Born William Sterling Hart on November 13, 1917, Robert Sterling was a renowned American film and television actor who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
As the son of baseball player and umpire Bill Hart, Sterling's early life was deeply rooted in sports. However, he would eventually diverge from his father's path and pursue a career in the arts. After attending the University of Pittsburgh and working as a clothing salesman, Sterling's passion for acting led him to sign with Columbia Pictures in 1939.
Renaming himself Robert Sterling to avoid confusion with silent western star William S. Hart, he began his journey in Hollywood. In 1941, Sterling made the move to MGM, where he worked steadily as a supporting player for several years. His early career was marked by a string of notable performances, solidifying his status as a talented up-and-coming actor.
However, Sterling's life took a dramatic turn when he enlisted in the Army Air Force as a flight instructor during World War II. After serving his country, he returned to Hollywood, only to find that his film career had begun to falter by the end of the decade. Despite this setback, Sterling refused to give up, and his perseverance paid off when he landed the role of Steve Baker, opposite Ava Gardner as Julie, in the 1951 film adaptation of Show Boat.
Although his film career may have slowed, Sterling's resurgence on the small screen proved to be a game-changer. He went on to make numerous appearances on television, cementing his status as a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry.
