Robert Clarke
Encyclopedia
Robert Irby Clarke was an American actor best known for his cult classic
science fiction
films of the 1950s.
. He decided at an early age that he wanted to be an actor, but nevertheless suffered from stage fright in his first school productions. He attended Kemper Military School and College, planning to make a career in the service, but dropped out after his asthma prevented his serving in World War II
. He later attended the University of Oklahoma
, where he acted in radio plays, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison
, where he appeared on stage. He did not graduate, but hitched a ride to California to try to break into the motion picture business.
, Clarke landed a berth as a contract player at RKO. His first credited role was The Falcon in Hollywood in 1944, then went on to play small roles in The Body Snatcher (1945), Bedlam (1945), and Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome
(1947). When RKO dropped his option three years later, he began freelancing. In the 1950s, he appeared in many classic science fiction films, including The Man from Planet X
(1951), Captain John Smith and Pocahontas
as John Rolfe
, The Incredible Petrified World
(1957), The Astounding She-Monster
(1957), From the Earth to the Moon
(1958), and The Hideous Sun Demon
(1959), which Clarke wrote, directed and produced.
Clarke revealed in his 1996 autobiography "To 'B' or Not to 'B'" (co-written by Tom Weaver) that he made The Hideous Sun Demon for less than $50,000, including $500 for the rubberized lizard suit he wore. He shot the movie over 12 weekends to get two days' use of rental camera equipment for one day's fee. The Hideous Sun Demon was featured in the 1982 movie It Came from Hollywood
which starred Dan Aykroyd
, John Candy
, Gilda Radner
, Cheech Marin
and Tommy Chong
and, with Clarke's permission, was re-dubbed
into the 1983 comedy What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon (aka Revenge of the Sun Demon) featuring the voices of Jay Leno
and Cam Clarke
reprising his father's role. (An entire book on "The Hideous Sun Demon," "Scripts from the Crypt: 'The Hideous Sun Demon'" by Tom Weaver, was published by BearManor Media in 2011.)
From the 1950s through the 1980s, he regularly appeared on television series, including The Lone Ranger
, The Cisco Kid
, Dragnet, Perry Mason
, Sea Hunt
, Hawaiian Eye
, 77 Sunset Strip
, General Hospital
, Marcus Welby, M.D.
, Adam-12
, Baa Baa Black Sheep
, Hawaii Five-O
, Trapper John, M.D.
, Fantasy Island
, Dallas
, Simon & Simon
, Knight Rider, Murder She Wrote, Matt Houston
, Falcon Crest
, Hotel
, Dynasty
, and dozens of others. He also played a supporting role in 1991's Haunting Fear, joining a cast which included Brinke Stevens
, Jan Michael Vincent and Karen Black
. The 1997 biographical documentary Lugosi: Hollywood's Dracula featured narration which he provided. Fittingly, Clarke's last appearance was in the movie The Naked Monster
, a send-up of the classic science fiction films of the 1950s, in 2005.
(1965), but not for his musical prowess. On the program he appeared in comedy sketches and sentimental readings. He was the father of noted actor and voice artist Cam Clarke
.
His autobiography, To "B" or Not to "B": A Film Actor's Odyssey, was published in 1996. He died June 11, 2005 in Valley Village, California from complications of diabetes.
Cult Classic
Cult Classic is a Blue Öyster Cult studio recording released in 1994, containing remakes of many of the band's previous hits.-Track listing:# " The Reaper" - 5:05# "E.T.I...
science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
films of the 1950s.
Early life
Robert Clarke grew up as a movie-loving kid in his native Oklahoma City, OklahomaOklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City is the capital and the largest city in the state of Oklahoma. The county seat of Oklahoma County, the city ranks 31st among United States cities in population. The city's population, from the 2010 census, was 579,999, with a metro-area population of 1,252,987 . In 2010, the Oklahoma...
. He decided at an early age that he wanted to be an actor, but nevertheless suffered from stage fright in his first school productions. He attended Kemper Military School and College, planning to make a career in the service, but dropped out after his asthma prevented his serving in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. He later attended the University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, it existed in Oklahoma Territory near Indian Territory for 17 years before the two became the state of Oklahoma. the university had 29,931 students enrolled, most located at its...
