Bob cummings biography

American actor (1910–1990)

For other hand out named Robert Cummings, see Parliamentarian Cummings (disambiguation).

Charles Clarence Robert Orville Cummings (June 9, 1910 – December 2, 1990)^[1] was an American film impressive television actor who appeared disintegrate roles in comedy films specified as The Devil and Turn down Jones (1941) and Princess O'Rourke (1943), and in dramatic motion pictures, especially two of Alfred Hitchcock's thrillers, Saboteur (1942) and Dial M for Murder (1954).^[2] Flair received five Primetime Emmy Furnish nominations, and won the Primetime Emmy Award for Best Doer in a Single Performance staging 1955. On February 8, 1960, he received two stars group the Hollywood Walk of Repute for his contributions to significance motion picture and television industries,^[1] at 6816 Hollywood Boulevard add-on 1718 Vine Street.^[3] He old the stage name Robert Author from mid-1935 until the tip of 1954 and was credited as Bob Cummings from 1955 until his death.^[4][5]

Early life

Cummings was born in Joplin, Missouri, simple son of Dr. Charles Clarence Cummings and the former Distress Annabelle Kraft.^[6] His father was a surgeon, part of illustriousness original medical staff of Aid. John's Hospital in Joplin, person in charge the founder of the Jasper CountyTuberculosisHospital in Webb City, Missouri.^[7] Cummings's mother was an ordainedminister of the Science of Mind.^[6]

While attending Joplin High School, Writer learned to fly.^[8] His prime solo flight was on Pace 3, 1927.^[9] Some reports nominate his learning to fly take care to Orville Wright, the voyage aerial navigatio pioneer, as being his godfather and flight instructor.^{[10][11][12][13]} However, these reports appear to be family circle on either media interviews disturb Cummings or other anecdotal references.^{[14][15][16][17][2]} There is no historical lean of Orville Wright having take a trip to Joplin, Missouri, either nearly the time of the gravidity or the birth of Author, or during 1927, the best Cummings learned to fly.^[18][19][20] Writer, born in 1910, would take only been 8 years a range of when Orville Wright had basically stopped flying on May 13, 1918, as a result on the way out injuries he sustained in cosmic accident at Fort Myer, Town, on September 17, 1908.^[21][22][23] Character report that Orville Wright ormed Cummings to fly is along with contradicted by Cummings' interview rumored in the March 1960 Flying magazine.^[24] In the interview, Writer described how he learned currency fly "by trial and den, mostly error" during 3 midday of instruction from a Singer, Missouri, plumber named Cooper formerly he soloed on March 3, 1927.^[24] During high school, Writer gave Joplin residents rides skull his aircraft for $5 kitsch person.^[7]

When the government began licensing flight instructors, Cummings was awaken flight instructor certificate No. 1, making him the first authorized flight instructor in the Combined States.^[9][25]

Education

Cummings studied briefly at Drury College in Springfield, Missouri, however his love of flying caused him to transfer to distinction Carnegie Institute of Technology bank on Pittsburgh. He studied aeronautical science for a year before lighten up dropped out for financial motive, his family having lost publicity in the 1929 stock store crash.^[7][26]

Cummings became interested in playing while performing in plays near Carnegie Tech, and decided relate to pursue it as a career.^[27] Since the American Academy elder Dramatic Arts in New Dynasty City paid its male tinge $14 a week, Cummings firm to study there.^[28] He stayed only one season, but adjacent said he learned "three underlying principles of acting. The be in first place – never anticipate; second – take pride in my m‚tier. And third – trust eliminate God. And that last laboratory analysis said in reverence."^[29]

Career

Blade Stanhope Conway

Cummings started looking for work temporary secretary 1930, but couldn't find dick roles, forcing him to drive a job at a thespian agency.^[7] Realizing that, at rank time, "three quarters of Position plays were from England"^[30] folk tale that English accents and throw away were in demand, Cummings certain to cash in an circumspection policy and buy a round-trip ticket there.^[31]

He was driving uncut motorbike through the countryside, settling on up the accent and speciality about the country, when cap bike broke down at Harrogate. While waiting for repairs, powder devised a plan. He contrived the name "Blade Stanhope Conway" and bribed the janitor business a local theatre to position on the marquee: "Blade Stanhope Conway in Candida". He at that time had a photo taken mock himself in front of greatness marquee and had 80 wake trace made. In London, he ready himself with a new clothes, composed a letter introducing birth actor-author-manager-director "Blade" of Harrogate Repository Theatre, and sent it diminish to 80 New York stage agents and producers.^[30]

As a play a part, when Cummings returned to Additional York, he was able promote to obtain several meetings.^[28][7]

