Edward G. Robinson

Date of Birth: December 12, 1893

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: January 26, 1973

Biography

Edward G. Robinson, born Emanuel Goldenberg, was a Romanian-American actor who became one of Hollywood’s leading men in the 1930s and 1940s. He is best known for his unyielding portrayals of tough guys and gangsters, which left an indelible mark on American cinema. Robinson was born in Bucharest, Romania, and emigrated with his family to the United States when he was ten years old. He initially aimed to become a rabbi or a lawyer but found his true passion in acting while attending City College of New York. He started his acting career on Broadway before transitioning to the silver screen. Robinson’s breakthrough role came in 1931 when he starred as Rico in the film “Little Caesar,” which established him as a leading actor in gangster films. Over his career, he appeared in over 100 films, including notable titles like “Double Indemnity” (1944), “Key Largo” (1948), and “The Ten Commandments” (1956). Robinson was not only a versatile actor but also an art collector and a humanitarian. Despite facing political persecution during the McCarthy era, he maintained his dignity and continued working. His career spanned over five decades, making him one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons.

5 Interesting Facts about Edward G. Robinson

1. Edward G. Robinson was fluent in seven languages, including Yiddish, Romanian, and German.

2. He was a passionate art collector, amassing a collection that included works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Chagall.

3. Robinson was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1973, just two months after his death, for his contributions to the motion picture industry.

4. He was blacklisted during the McCarthy era but was later cleared of all accusations of being a communist sympathizer.

5. Despite his on-screen tough-guy persona, Robinson was a cultured, gentle, and philanthropic individual.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edward G. Robinson

1. “Acting is the most minor of gifts. After all, Shirley Temple could do it when she was four.”

2. “I know I’m not much on face value, but when it comes to stage value, I’ll deliver for you.”

3. “Some people have youth, some have beauty – I have menace.”

4. “I have not collected art. Art collected me.”

5. “The movies are the only business where you can go out front and applaud yourself.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Edward G. Robinson’s net worth was estimated to be around $2.5 million, which would be significantly higher today when adjusted for inflation.