ACTOR · BORN 1893 · DIED 1973
Edward G. Robinson
- Born
- 12 December 1893
- Died
- 26 January 1973
42 archived facts 6 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
8 Facts About Edward G. Robinson's Life and Family
- #006
During World War II, Robinson supported the war effort by donating 100,000 dollars to the United Service Organizations (USO). He also volunteered at the Hollywood Canteen and, thanks to his fluency in seven languages, took part in radio broadcasts aimed at countries under Nazi occupation. In these broadcasts he spoke in languages such as Yiddish, Romanian and German to provide moral support. These efforts show that Robinson was not only an artist but also a patriotic citizen.
- #008
Until the age of 9, Robinson lived within a Yiddish community in Romania. This experience played an important role in shaping his identity and cultural background. He later emigrated to America with his family and grew up there to become a famous actor. This early period of his life laid the foundation for his multilingualism and his sensitivity to different cultures. These roots were also reflected in his art and added depth to his characters.
- #009
Robinson suffered a heart attack during the shooting of A Boy Ten Feet Tall (1963) in Africa. The incident revealed the seriousness of his health problems and affected his career. Nevertheless, Robinson continued to work after recovering and maintained his commitment to cinema. This heart attack was an indication of the difficulties he faced in the last period of his life.
- #013
Where Robinson took his stage name from was long a matter of curiosity; some said he chose it from an actor he admired, but he later denied this claim. He explained that his real aim was to keep the initials of his birth name. He stated that he did not know exactly why he chose the surname 'Robinson', but that he complained about the length of the name when signing autographs and would have preferred a shorter name if he had the chance to choose again. This explanation reflects his modest and humorous personality.
- #014
According to a 1941 report in Time magazine, Robinson and actor Melvyn Douglas bought the fedora that President Franklin D. Roosevelt wore in three successful presidential campaigns at auction for 3,200 dollars. The auction was held for the benefit of the Motion Picture Relief Fund, and the pair were described as 'loyal Democrats'. This action shows Robinson's political views and his sense of social responsibility. Yet this Democratic identity later led to his being 'graylisted' during the McCarthy era and to his being left without work.
- #022
Robinson became a father for the first time at 39 when his wife, Gladys Lloyd, gave birth to their son, Edward G. Robinson Jr., on March 19, 1933. The event was a major turning point in his life and brought new responsibility to his family life. Robinson gave his son his own name and took a close interest in him, but in later years his son struggled to emerge from his father's shadow, which at times caused problems between the two.
- #031
Robinson's great-grandson Adam Edward Sanchez was born on February 5, 1983, ten years after his death. Adam was born to Robinson's granddaughter Francesca and her husband Ricardo. Robinson never got to see this grandchild, but the family continued to keep his memory alive. The birth shows that Robinson's line continued and that his legacy was passed on to new generations.
- #032
Robinson became a grandfather at 59 when his son, Edward G. Robinson Jr., and his wife, Frances Chisholm, had a daughter named Francesca Gladys Robinson on March 27, 1953. The event marked the beginning of a new chapter in Robinson's family life. His granddaughter Francesca later became one of the people who preserved Robinson's legacy and kept his memory alive. Becoming a grandfather was one of the happy moments of Robinson's life.
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