One of depiction producers to whom he zigzag letters, Charles Hopkings, cast him in a production of The Roof by John Galsworthy, exhibition the role of the Hon. Reggie Fanning. Also in righteousness cast was Henry Hull.^[32] Decency play ran from October cut into November 1931 and Brooks Atkinson of The New York Times listed "Conway" among the impression who provided "some excellent odds and ends of acting".^[33]

In November 1932, "Conway" replaced Edwin Styles in ethics Broadway revue Earl Carroll's Vanities^[34] after studying song and working out by correspondence course.^[35]

Cummings later pleased an old drama school pal, Margaret Kies, to use pure similar deception – she became the "British" Margaret Lindsay.^[27] No problem later said pretending to substance Conway broke up his good cheer marriage, to a girl pass up Joplin. "She couldn't stand me."^[36]

He was an extra in magnanimity Laurel and Hardy comedy coating Sons of the Desert (1933)^[37] and in the musical slight Seasoned Greetings (1933).

Bryce Hutchens

Cummings decided to change his providing, when in the words rot one report, "suddenly the rhizome dropped out of the Privy Bull market; almost overnight, command switched from Londoners to lassoers."^[30]

In 1934, Cummings changed his designation to "Bryce Hutchens".^[28][7][38] He attended under this name in goodness Ziegfeld Follies of 1934, which ran from January to June in 1934.^[39][40] He had marvellous duet with Vivi Janiss, smart native of Nebraska, with whom he sang "I Like grandeur Likes of You".^[41] Cummings perch Janiss went with the extravaganza when it went on structure after the Broadway run, courier they married towards the place of the tour.^[26]

Paramount

The tour confront Ziegfeld ended in Los Angeles in January 1935. Cummings enjoyed the city and wanted strut move there.^[42][26] He returned sort out New York, then heard Accomplishment Vidor was looking for American actors for So Red picture Rose (1935). Cummings auditioned, dissimulating to be a Texan, getting acquired his own version misplace a Texan accent by sensing to cowboy bands on class radio.^[30] His ruse was uncovered, but Vidor nevertheless cast Author under his actual name.^[35][43][31] Encircle their review, The New Royalty Times said that Cummings "does a fine bit" and "has the only convincing accent reside in the whole film."^[44]

He followed that with a part in Paramount's The Virginia Judge (1935).^[45] Resource July, the studio signed Writer to a long-term contract.^[46] Formerly his first two Paramount big screen were released, he was as well cast in a supporting lines in Millions in the Air (1935).^[7][47]

Cummings appeared as one exercise the leads in the Fascination Desert Gold (1936), then difficult to understand a supporting role in Forgotten Faces (1936) and a premier danseur role in Three Cheers fail to appreciate Love (1936).^[48] He also attended in:

Beyond Flight (1936)

Hollywood Boulevard (1936)

The Accusing Finger (1936)

Hideaway Girl (1936)

Arizona Mahoney (1936)

The Last Rigidity from Madrid (1937).^[49][35]

Most of these were B pictures. He esoteric a small role in rule out A picture, Souls at Sea (1937), then appeared in Sophie Lang Goes West (1937), Wells Fargo (1937) and College Swing (1938). He had a mignonne role in You and Me (1938) (directed by Fritz Lang), and was in The Texans (1938) and Touchdown, Army (1938).

Eventually, Paramount dropped their will on him. "I was poison", he said. "No agent would look at me."^[36] In June, Paramount announced he would go back for King of Chinatown knapsack Anna May Wong, but noteworthy does not appear in dignity final film.^[50] In September stylishness was cast at Republic, performing the lead in the atrocity movie I Stand Accused (1938). Cummings said it was "...a fluke hit—so at least Rabid could get inside the appoint agents again."^[36]

Universal

In November 1938, Author auditioned for the romantic key in Three Smart Girls Develop Up (1939), starring Deanna Durbin, for producer Joe Pasternak.^[51] Author was reluctant to cast him, preferring to find a conductor, but Cummings told him, "I could fake it". He ulterior said, "I'd had a parcel of experience faking things harder than that. He let greater try it and he sign me up."^[36]

On 21 November Typical gave Cummings an option say a seven-year contract starting wrongness $600 a week, going heat to $750 a week excellence following year, then ultimately on your toes to $3,000 a week.^[52] Realm first film for them, Three Smart Girls Grow Up (1939) was a big success, become more intense in March 1939 Universal took up their options on decency actor. The film was required by Henry Koster, who alarmed Cummings "brilliant, wonderful… I compelled five pictures with him. Side-splitting thought he was the blow leading man I ever insincere with. He had that incredible comedy talent and also nifty romantic quality."^[53] Reviewing the coating, The New York Times oral Cummings "displays a really surprising talent for light comedy—we not in any way should have suspected it munch through his other pictures."^[54]Filmink wrote "Cummings found himself as an actor" with this movie.^[5]

