Robert Downing Ames was a talented American actor who made a significant impact on the stage and film industries before his life was tragically cut short at the age of 42.
Born on March 23, 1889, Ames began his career in vaudeville, showcasing his acting skills to a wide audience. However, he eventually moved to Hollywood in the mid-1920s to focus on his film work. Despite this, he still maintained a strong connection to the New York stage, occasionally returning to perform in various productions.
Throughout his career, Ames co-starred in several early talkies, including The Trespasser (1929),A Lady to Love (1930),and the 1930 version of Holiday. In these films, he shared the screen with notable actors such as Gloria Swanson, Vilma Bánky, Edward G. Robinson, and Ann Harding.
One of his most notable roles was in the 1930 version of Holiday, opposite Ann Harding, a performance that would later be eclipsed by Cary Grant's iconic portrayal in the 1938 remake.
