Robert Armstrong American actor Date of Birth: 20.11.1890 Country: USA

Biography of Robert Armstrong

Robert William Armstrong, an American film actor, is best known for his role as Carl Denham in the 1933 film "King Kong." He was born in Saginaw, Michigan and lived in Bay City, Michigan until 1902 before moving to Seattle, Washington. Armstrong initially studied law and aspired to become a lawyer, but later switched to managing his uncle's company. He attended the University of Washington and began writing plays while still a student. One of his plays eventually made it to the stage, with Armstrong himself playing a role in it.

During World War I, Armstrong served in the army. After returning from the war, he learned about his uncle's death. In 1926, Armstrong traveled to London, where he actively pursued a career in theater. He appeared in various theatrical productions for at least one season. Armstrong's film career began in 1928 when he starred in the silent film "The Main Event" produced by the French film studio Pathé. His most famous role came in 1933 when he portrayed Carl Denham in the film "King Kong." Armstrong's character delivered the iconic line, "It was beauty killed the beast," at the end of the film.

A few months after the release of "King Kong," Armstrong reprised his role as Denham in the film "Son of Kong," which was released in the same year. However, the sequel failed to achieve the success of the original film, and it received predominantly negative reviews from critics. 16 years later, in 1949, Armstrong played a character similar to Denham in the film "Mighty Joe Young," another film about a giant ape. His character, Max O'Hara, was one of the main protagonists.

Contrary to popular belief, Armstrong's career was not solely focused on films about giant apes. In total, he appeared in 127 films from 1927 to 1964. In 1937, Armstrong landed a leading role in the film "With Words and Music." Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, he worked actively in the film industry, often switching between different studios. In the early 1940s, shortly before the start of World War II, Universal Pictures released the film "Enemy Agent," in which Armstrong played a key role. The plot revolved around Nazis and spies. The film also starred Helen Vinson, Richard Cromwell, and Jack La Rue. In 1942, Armstrong once again acted alongside Cromwell in the film "Baby Face Morgan."

In the 1950s, Armstrong played Sheriff Andy Anderson in the western TV series "State Trooper" starring Rod Cameron. Rod Cameron portrayed Rod Blake, a leading investigator for the Nevada Department of Public Safety. Armstrong made four guest appearances in the show "Perry Mason."

Armstrong was married four times. His first three marriages were relatively short-lived, each lasting no more than five years. He was married to Claire Louise Frisbie from January 1, 1940 until his death on April 20, 1973. Interestingly, Armstrong bore a striking resemblance to "King Kong" producer Merian C. Cooper. Cooper even used Armstrong as a double in several films. The eerie similarity continued in their deaths, as both the actor and producer passed away within 16 hours of each other.