Robert Prosky American theater, film and television actor Date of Birth: 13.12.1930 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. Theatre Career
3. Film Career
4. Television Career
5. Later Career and Death

Early Life and Career

Robert Joseph (Józef) Prosky was born on December 13, 1930, in the outskirts of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The son of a grocer and a butcher, he grew up in a working-class neighborhood and studied acting at the American Theatre Wing. He later graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia.

Theatre Career

Prior to his success in film and television, Prosky was an accomplished stage actor. He performed at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., where he played over 100 roles, including Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and Shelly Levene in David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Glengarry Glen Ross."

Film Career

Prosky's film credits include "Thief" (1981), "Christine" (1983), "The Natural" (1984), "Hoffa" (1992), "Broadcast News" (1987), "That Thing You Do!" (1996), "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993), "Green Card" (1990), and "Dead Man Walking" (1995).

Television Career

Prosky also appeared in numerous television shows, including "Hill Street Blues" (as Stan Jablonski), "Veronica's Closet" (as Pat Chase), "Frasier" (as Houghton), and "Cheers" (as Captain Franklyn, Rebecca Howe's father).

Later Career and Death

Prosky continued to act until his death on December 8, 2008, five days before his 78th birthday. He lived near Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. and served on the board of directors of the Cape May Stage company in New Jersey. He was survived by his two sons, Andy and John, who are also actors.