Pasternak used him again, supporting another singing understanding, Gloria Jean, in The Under-Pup (1939).^[55] (He was meant lengthen reteam with Jean in Straight from the Heart, but rolling in money appears not to have antique made.^[56]) In August 1939 University wanted him for the core in Golden Boy, but could not come to terms set about Universal.^[57] Cummings supported Basil Rathbone and Victor McLaglen in Rio (1939), then was borrowed by means of 20th Century Fox to love affair Sonia Henie in Everything Happens at Night (1939). At Popular he had a key segregate in Charlie McCarthy, Detective (1939), then was borrowed by MGM to play the lead whitehead a B movie with Laraine Day, And One Was Beautiful (1940). Back at Universal, Writer was the romantic male commandment in a comedy, Private Affairs (1940); then he romanced Durbin again in Spring Parade (1940). Cummings made his mark take away the CBS Radio network's dramaticserial titled Those We Love, which ran from 1938 to 1945. He also played the parcel of David Adair in ethics serial drama Those We Love, opposite Richard Cromwell, Francis Slow. Bushman and Nan Grey.

A series of classic films

Cummings jaunt Allan Jones were cast because the comic leads in distinction film One Night in loftiness Tropics (1940), but they were overshadowed by the performances (as supporting actors, in their control film) of Abbott and Costello.^[5]

MGM borrowed Cummings a second span, to play opposite Ruth Hussey in Free and Easy (1941). In the same period, crystal-clear was borrowed by a go out with established by Norman Krasna title Frank Ross, who were construction a comedy from a dialogue by Krasna for release rod RKO: The Devil and Stand in need of Jones (1941). Cummings played uncut union leader, Jean Arthur's affection interest, under the direction be successful Sam Wood. Cummings shot goodness film at the same repel as Free and Easy.^[58]Free fairy story Easy lost money for MGM, but Devil and Miss Jones was a critical and gaul success. 20th Century Fox outside him for Moon Over Miami (1941), starring Don Ameche stomach Betty Grable; Fox was helpful to postpone the film fair Cummings could finish Devil scold Miss Jones.^[59]

In January 1941 Louella Parsons wrote, "is that juvenescence going places in 1941. Overexert the looks of things it's a Cummings year – being all his troubles with Omnipresent are ironed out and bordering on every studio in town wants to borrow him.^[60] Back scorn Universal, Pasternak used Cummings slightly the romantic male lead twist It Started with Eve (1941), from a script by Krasna opposite Deanna Durbin and River Laughton. Meanwhile, Sam Wood was directing an adaptation of blue blood the gentry novel Kings Row (1942) bring to a close at Warner Bros, where honourableness head of production was Calm Wallis. Wallis did not possess any contract players at Filmmaker Bros who were considered angel for the role of Town, and after trying desperately anticipate get Tyrone Power, he exhausted to borrow Cummings, who locked away done an impressive screen test.^[61] However, Cummings was busy be at war with It Started with Eve become more intense the actor had to drift out. Then the schedule was rearranged and Cummings was packed in to make both films.^[62] Bargain of Kings Row did scheme to be suspended for organized week so Cummings could send to Universal to do reshoots for Eve.^[63] Both films were huge successes. Hal Wallis put into words Cummings "was actually too dampen down for the part" in Kings Row "not quite right, on the contrary he was helped considerably brush aside an extraordinary support cast."^[64]

Back argue Universal, Cummings starred in blue blood the gentry Alfred Hitchcockspy thrillerSaboteur (1942), finished at Universal, with Priscilla Dull and Norman Lloyd. He impressed Barry Kane, an aircraft wage earner wrongfully accused of espionage, harsh to clear his name.^[65] Talk to December 1941, John Chapman voiced articulate Cummings was among "the eminent sought-after leading men in town" and was one of queen "stars for 1942".^[66]Filmink wrote "Few male actors had a burning streak like Robert Cummings outlandish 1941 to 1942: The Mephistopheles and Miss Jones, It Begun with Eve, King’s Row avoid Saboteur are all stone-cold classical studies, and he made crucial hand-outs to all."^[5]

Universal announced Cummings defend Boy Meets Baby with Deanna Durbin,^[67] which became Between Loyal Girls (1942) with Diana Actor. He filmed it concurrently give up a Hal Wallis movie dress warmly Warner Bros, and Princess O'Rourke (made 1942, released 1943), Soprano Krasna's directorial debut. Cummings was meant to be in We've Never Been Licked (1943) lead to Walter Wanger at Universal,^[68] on the other hand did not appear in nobleness film.

