Frankie Darro
Acting
Frankie Darro (December 22, 1917 – December 25, 1976) was an American actor. Born into a show-business family - his parents were circus aerialists - Darro appeared in his first film at age six. Due to his small size and youthful appearance, he played teenagers well into his 20s. Always a physical performer, Darro often did his own stunts, many times out of necessity - his small stature made it difficult to find stunt doubles his size. He was an accomplished horseman and, in addition to westerns, made several films where he played jockeys. In 1933 he played the lead as a troubled teen in a major film for Warner Brothers, "Wild Boys Of The Road." It is a pre-code film with a realistic look at "The Great Depression," from the point of view of the youth of the time. This film seems to have been rediscovered only recently and has received critical acclaim.That same year, he played a troubled youth in the James Cagney classic, "The Mayor Of Hell". Later in 1935, he had a key role in the cult serial classic "The Phantom Empire"(1935). As Darro got older, however, he found it increasingly difficult to secure employment, and by the late 1940s was doing uncredited stunt work and bit parts. He had a recurring role on The Red Skelton Hour (1951), unrecognized by his fans, he played "Robby The Robot" in the groundbreaking sci-fi film "The Forbidden Planet" (1956), though Marvin Miller, best remembered as Michael Anthony of TVs "Millionaire"(1955-60), was the robot's voice. After that Frankie appeared sporadically in films and on TV .
Operation Petticoat
as Pharmacist's Mate 3rd Class Dooley
Age 41 (now 59)
Forbidden Planet
as Robby the Robot (interior) (uncredited)
Age 38 (now 59)
Flesh and the Devil
as Boy who dances with Hertha (uncredited)
Age 9 (now 59)
Westward the Women
as Jean's Awaiting Groom (uncredited)
Age 33 (now 59)
Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
as Self (archive footage)
Age 57 (now 59)
The Girl on the Late, Late Show
as Studio Guard
Age 56 (now 59)
Operation Petticoat
as Pharmacist's Mate 3rd Class Dooley
Age 41 (now 59) Forbidden Planet
as Robby the Robot (interior) (uncredited)
Age 38 (now 59)
Westward the Women
as Jean's Awaiting Groom (uncredited)
Age 33 (now 59)
The Next Voice You Hear...
as Newsboy (uncredited)
Age 32 (now 59)
The Great Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok
as Jerry
Age 20 (now 59)
Charlie Chan at the Race Track
as 'Tip' Collins, Jockey
Age 18 (now 59)
Hollywood on Parade No. A-3
as Self (uncredited)
Age 14 (now 59)
The Sin of Madelon Claudet
as Larry Claudet - as a Boy (uncredited)
Age 13 (now 59)
Flesh and the Devil
as Boy who dances with Hertha (uncredited)
Age 9 (now 59)
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
as Little Dandy Dorf
Age 37 (now 59)
The Red Skelton Show
as Maw Kadiddlehopper (in drag)
Age 33 (now 59)
Gathering insights...
Also Known As
Frank Johnson, Frank Darro, Frankie Darrow, Frank Darrow, Frank Johnson, Jr.
IMDB
nm0201660