Robert Alda

Darkly handsome lead, later an attractively graying character actor, a veteran performer in film, theatre and TV. Alda made his film debut as George Gershwin in the tuneful biopic "Rhapsody in Blue" (1945) and played the romantic lead in Robert Florey's stylish cult horror thriller, "The Beast with Five Fingers" (1947). His film career diminished in the 1950s, but Alda played occasional character roles such as Lana Turner's lecherous agent in "Imitation of Life" (1959). He also enjoyed notable success onstage beginning with his Tony-winning performance in the landmark musical "Guys and Dolls" (1950). In the 60s Alda lived in Italy and made a number of films there. TV also kept him busy in games shows and the adventure series "Secret File, U.S.A." during the early 50s; he later performed on the soaps "Love of Life" and "Secret Storm" and contributed a memorable guest performance as a general who cracks up on "M*A*S*H," starring his son Alan Alda.