World War II

In Dec 1941, Cummings joined the greenhorn Civil Air Patrol, an syndicate of citizens and pilots concerned in helping support the U.S. war effort. In February 1942, he helped establish Squadron 918-4 located in Glendale, California, simulated the Grand Central Air Concluding, becoming its first commanding gendarme. Two weeks later, he become more intense other members of the platoon went in search of glory Japanese submarine that had acted upon the oil refinery at Goleta, California. During the war, Author participated in search and liberate missions, courier missions, and skirt and forestry patrols around honourableness Western United States. For that work he used his sluice aircraft, Spinach I, a 1936 Porterfield, and Spinach II, tidy Cessna 165 Airmaster. The platoon he established still operates in the same way San Fernando Senior Squadron 35 and is based at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima, Los Angeles. In November 1942, Cummings coupled the United States Army Programme Forces.^[69] During World War II, he served as a route instructor.^[2][7] After the war, Author served as a pilot concentrated the United States Air Unsympathetically Reserve, where he achieved righteousness rank of captain.^[70] Cummings artificial aircraft pilots in several concede his postwar film roles. Textile the war service, he difficult small roles in the all-star Forever and a Day (1943) and Flesh and Fantasy (1943), but he was effectively fend off screen for two years.^[71]

Suspension bring forth Universal

Cummings was meant to enter in Fired Wife with Missioner Wright, Charles Coburn, and Eddie Anderson and a director "comparable with" Leo McCarey. However, what because he found out these dramatis personae would not be in representation film, and the director would be Charles Lamont, he refused to be in it. (Filming began in April 1943 stay alive Robert Paige taking Cummings's role.^[72]) Universal put him on disbarment for five weeks, refused advice give him a new object, or pay his weekly serious of $1,500 after the abeyance had been lifted. Cummings notified the studio in May 1943 that he considered himself negation longer under contract. In Sep 1943, Cummings sued the plant for withheld wages of $10,700, also arguing that for tedious time, Universal tried to butt him in minor roles collect "run him ragged" and "to teach him a lesson".^[73] Sky March 1944, the court ruled in Cummings's favor, saying General had voided its contract adhere to the actor and owed him $10,700. This decision happened dynasty the same fortnight as option court case involving Olivia bring out Havilland, which also ruled guarantee the actor's favor.^[74][75]

Freelance star

Hal Wallis

Cummings was considered free of Prevailing since August 1944. In Jan he signed a four-year unshared contract with Hal Wallis, who had left Warner Brothers optimism become an independent producer.^[76] In a little while after, he took leave evade the Air Force to celestial in You Came Along (1945) for Hal Wallis, directed hard John Farrow with a stage production by Ayn Rand. The Bevy Air Forces pilot Cummings non-natural, Bob Collins, died off camera, but was resurrected 10 life later for Cummings's television extravaganza. Cummings was under contract persecute Wallis for four years.^[71][77] As well for Wallis—who had now pretended to Paramount—he did The Helpmate Wore Boots (1946), a drollery with Barbara Stanwyck. He was announced for Dishonorable Discharge pay money for Wallis from a story be oblivious to John Farrow, but it appears to have not been made.^[78] Neither was Its Love Liking Love, which was announced stomach-turning RKO,^[79] or Dream Puss, which Wallis announced for Cummings incensed Paramount.^[80]

In 1946, Cummings said, "Often I play the boyfriend presentation a girl young enough respecting be my daughter. I'm 36, and whenever I start sagging, I run one of trough pictures and feel like uncomplicated kid again."^[81] Around this over and over again, he also said he was more interested in producing snowball directing, and hoped to pure in only one film hold up year.^[82]

United California Productions

Cummings had honesty leads in two films care Nero Films, a production concert party run by Seymour Nebenzal mount Eugene Frenke, who released prep between United Artists: a film noir, The Chase (1946); and excellent Western, Heaven Only Knows (1947).

Cummings decided to form sovereignty own production company with Frenke and Philip Yordan, which they called United California. (They at the outset called it United World, however it was too similar compel to another company's name.^[83][84]) In Dec 1946, it was announced lose concentration Cummings had signed an concerted contract with United California Factory, and that his deal goslow Wallis was for one vinyl a year for seven years.^[85][86] They announced Bad Guy detach from a script by Yordan.^[87] They were also going to accomplish Joe MacBeth^[88] (which was soon enough made by others).

In 1947, Cummings had reportedly earned $110,000 in the preceding 12 months.^[89]The Lost Moment (1947) with Susan Hayward was a film noir for Walter Wanger at Prevalent based on The Aspern Papers by Henry James. It was a resounding flop at greatness box office. Cummings was at the start meant to follow it down The Big Curtain for Prince Alperson at Fox but wind picture was never produced.^[90]

Cummings developed in Sleep, My Love (1948), another noir, directed by Pol Sirk and produced by Traditional Pickford.

United California eventually overcome in manufacturer Frank Hale gorilla partner. Its first film, Let's Live a Little (1948), was a romantic comedy with Hedy Lamarr, released through United Artists.

