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Robert Armstrong Born: November 20, 1890 Died: April 20, 1973 (at the age of 82)

Born Robert William Armstrong on November 20, 1890 in Saginaw, Michigan, USA. His parents were to William and Minnie (Lahman) Armstrong. They lived in Bay City, Michigan until 1902 when he moved to Seattle, Washington. In 1913, Armstrong entered the University of Washington and became a member of Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity. He would study to become a lawyer in hopes of a law degree, but he quite only months before completeing his degree.

Armstrong moved to New York City to join his Uncle Paul (his fathers youngest brother) who was a successful playwright. He did very well during this time and did a littlt writing himself and wrote a few plays of his own.

Life was good for Robert Armstrong and the World War I broke out and he was called to serve in the infantry in the United States Army . He was discharged as a lieutenant. When returning he learned that Uncle Paul had died and since joining him in his business was no longer an option, Armstrong turned his attention to acting. Armstrong had met James Gleason (the future Hollywood Character actor) and returned to New York, he would work hard to learn his craft and finally got a prime part in Gleason's play "Is Zat So?" (1925-1926)

In August of 1920 Robert would marry his first wife Peggy Allenby. The would divorce on April 17, 1925.

On June 12, 1926 Robert would marry his second wife Ethel V. Smith. They would diverce on July 27, 1931.

In 1926, Robert would go to London and appear for one season on the British Stage. Armstrong would make his film debute in (1927) 'The Main Event'. Armstrong would be very prolific in th 1920's and 1930's.

In 1933 we heard Robert uttering the quote as Carl Denham "Twas beauty killed the beast" in classic 'King Kong' (1933). He would take on the roll again in (1933) 'Son of Kong' and (1949) 'Mighty Joe Young'. In (1932) 'The Most Dangerous Game' and (1933) 'King Kong' were being filmed at the same days 'The Most Dangerous Game was filmed at night on the same jungle sets as 'King Kong', which was being shot during the day, with Armstrong and Fay Wray simultaneously starring in both pictures.

Faye Wray and Robert Armstrong Publicity Picture from "King Kong" (1933)

On January 10, 1936, Armstrong married his third wife Gladys Dubois. This would end in divorece on December 31, 1939.

        

On January 1, 1940, Armstrong married his forth wife Claire Louise Frisbie. He would be married to her until his death. They had become "adopted" parents of Jimmy Lydon.

Throught the 1950's and early 1960's Robert Armstrong would be seen in many televison shows doing many of the Playhose and crime drama type programs.

Robert Armstrong died of cancer on April 20, 1973 (at the age of 82) in Santa Monica, California, USA (within sixteen hours of Merian C. Cooper ('King Kong' co-producer)). His final resting place is at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.