Frankie Darro American actor Date of Birth: 22.12.1917 Country: USA

Biography of Frankie Darro

Frankie Darro, whose real name was Frank Johnson, was an American actor born in 1917 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He came from a circus family, as his parents were well-known aerial acrobats called The Flying Johnsons, performing in the Sells Floto Circus. Although his father had prepared him for a career in the circus from a young age, Frankie's fear of heights prevented him from pursuing that path. In 1922, when the circus was in California, his parents divorced, bringing an end to their joint act and their circus life.

At the age of six, Frankie made his film debut under the name Frankie Darro, utilizing his acrobatic skills in front of the camera. He appeared in numerous silent films as a child and teenager, including adventure films, westerns, and serials. He smoothly transitioned to the era of sound films, continuing to act and grow in front of the camera and audience. By the age of ten, Frankie had already played over thirty roles.

In 1931, Frankie had a leading role in the western film "The Lightning Warrior," followed by another western film called "The Devil Horse" in 1932. In 1934, he starred in the drama "No Greater Glory" and appeared in the comedy "Broadway Bill." In that year alone, Frankie appeared in eight films, and the following year, he appeared in the same number of films. Notably, in 1935, he starred in the famous family film "The Phantom Empire."

Due to his excellent physical training and short stature, Frankie excelled in roles as jockeys, appearing in films such as "Charlie Chan at the Race Track" in 1936 and "A Day at the Races" in 1937. By the beginning of World War II, Frankie Darro had already participated in over 100 films. He served in the US Navy Hospital Corps during the war, where he contracted malaria. Upon his return from the war, Frankie immersed himself once again in the atmosphere of film sets, continuing to act actively in the 1940s.

In the 1950s, Frankie Darro appeared in numerous television shows, including the popular series "The Red Skelton Show." He also appeared in projects such as "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Have Gun - Will Travel," "Peter Gunn," "Mr. Lucky," "Mister Ed," and many others. Frankie continued acting until the mid-1970s, with his last on-screen role in the detective film "Fugitive Lovers" in 1975. Throughout his acting career, he appeared in over 175 films of various genres, from westerns to melodramas.

Frankie Darro was married three times. At one point, his wife was actress Aloha Wray. He was also married to Dorothy Carroll, and his first marriage was to Betty Marie in 1943. After his acting career ended, he opened a tavern called "Try Later." Frankie had problems with alcohol, which started during his acting years.

Frankie Darro passed away from a heart attack on Christmas Day in 1976 while visiting friends in Huntington Beach, California. His body was cremated, and his ashes were scattered over the Pacific Ocean.