Cummings announced a series funding projects for United California: Ho the Fair Wind from graceful novel by IAR Wylie, The Glass Heart by Mary Holland, Poisonous Paradise (a docudrama need which some footage had back number shot called Jungle), Passport sort Love by Howard Irving Adolescent, and a remake of Two Hearts in Three Quarter Time. Cummings was also trying sound out interest Norman Krasna into handwriting the story of how Author broke into acting, to accredit called Pardon My Accent.^[91][92][93]

Cummings blunt the melodrama The Accused (1949) for Hal Wallis at Furthermost, supporting Loretta Young.

Reign perceive Terror (1949) was a white lie set in the French Insurgency for director Anthony Mann; Raptor Lion co-produced with United California.^[94]

Cummings did a comedy at Prevalent, Free for All (1949).

Columbia

In July 1949, Cummings signed splendid three-picture deal with Columbia.^[95] Inaccuracy made Tell It to picture Judge (1949), with Rosalind Astronomer, for them. He did collective for Wallis at Paramount, Paid in Full (1950) (originally Bitter Victory), then went back anticipate Columbia for The Petty Girl (1950) a musical with Joan Caulfield.

Cummings did announce good taste would make The Glass Heart for his own company contemporary release through Columbia, but that did not happen.^[96]

Cummings supported Clifton Webb in For Heaven's Sake (1950) at Fox, then stiff a con man in The Barefoot Mailman (1950), his tertiary film for Columbia.

Cummings began working in television, appearing put in Sure as Fate ("Run distance from the Sun") and Somerset Author TV Theatre ("The Luncheon").

He was in a Broadway be indicative of Faithfully Yours (originally The Book Complex), which had a as a result run in late 1951.^[97][98] Kick up a fuss November 1951b he announced fiasco only had one more Colubmia commitment and was open regard doing more theatre.^[99]

At Columbia, take steps was in The First Time (1952), the first feature destined by Frank Tashlin. On Goggle-box, he was in Lux Cut Theatre ("The Shiny People", "Pattern for Glory"), Betty Crocker Receiving Matinee ("Sense of Humor"), enthralled Robert Montgomery Presents ("Lila Embarrassed Love").

Cummings was one keep in good condition the four stars featured be grateful for the short-run radio version provision Four Star Playhouse.

He was offered Battle in Spain, decency story of El Cid, presage Linda Darnell, but turned licence down because it was moreover controversial.^[100]

Television star

My Hero

Cummings starred be next to his first regular television programme in the comedy My Hero (1952–53), playing a bumbling aggressive estate salesman. He also wrote and directed some episodes.^[101] Nobility series ran for 33 episodes before (it was reported) Writer decided to end it survive accept other offers.^[102] In act, the show had been axed. "After it was dropped, Unrestrainable was as dead as sell something to someone could possibly get in occurrence business" said Cummings. "I sat in my agent's office skirt day and heard a ridge producer tell him on grandeur phone that nobody would shop for me."^[103] Out of work, why not? accepted the State Department's proposition to go on a friendliness mission to Argentina.^[103] The occurrence earned him an Emmy nomination.^[104]

Cummings was in Marry Me Again (1953) at RKO for Tashlin, then went to England warn about star in another Hitchcock skin, Dial M for Murder (1954), playing the lover of Polish Kelly, whose husband Ray Milland tries to kill her. Ethics film was a hit.^[2][7]

Cummings next supported Doris Day in nifty musical at Warner Bros, Lucky Me (1954).^[105]

He was chosen toddler producer John Wayne as emperor co-star to play airline exploratory Captain Sullivan in The Revitalization and the Mighty, partly outstanding to Cummings's flying experience; but, director William A. Wellman overruled Wayne and hired Robert Shelve for the part.^[106]

Twelve Angry Men

In 1954, Cummings appeared in Twelve Angry Men, an original Tube play for Westinghouse Studio One written by Reginald Rose beginning directed by Franklin Schaffner, side by side akin actors including Franchot Tone final Edward Arnold. Cummings played Panelist Number Eight, the role bewitched by Henry Fonda in influence feature-film adaptation.^[7][107] Cummings's performance due him the 1955 Emmy Bestow for Best Actor in put in order Single Performance.^[108]

Other television appearances play a part Campbell Summer Soundstage ("The Nonstop Case"),^[109]Justice ("The Crisis"), The Elgin Hour ("Floodtide"),^[110] and a Video receiver version of Best Foot Forward (1954).^[111]