, where he acted in radio plays, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...
, where he appeared on stage. He did not graduate, but hitched a ride to California to try to break into the motion picture business.
Career
After screen tests at 20th Century-Fox and Columbia PicturesColumbia Pictures
Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. is an American film production and distribution company. Columbia Pictures now forms part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate Sony. It is one of the leading film companies...
, Clarke landed a berth as a contract player at RKO. His first credited role was The Falcon in Hollywood in 1944, then went on to play small roles in The Body Snatcher (1945), Bedlam (1945), and Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome
Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome
Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome is a 1947 thriller film starring Ralph Byrd, Anne Gwynne, and Boris Karloff. It is the fourth and last movie in the Dick Tracy series.-Synopsis:A gang of criminals discover a nerve gas, which freezes people and can make them appear dead...
(1947). When RKO dropped his option three years later, he began freelancing. In the 1950s, he appeared in many classic science fiction films, including The Man from Planet X
The Man from Planet X
The Man From Planet X is a 1951 science fiction film.It was directed by Edgar G. Ulmer who had directed the very first Bela Lugosi/Boris Karloff teamup picture The Black Cat in 1934.-Plot:...
(1951), Captain John Smith and Pocahontas
Captain John Smith and Pocahontas
Captain John Smith and Pocahontas is a 1953 American historical film directed by Lew Landers. The distributor was United Artists. It stars Anthony Dexter, Jody Lawrance and Alan Hale. It depicts the foundation of the Jamestown Colony in Virginia by English settlers and the relationship between...
as John Rolfe
John Rolfe
John Rolfe was one of the early English settlers of North America. He is credited with the first successful cultivation of tobacco as an export crop in the Colony of Virginia and is known as the husband of Pocahontas, daughter of the chief of the Powhatan Confederacy.In 1961, the Jamestown...
, The Incredible Petrified World
The Incredible Petrified World
The Incredible Petrified World is a 1958 science fiction film directed by Jerry Warren and starring John Carradine. It was only theatrically released on April 16, 1960, on a double bill with "Teenage Zombies".-Plot outline:...
(1957), The Astounding She-Monster
The Astounding She-Monster
The Astounding She-Monster is a 1957 science fiction horror film starring Robert Clarke and directed, written and produced by Ronald V. Ashcroft...
(1957), From the Earth to the Moon
From the Earth to the Moon (film)
From the Earth to the Moon is a Technicolor science fiction film adaptation of the Jules Verne novel of the same name. It starred Joseph Cotten, George Sanders, Debra Paget, and Don Dubbins...
(1958), and The Hideous Sun Demon
The Hideous Sun Demon
The Hideous Sun Demon was the directorial debut of Robert Clarke, star of many of the 1950s best science fiction films. The movie became an Atomic Age cult classic. Clarke wrote, directed and produced The Hideous Sun Demon...
(1959), which Clarke wrote, directed and produced.
Clarke revealed in his 1996 autobiography "To 'B' or Not to 'B'" (co-written by Tom Weaver) that he made The Hideous Sun Demon for less than $50,000, including $500 for the rubberized lizard suit he wore. He shot the movie over 12 weekends to get two days' use of rental camera equipment for one day's fee. The Hideous Sun Demon was featured in the 1982 movie It Came from Hollywood
It Came From Hollywood
It Came from Hollywood is a 1982 comedy film compiling clips from various B movies. Written by Dana Olsen and directed by Malcolm Leo and Andrew Solt, the film features wraparound segments and narration by several famous comedians, including Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Gilda Radner, and Cheech and Chong...
which starred Dan Aykroyd
Dan Aykroyd
Daniel Edward "Dan" Aykroyd, CM is a Canadian comedian, actor, screenwriter, musician, winemaker and ufologist. He was an original cast member of Saturday Night Live, an originator of The Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters and has had a long career as a film actor and screenwriter.-Early...
, John Candy
John Candy
John Franklin Candy was a Canadian actor and comedian. He rose to fame as a member of the Toronto branch of The Second City and its related Second City Television series, and through his appearances in comedy films such as Stripes, Splash, Cool Runnings, The Great Outdoors, Spaceballs, and Uncle...
