Veteran Actor Dies (Press, 23 March 1987)

Robert Preston, renowned for his dynamic portrayal of a fast-talking band instrument salesman in “The Music Man,” passed away at the age of 68 on 23 March 1987. Friends of the actor reported that he had been suffering from lung cancer for an extended period. He was admitted to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital two days prior to his death and passed away peacefully, as confirmed by hospital supervisor Elifa Statzer. Preston, who experienced numerous forgettable film roles throughout his lengthy career, received an Oscar nomination at the age of 64 for his performance as a homosexual nightclub singer in the film “Victor-Victoria,” though he did not win. Despite this, he remained best known for his role in “The Music Man,” which he starred in on Broadway for two years, cementing his place in theatrical history. Born Robert Maservy on 8 June 1918 in Los Angeles, Preston was signed by Paramount Pictures when he was just 19 years old. He featured in several notable films early in his career, including “Union Pacific,” “Northwest Mounted Police,” and “Reap the Wild Wind,” under the direction of Cecil B. De Mille. He also had a memorable role in “Beau Geste” as the self-sacrificing character Digby before serving in the Air Force during World War II. After the war, he returned to the screen, featuring in films like “The Macomber Affair.” His career took a pivotal turn in 1951 when he replaced José Ferrer in a Broadway revival of the 1920s farce “Twentieth Century,” which marked the beginning of his second stage career. It was during this period that he achieved widespread acclaim for his role in “The Music Man,” starting in 1957, which introduced him to millions of fans. Throughout his nearly 45-year career, Preston appeared in approximately 40 films before deciding to take a step back from the spotlight. However, he made a return to acting in 1980 with roles in movies such as “5.0.8.” and “Outrage!” Throughout his life, he had two marriages to actresses, Kay Felton and Catherine Craig. Preston upheld the belief that being able to work and do what one loves is a true blessing for any actor. His legacy remains significant in both theatre and film, marking him as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

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