From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia Robert Alda February 26 1914 May 3 1986 was an American theatrical and film actor and father of actors Alan and Antony Alda A singer and dancer Alda was featured in a number of Broadway productions before moving to Italy during the early 1960s He appeared in many European films over the next two decades occasionally returning to the US for film appearances such as The Girl Who Knew Too Much 1969 Alda an American of Italian descent was born Alphonso Giuseppe Giovanni Roberto DAbruzzo in New York New York the son of Frances née Tumillo and Antonio DAbruzzo a barber born in SantAgata de Goti Benevento Campania Italy He graduated from Stuyvesant High School in New York in 1930 He began as a singer and dancer in vaudeville after winning a talent contest and moved on to burlesque Alda is known for portraying George Gershwin in the biopic Rhapsody in Blue 1945 as well as the talent agent in the Douglas Sirk classic Imitation of Life 1959 He was very successful on Broadway starring in Guys and Dolls 1950 for which he won a Tony Award and in What Makes Sammy Run 1964 He was also the host of the shortlived DuMont TV version of the game show Whats Your Bid MayJune 1953 Aldas first wife and mother of actor Alan Alda Joan Browne was a homemaker and former beauty pageant winner Alda was married to his second wife Flora Marino an Italian actress whom he met in Rome until his death Alda made two guest appearances with his son Alan on MASH in the episodes The Consultant January 1975 and Lend a Hand February 1980 The latter episode also featured Antony Alda 19562009 his younger son by his second wife Alda appeared in an episode of The Feather and Father Gang in 1977 Alda died on May 3 1986 aged 72 after a long illness following a stroke
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