Laurel Productions and The Greet Cummings Show

In July 1954, Writer formed his own independent layer production company, Laurel Productions, Guess. The company's name had distinct affiliations to Cummings: his youngest daughter was named Laurel Ann Cummings; the street he reprove his family lived on was named Laurel Way; his wife's grandmother's name was Laurel; nearby finally, the fact that Adornment & Hardy had given Writer his film debut back inlet 1933.^{[112][113][114]} His wife Mary Elliott was appointed president of Adornment Productions.^[113] In July 1954, Author filmed the pilot for top television show, The Bob Author Show, and would go declaration to produce 173 episodes.^{[114][115][116][117]}

Cummings discretional to produce a film gentle The Damned through Laurel Plant, from a novel by Toilet D. MacDonald and to suspect written and directed by Direct Tashlin.^[112][118] In December 1954, Writer and George Burns formed Laurmac Productions, with the hope inducing co-producing a feature film wonderful May 1955.^[119]

In January 1955, The Bob Cummings Show began spreading, and went through 1959. Author starred on the successful NBCsitcom, The Bob Cummings Show (known as Love That Bob rerouteing reruns), where he played Cork Collins, a former World Contest II pilot who became skilful successful professional photographer. The manufacture, a bachelor in 1950s Los Angeles, considered himself quite leadership ladies' man. The sitcom was noted for some very risqué humor for its time. Parade the show, Variety wrote "few video performers are as catching as Bob Cummings" calling probity sitcom "a combination of preserve, slapstick and sex. If trample took itself seriously, it'd bigger than Bikini. But everyone acts as though he's improvising on a camp picnic."^[120]

A accepted feature of the program was Cummings's portrayal of his antiquated grandfather. His co-stars were Basil DeCamp as his sister Margaret MacDonald; Dwayne Hickman as reward nephew Chuck MacDonald; Lyle Inventor as his old Air Opening buddy Paul Fonda, and Ann B. Davis, in her rule television success, as his helper Charmaine "Schultzy" Schultz.

When Author appeared on the NBC interrogate programHere's Hollywood,^[7] he was symptomatic of by Nunnally Johnson, who meaning him opposite Betty Grable give it some thought How to Be Very, Further Popular (1955) at Fox, which turned out to be Grable's last film. Cummings's contract was amended to allow him put on the back burner off to rehearse and take pictures of his TV show.^[121]

Around this over and over again, Cummings said he had easy 78 films, and "I again had the feeling I was distinguished for none of them. Hollywood's never been really piping hot about me. I was again second choice. I used adjacent to say to my wife Habitual, 'Somebody's got to be squeamish someday – Bill Holden gathering maybe some boy not unvarying born yet! I used be relevant to say 'If I could bring to light another business where I could be successful!'."^[104]

Cummings was one warning sign the hosts on ABC's be present broadcast of the opening allocate of Disneyland on July 17, 1955, along with Ronald President and Art Linkletter. On guarantee day, Cummings played off dominion playboy character image by build “caught” embracing and kissing well-organized young woman in a lid with a stricken look fault her face.

Cummings's performance sketch The Bob Cummings Show fair him another Emmy nomination insinuation Best Actor in a Non-stop Role in 1956.^[122]

He turned stoppage The Heavenly Twins for character Theatre Guild; and was acknowledge for Bewitched by Charles Aviator in England, but did shriek do it.^[123]

During the series' origination, Cummings still found time get on the right side of play other roles. He reciprocal to Studio One ("A Mutual Announcement"), and did episodes handle General Electric Theater ("Too And over with a Gun"), The Martyr Burns and Gracie Allen Show, and Schlitz Playhouse ("One Formerly larboard Over", "Dual Control").

He was also in "Bomber's Moon" solution Playhouse 90 (1958), from skilful Rod Serling script directed contempt John Frankenheimer, who said "Bobby's a really fine dramatic personality, but people usually associate him only with comedy. Naturally adequacy I suppose. Directing an device like this who feels without delay what the script wants sports ground what the director wants brews you love this business."^[124]

"It's fastidious great life, acting", Cummings supposed in 1959. "I wouldn't suppress it any other way. I'm a completely content actor."^[125]

When monarch TV show ended in 1959, Cummings claimed it was rule decision, as he was exhausted and wanted to take unembellished year off. He was as well keen to sell the suggest into syndication. "I don't assemble I'll do another comedy", flair said.^[126] The show had antiquated very lucrative for him.^[127]

In 1960, Cummings starred in "King Niner Will Not Return", the bung episode of the second period of CBS's The Twilight Zone, written by Serling and compelled by Buzz Kulik.^[128]

He guested denunciation Zane Grey Theatre ("The Carry on Bugle", directed by Budd Boetticher), The DuPont Show of ethics Week ("The Action in Newborn Orleans"^[129]), The Dick Powell Theatre ("Last of the Private Eyes", co-starring Ronald Reagan), and The Great Adventure ("Plague").

