Bobby Driscoll American actor, child star Date of Birth: 03.03.1937 Country: USA

Biography of Bobby Driscoll

Bobby Driscoll, an American actor and child star, was born in 1937 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA. From a young age, it was evident that Bobby had a natural talent for acting. As the only son of Cletus and Isabelle Kratz Driscoll, his family moved to Des Moines shortly after his birth, and later to California due to his father's work with asbestos.

In Los Angeles, Bobby showcased his artistic talent and auditioned for his first role, which led to his debut in the film "Lost Angel" in 1943. This marked the beginning of a successful career, with Bobby earning $400 per week by 1948. Notable childhood roles included the animated film "Song of the South," the comedy "If You Knew Susie," and the family drama "So Dear to My Heart." Bobby became known as an "acting prodigy" and became the first child actor to sign a contract with Walt Disney Studios in 1946.

However, rumors and controversy surrounded Bobby's relationship with Walt Disney, with some suggesting a deeper connection between them. In 1949, Bobby portrayed a brilliant performance in the drama "The Window" and the following year, he played Jim Hawkins in "Treasure Island." His salary during the filming of "Treasure Island" was a remarkable $1750 per week for a child actor. In 1953, he lent his voice to Peter Pan in the Disney animated film of the same name.

As Bobby grew older, he faced the darker side of fame. The offers for roles decreased, and even his voice acting opportunities diminished. His contract with Walt Disney Studios was terminated in March 1953. Despite receiving the "Milky Way Gold Star Award" for his achievements in TV and radio in 1954, Bobby struggled to regain his former glory.

He sought opportunities in television, appearing in popular projects such as "Letter to Loretta," "Climax!," "The Millionaire," and "M Squad" in the mid-1950s. However, he never achieved the same level of success as before. Bobby completed his professional training at the Hollywood Professional School in 1955 and later took on minor roles in various TV projects.

Throughout his career, Bobby appeared in over 40 films and television productions. In 1956, he married Marilyn Jean Rush, and they had three children. Despite his efforts to remain on top of the acting industry, Bobby struggled to find success on Broadway in New York. His final film role was in the short film "Dirt" in 1965, which marked the end of his bright but short-lived acting career.

Tragically, Bobby's life took a downward spiral due to drug addiction, which severely affected his health. The exact cause of his death, whether hepatitis or a heart attack, remains uncertain. Bobby Driscoll passed away in 1968 at the age of 31, in complete obscurity. His body was discovered by children playing hide-and-seek in an abandoned building in Greenwich Village. He was buried anonymously in a pauper's grave on Hart Island, where his remains rest to this day. It took several months to identify Bobby's body through fingerprint records.