Robert Preston (actor)
A magnetic stage actor who forever defined the charming con man as a force for good in the classic musical The Music Man.
1918–1987 (age 69)·American actor and singer·Birthday: June 8·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Robert Preston, born Robert Preston Meservey, began his Hollywood career as a contract player, often typecast in rugged Western roles that never quite captured his unique spark. His trajectory changed entirely when composer Meredith Willson, defying studio pressure to cast a bigger star, insisted Preston was the only man who could play the fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill. Preston’s Broadway debut in 'The Music Man' in 1957 was a seismic event; he didn't just perform the role, he embodied it with a brassy, irresistible charisma that won him a Tony Award. He later brought that same indelible performance to the screen. This success liberated him, leading to a rich second act in theater with roles like a determined Hollywood agent in 'The Music Man' composer's next show, 'I Do! I Do!', and a flamboyant nightclub performer in the film 'Victor/Victoria'. His career stands as a testament to the power of perfect casting and a singular, untrainable presence.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Robert was born in 1918, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Robert Was Born
The biggest hits of 1918
Robert's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1918Born
World War I ends; Spanish flu pandemic kills millions
President: Woodrow Wilson
1923Started school
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1931Became a teenager
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1934Could drive
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1936Could vote
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1939Turned 21
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1948Turned 30
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1958Turned 40
NASA founded
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Volare" — Domenico ModugnoBest Picture: Gigi
1968Turned 50
Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy assassinated
Gas: $0.34/galHome: $14,950Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Hey Jude" — The BeatlesBest Picture: Oliver!
1978Turned 60
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1987Died at 69
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
Key Achievements
- Won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for originating the role of Harold Hill in 'The Music Man' on Broadway.
- Reprised his signature role in the 1962 film adaptation of 'The Music Man', earning a Golden Globe nomination.
- Earned a second Tony Award nomination for his performance in the two-person musical 'I Do! I Do!' opposite Mary Martin.
- Received critical acclaim for his role as Toddy in the film 'Victor/Victoria', showcasing his versatility later in his career.
Did You Know?
He served as a cryptographer for the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
Before his stage breakthrough, he appeared in over 50 films, mostly B-movies and Westerns.
He was Meredith Willson's first and only choice for Harold Hill, despite having no prior musical theater experience.
He turned down the role of Henry Higgins in the film 'My Fair Lady', which went to Rex Harrison.
“I'm not a singer, I'm a reactor. I react to music.”