, Gilda Radner
Gilda Radner
Gilda Susan Radner was an American comedian and actress, best known as one of the original cast members of the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, for which she won an Emmy Award in 1978.-Early life:...
, Cheech Marin
Cheech Marin
Richard Anthony "Cheech" Marin is an American comedian, actor and writer who gained recognition as part of the comedy act Cheech & Chong during the 1970s and early 1980s, and as Don Johnson's partner, Insp. Joe Dominguez on Nash Bridges...
and Tommy Chong
Tommy Chong
Tommy Chong is a Canadian-American comedian, actor, writer, director, activist, and musician who is well known for his stereotypical portrayals of hippie-era stoners...
and, with Clarke's permission, was re-dubbed
Dubbing (filmmaking)
Dubbing is the post-production process of recording and replacing voices on a motion picture or television soundtrack subsequent to the original shooting. The term most commonly refers to the substitution of the voices of the actors shown on the screen by those of different performers, who may be...
into the 1983 comedy What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon (aka Revenge of the Sun Demon) featuring the voices of Jay Leno
Jay Leno
James Douglas Muir "Jay" Leno is an American stand-up comedian and television host.From 1992 to 2009, Leno was the host of NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Beginning in September 2009, Leno started a primetime talk show, titled The Jay Leno Show, which aired weeknights at 10:00 p.m. ,...
and Cam Clarke
Cam Clarke
Cameron Arthur "Cam" Clarke is a prolific American voice actor and singer, well known for his work in animation and video games. Clarke is well known for providing the voices of Leonardo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Shotaro Kaneda in the 1989 original English-dub of Akira. He often voices...
reprising his father's role. (An entire book on "The Hideous Sun Demon," "Scripts from the Crypt: 'The Hideous Sun Demon'" by Tom Weaver, was published by BearManor Media in 2011.)
From the 1950s through the 1980s, he regularly appeared on television series, including The Lone Ranger
The Lone Ranger (TV Series)
The Lone Ranger is an American western television series starring Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels as Tonto. The live-action series initially featured Gerald Mohr as the episode narrator...
, The Cisco Kid
The Cisco Kid
The Cisco Kid refers to a character found in numerous film, radio, television and comic book series based on the fictional Western character created by O. Henry in his 1907 short story "The Caballero's Way", published in the collection Heart of the West...
, Dragnet, Perry Mason
Perry Mason (TV series)
Perry Mason is an American legal drama produced by Paisano Productions that ran from September 1957 to May 1966 on CBS. The title character, portrayed by Raymond Burr, is a fictional Los Angeles defense attorney who originally appeared in detective fiction by Erle Stanley Gardner...
, Sea Hunt
Sea Hunt
Sea Hunt was an American adventure television series that was aired in syndication by Ziv Television Programs from 1958 to 1961 and was popular in syndication for decades afterwards. The series originally aired for four seasons, with 155 episodes produced...
, Hawaiian Eye
Hawaiian Eye
Hawaiian Eye is an American television series that ran from October 1959 to September 1963 on the American Broadcasting Company television network.-Premise:...
, 77 Sunset Strip
77 Sunset Strip
77 Sunset Strip is an hour-length American television private detective series created by Roy Huggins and starring Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Roger Smith, and Edd Byrnes....
, General Hospital
General Hospital
General Hospital is an American daytime television drama that is credited by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest-running American soap opera currently in production and the third longest running drama in television in American history after Guiding Light and As the World Turns....
, Marcus Welby, M.D.
Marcus Welby, M.D.
Marcus Welby, M.D. is an American medical drama television program that aired on ABC from September 23, 1969, to July 29, 1976. It starred Robert Young as a family practitioner with a kind bedside manner, and was produced by David Victor and David J. O'Connell...
, Adam-12
Adam-12
Adam-12 was a television police drama which followed two police officers of the Los Angeles Police Department, Pete Malloy and Jim Reed, as they patrolled the streets of Los Angeles in their patrol unit, 1-Adam-12. Created by Jack Webb who is known for creating Dragnet, the series captured a...
, Baa Baa Black Sheep
Baa Baa Black Sheep (TV series)
Baa Baa Black Sheep is a television series that aired on NBC from 1976 until 1978. Its premise was based on the experiences of United States Marine Corps aviator Pappy Boyington and his World War II "Black Sheep Squadron". The series was created and produced by Stephen J. Cannell...
