Robert Donner(1931-2006)
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Robert Donner was born in New York City and grew up in New Jersey,
Michigan and Texas. Robert joined the Navy after he graduated from high
school and served almost 4 years. After he left the Navy he stayed on
the West Coast and worked as a shipping clerk, salesman, bartender,
commercial artist, gardener, and insurance investigator. Robert
attended San Fernando Valley State College (now California State
University, Northridge), at nights taking courses in Art History,
Psychology and speech. During this time, Robert Donner lived in Studio
City and became friends with actor Clint Eastwood who lived in his apartment
building. Clint urged Robert to study drama, telling him he was
humorous and had a good face. When Robert was not acting he was active
in athletics, and was known as one of Hollywood's most enthusiastic
golfers. He was a member of the former "Hollywood Hackers" and carried
a seven handicap and was the leader of a group of entertainment
industry professionals known as Don Porter's Thursday Golf Group as
well as joining others at many of the Celebrity Golf Tournaments who
raise money for various charities around the world. Robert also played
in many tennis tournaments and was frequently called upon during
"Celebrity Nights" in which he performed stand-up comedy and promised
not to sing. His reputation in this area also led him to become known
as one of Hollywood's "in demand" Corporate Speakers.