughout his career.
Major Accomplishments
Preston's most notable role came when he portrayed Harold Hill in the 1957 Broadway production of "The Music Man," earning him a Tony Award for Best Actor. His portrayal of the charismatic con man has become iconic in American theater history.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Preston's other notable film roles include "Victor/Victoria" (1982), where he played an aging opera singer, and "The Last Remake of Beau Geste" (1966). He also appeared on several television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Impact and Legacy
Preston's impact on the entertainment industry extends beyond his own performances. His powerful voice and authoritative presence have influenced generations of actors, including those who followed in his footsteps as charismatic leads. Preston's legacy can be seen in the many actors who have borrowed from his style, both on stage and screen.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Preston is widely quoted for his memorable performances, particularly "The Music Man." His portrayal of Harold Hill has become synonymous with the character, cementing Preston's place as one of the most beloved actors in American theater history.
Quotes by Robert Preston
"
I once cured an amateur skydiver of acute acrophobia. Now you could say he was all right because he was able to jump, but you could also say he was not all right because he was so stoned he neglected to open his parachute.
"
I played ball for the Hollywood Blues of the Pacific Coast League, and I thought I was going to be a major leaguer. But I was the only one who seemed to think so.
"
In marriage, someone has to be a giver and someone a taker. I am a taker who married a giver.
"
The camera lens or the television camera is still just a proscenium arch. And as a great old character actor once said to me, wherever you're acting, you reach up and take hold of the proscenium arch, and you pull it down around your shoulders.
"
For a man without hobbies, I stand in a wonderful spot, where what I do is my best hobby, and everything else is a poor second.
"
Acting is all I've ever done, and I've nothing else to make comparisons with when anyone asks me whether I've ever wanted anything else out of life. It's given me enough satisfaction so that I haven't wanted or had to look for anything else.
Showing 1 to 10 of 14 results