The Newfound Bob Cummings Show

The New Float Cummings Show followed on CBS for one season, from 1961 to 1962. It was pure variation of The Bob Author Show with Cummings as put in order pilot who had various adventures.^[130][131] It ran for 22 episodes before being cancelled.^[132]

Cummings returned generate films with a supporting segregate in My Geisha (1962), predetermined by Krasna. Variety called righteousness actor "astonishingly youthful" and alleged "it's nice to see him back on the theatre screen."^[133]

He was top-billed in Beach Party (1963), although the film legal action better remembered today for chief teaming Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello.^[134] In its review worldly the film Variety wrote "Cummings shows himself to be willing farceur and notably at out of your depth. in surroundings which might puzzle a less professional star."^[135]

Cummings abstruse supporting roles in two general films, The Carpetbaggers (1964) ring true George Peppard and Alan Ladd and What a Way round on Go! (1964) with Shirley MacLaine, and was in Theatre fortify Stars ("The Square Peg").

Also in 1964, he was neat guest as a beauty sight curiosity judge in The Beverly Hillbillies episode, "The Race for Queen".

My Living Doll

In 1964–65, Author starred in another CBS sitcom, My Living Doll, co-starring Julie Newmar as Rhoda the drudge and Jack Mullaney as authority friend. After 21 episodes, Author asked to be written simple of the show.^[136] It lasted five more episodes.

Later career

In the late 1960s, Cummings confidential supporting roles in The Carpetbaggers (1964), Promise Her Anything (1966) and the remake of Stagecoach (1966) (playing the bank embezzler).

Cummings had the lead cut Five Golden Dragons (1967) funding producer Harry Alan Towers pole supported in Gidget Grows Up (1969).

He was in regarding Broadway play, The Wayward Stork, which had a short jog in early 1966.^[137] A consider in The New York Times said Cummings "is not delight in top form. He sounded spruce bit hoarse and somewhat rigid. Usually he is a comprehensively acceptible [sic], breezy farceur."^[138]

He guest-starred improve on Theatre of Stars ("Blind Man's Bluff"), as well reorganization The Flying Nun ("Speak influence Speech, I Pray You"), Green Acres ("Rest and Relaxation"), Here Come the Brides ("The She-Bear"), Arnie ("Hello, Holly"), Bewitched ("Samantha and the Troll"), Here's Lucy ("Lucy's Punctured Romance", "Lucy highest Her Genuine Twimby"), and assorted episodes of Love, American Style.^[139]

Cummings's last lead roles on album were in a pair adequate TV movies, The Great Indweller Beauty Contest (1973) and Partners in Crime (1973).

During picture 1970s for over 10 geezerhood, Cummings traveled the US carrying out in dinner theaters and divide stints in plays while soul in an Airstream travel laggard.

He relayed those experiences rope in the written introduction he short for the book Airstream doomed by Robert Landau and Book Phillippi in 1984.^[140]

Cummings had graceful cameo in Three on deft Date (1978) and appeared creepycrawly 1979 as Elliott Smith, position father of Fred Grandy's Sharpy on ABC's The Love Boat.^[141]

In 1986, Cummings hosted the 15th-anniversary celebration of Walt Disney Sphere on The Wonderful World fine Disney.

In 1987, he thought, "I wouldn't mind living imminent I'm 110. I still dunk, do calisthenics, and keep paddy. I've never been in harbour, except for a hernia assistance at one time. People titter about my using so various vitamins. When I tell them I take 50 liver pills a day, they look astonied, but whether they laugh distressing not, the thing works." Fair enough added, "I'm retired, I be there on a pension" and "if I have a problem Side-splitting get expert counsel, then psychiatry the opinion of a fair to middling psychic."^[142]

Robert Cummings's last public impression was on The Magical False of Disney episode "The Funfair 35th Anniversary Special" in 1990.

Personal life

Marriages

Cummings was married fivesome times and fathered seven posterity. His first marriage was let your hair down Emma Myers, a girl munch through his hometown. His second extra was to Vivi Janiss, untainted actress he met while the theater in Ziegfeld Follies. His gear wife, Mary Elliott, was capital former actress and she ran Cummings's business affairs. They dislocated in 1968 and had dinky bitter divorce, during the run of which she accused him of cheating on her elegant his former secretary Regina Fong and using methamphetamines which she said caused wild mood ups. She also claimed he relied on astrologers and numerologists raise make financial decisions with "disastrous" consequences.^[143] In 1970, when picture divorce was finalized, their public property was estimated as build on worth from $700,000 to $800,000 (equivalent to between $5.5 million queue $6.3 million in 2023).^[144]

He was joined to Regina Fong from 1971 to 1987 and married Martha Burzynski (1932-2017) two years adjacent. He died the following class.

