Full Name: Emanuel Goldenberg ( Edward G. Robinson)
Born: December 12, 1893, Bucharest, Romania
Died: January 26, 1973, Los Angeles, California, USA
Occupation: Actor
Years Active: 1913–1973
Spouse(s):
- Gladys Lloyd (m. 1927; div. 1956)
- Jane Robinson (m. 1958)
Children: Edward G. Robinson Jr.
Early Life & Career Beginnings
Edward G. Robinson was born Emanuel Goldenberg in Bucharest, Romania, to a Jewish family. In 1903, his family emigrated to the United States to escape persecution, settling in New York City. He attended Townsend Harris High School and later studied at City College of New York before earning a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
He began his acting career in the theater, performing in Yiddish productions before moving to Broadway. His big break in film came with Little Caesar (1931), in which he played the ruthless gangster Rico Bandello, solidifying his place as one of Hollywood’s premier tough guys.
Hollywood Stardom & Notable Films
Edward G. Robinson became synonymous with crime films and film noir, but he was a versatile actor, taking on a wide range of roles across genres. Some of his most famous films include:
- Little Caesar (1931) – His breakthrough role as a ruthless mobster
- Double Indemnity (1944) – A classic noir where he played a sharp insurance investigator
- Scarlet Street (1945) – A psychological thriller directed by Fritz Lang
- Key Largo (1948) – A tense crime drama with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall
- The Ten Commandments (1956) – As the corrupt overseer Dathan
- Soylent Green (1973) – His final film, where he delivered a touching performance
Political Controversy & Personal Life
Edward G. Robinson was a dedicated anti-fascist and liberal activist, speaking out against Nazi Germany in the 1930s and supporting various progressive causes. However, during the McCarthy era, he was investigated by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) due to his associations with suspected communists. Though never blacklisted, the controversy damaged his career for a time.
He was an avid art collector, amassing an impressive collection of paintings, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Degas.
His personal life saw ups and downs, including a troubled relationship with his son, Edward G. Robinson Jr. He was married twice—first to Gladys Lloyd, with whom he had a son, and later to Jane Robinson.
Later Years & Death
Robinson continued acting into his later years, appearing in both television and film. His final role in Soylent Green (1973) was especially poignant, as he was battling terminal cancer during filming. He passed away on January 26, 1973, at the age of 79.
Shortly after his death, he was posthumously awarded an Honorary Academy Award for his contributions to the film industry.
Legacy
Edward G. Robinson remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, particularly in the gangster and film noir genres. His distinctive voice, commanding screen presence, and ability to bring depth to his characters have left a lasting mark on cinema history.
