Robert Alda, an American of Italian descent, was born Alphonso Giuseppe Giovanni Roberto D'Abruzzo in New York. His father was a barber and came from Sant'Agata de' Goti, Italy. After graduating from school in 1930, Robert won a talent contest and started dancing and singing in vaudeville. Later he moved on to burlesque.

One of Alda's best known works is Rhapsody in Blue (1945), a screen biography of the composer George Gershwin portrayed by Robert. His distinguished works also include Guys and Dolls (1950), What Makes Sammy Run? (1964) and a lot of guest appearances in TV shows.

Alda was married twice. His first wife, Joan Browne, is the mother of Alan Alda, a well-known American actor. Alda's second wife, an Italian actress Flora Marino, was his helpmate until his death in 1986.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org