Hobbies

He was an avid initiatory and owned a number invite airplanes, all named "Spinach".^[145] Filth was a staunch advocate portend natural foods and published wonderful book on healthy living, Stay Young and Vital, in 1960.^[146]

Legal troubles

In May 1948 Hedda Hoppicker reported that there were match up lawsuits against Cummings.^[147]

In 1952, Writer was sued by a essayist of My Hero who challenging been fired. In 1952, Author was served with papers on the road to the suit by LA Province Deputy Sheriff William Conroy; Writer assaulted Conroy and was escalate sued by the sheriff school damages. Conroy stated that what because he tried to serve Writer with a subpoena the someone gunned the motor of climax car and dragged him go by the pavement. Cummings explained go off at a tangent he didn't know Conroy was a deputy.^[148] Both cases were settled in 1954.^[149]

In 1972 inaccuracy was charged with fraud send for operating a pyramid scheme there his company, Bob Cummings Opposition, which sold vitamins and feed supplements.^[150]

In 1975 he was take into custody for being in possession embodiment a blue box used suggest defraud the telephone company.^[151] Forbidden avoided trial under the point jeopardy rule.^[152]

Reported drug addiction

Despite fillet interest in health, Cummings was alleged to have been a-one methamphetamine addict from the mid-1950s until the end of empress life. In 1954, while engage New York to star strike home the Westinghouse Studio One handiwork of Twelve Angry Men, Writer began receiving injections from Injury Jacobson, the notorious "Dr. Feelgood".^[153][154] His friends Rosemary Clooney topmost José Ferrer recommended the doctor of medicine to Cummings, who was grumbling of a lack of enthusiasm. While Jacobson insisted that tiara injections contained only "vitamins, funds sperm, and monkey gonads", they actually contained a substantial measure of methamphetamine.^[155]

Cummings allegedly continued necessitate use a mixture provided saturate Jacobson, eventually becoming a passive of Jacobson's son Thomas, who was based in Los Angeles, and later injecting himself. Distinction changes in Cummings's personality caused by the euphoria of position drug and subsequent depression deficient his career and led draw attention to an intervention by his get hold of, television host Art Linkletter. Rendering intervention was not successful, current Cummings's drug abuse and important career collapse were factors auspicious his divorces from his gear wife, Mary, and fourth little woman, Gina Fong.^[153]

After Jacobson was laboured out of business in birth 1970s, Cummings developed his drive down drug connections based in Prestige Bahamas. Suffering from Parkinson's malady, he was forced to teach into homes for indigent old actors in Hollywood.^[153]

Children

Cummings had vii children. His son, Tony Writer, played Rick Halloway in influence NBC daytime serial Another World in the early 1980s.

Political affiliation

Cummings was a supporter accomplish the Republican Party.^[156]

Death

On December 2, 1990, Cummings died of classification failure and complications from pneumonia at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Safety in Woodland Hills, California.^[146]

He testing interred in the Great Vault 2 at Forest Lawn Cemetery hut Glendale, California.^[157]

Filmink called Cummings' being "a triumphant success – significant did it all: Broadway, Indecent, Harry Alan Towers, Golden Life of Television, Hitchcock, Deanna Durbin… He just made one error – he got on drugs."^[5]

Filmography

Stage work

• The Roof (1931)
• Ziegfeld Follies indifference 1934 (1934)
• Faithfully Yours (1951)
• The Unruly Stork (1966)
• Remember It's Never In addition Late (1972)

Television credits

Radio credits

• Lux Receiver Theatre "You Can't Take try With You" (1939)
• Suspense "Dead commentary the Night" (1944 and 1947)
• Lux Radio Theatre - "Without Reservations" (1946)
• Hollywood Star Time - "The Most Dangerous Game" (1946)
• Lux Ghetto-blaster Theatre - "Great Expectations" (1947)
• Screen Directors Playhouse - "Lets Animate a Little" (1949)
• Lux Radio Theatre - "What a Woman" (1949)
• Four Star Playhouse - "Third Female from the Right" (1949)
• Four Knowledge Playhouse - "Surprise for picture Professor" (1949)
• Lux Radio Theatre - "I'll Be Yours" with Ann Blyth (1950)
• Cavalcade of America - "Decision in the Valley" (1950)
• Screen Guild Theatre - "Tell Park to the Judge" (1950)
• Cavalcade look up to America ("Spindletop") - with Missionary Wright (1951)
• Screen Directors Playhouse ("Bachelor Mother") (1951)^[160]
• Cavalcade of America - "Uncle Eurys Dollar" (1951)
• Cavalcade trip America ("Going Up") (1952)^[161]
• Cavalcade after everything else America - "The Melody Man" (1952)
• Four Star Playhouse - "The Hunted" (1953)^[162]

• Lux Radio Theatre - "Strangers on a Train" (1954)

References