, Hawaii Five-O
Hawaii Five-O
Hawaii Five-O is an American police procedural drama series produced by CBS Productions and Leonard Freeman. Set in Hawaii, the show originally aired for twelve seasons from 1968 to 1980, and continues in reruns. The show featured a fictional state police unit run by Detective Steve McGarrett,...
, Trapper John, M.D.
Trapper John, M.D.
Trapper John, M.D. is an American television medical drama and spin-off of the film MASH, concerning a lovable surgeon who became a mentor and father figure in San Francisco, California. The show ran on CBS from September 23, 1979, to September 4, 1986....
, Fantasy Island
Fantasy Island
Fantasy Island is the title of two separate but related American fantasy television series, both originally airing on the ABC television network.-Original series:...
, Dallas
Dallas (TV series)
Dallas is an American serial drama/prime time soap opera that revolves around the Ewings, a wealthy Texas family in the oil and cattle-ranching industries. Throughout the series, Larry Hagman stars as greedy, scheming oil baron J. R. Ewing...
, Simon & Simon
Simon & Simon
Simon & Simon is an American detective television series starring Gerald McRaney and Jameson Parker.-History:The original 1978 pilot called Pirate's Key was set in Florida...
, Knight Rider, Murder She Wrote, Matt Houston
Matt Houston
Matt Houston is an American crime drama series that aired on ABC from 1982 to 1985. Created by Lawrence Gordon, the series was produced by Aaron Spelling.-Synopsis:...
, Falcon Crest
Falcon Crest
Falcon Crest is an American primetime television soap opera which aired on the CBS network for nine seasons, from December 4, 1981 to May 17, 1990. A total of 227 episodes were produced....
, Hotel
Hotel
A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. The provision of basic accommodation, in times past, consisting only of a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand has largely been replaced by rooms with modern facilities, including en-suite bathrooms...
, Dynasty
Dynasty (TV series)
Dynasty is an American prime time television soap opera that aired on ABC from January 12, 1981 to May 11, 1989. It was created by Richard & Esther Shapiro and produced by Aaron Spelling, and revolved around the Carringtons, a wealthy oil family living in Denver, Colorado...
, and dozens of others. He also played a supporting role in 1991's Haunting Fear, joining a cast which included Brinke Stevens
Brinke Stevens
Brinke Stevens is an American actress, model and writer.-Life and career:Born in San Diego, California, Stevens has studied several foreign languages, including Esperanto, and gained a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from San Diego State University and a Master of Science in Marine...
, Jan Michael Vincent and Karen Black
Karen Black
Karen Black is an American actress, screenwriter, singer, and songwriter. She is noted for appearing in such films as Easy Rider, Five Easy Pieces, The Great Gatsby, Rhinoceros, The Day of the Locust, Nashville, Airport 1975, and Alfred Hitchcock's final film, Family Plot...
. The 1997 biographical documentary Lugosi: Hollywood's Dracula featured narration which he provided. Fittingly, Clarke's last appearance was in the movie The Naked Monster
The Naked Monster
The Naked Monster is a 2005 American ultra low-budget science fiction and horror comedy film written by Ted Newsom and directed by Newsom and Wayne Berwick as an homage to and spoof of the "giant monster-on-the-loose" films of the 1950s...
, a send-up of the classic science fiction films of the 1950s, in 2005.
Personal life
Clarke married Alyce King of the singing King Sisters in 1956 and, a decade later, began appearing on TV on The King Family ShowThe King Family Show
The King Family Show was an American musical variety series that featured The King Sisters and their extended musical family. The series first aired on ABC from January 1965 to January 1966...
(1965), but not for his musical prowess. On the program he appeared in comedy sketches and sentimental readings. He was the father of noted actor and voice artist Cam Clarke
Cam Clarke
Cameron Arthur "Cam" Clarke is a prolific American voice actor and singer, well known for his work in animation and video games. Clarke is well known for providing the voices of Leonardo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Shotaro Kaneda in the 1989 original English-dub of Akira. He often voices...
.
His autobiography, To "B" or Not to "B": A Film Actor's Odyssey, was published in 1996. He died June 11, 2005 in Valley Village, California from complications of diabetes.