Frankie Darro
Born into a show-business family - his parents were circus aerialists - Frankie 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 .
Known for
ActingBirthday
December 22, 1917Deathday
December 25, 1976Gender
MaleKnown Movie Credits
119Place of birth
Chicago, Illinois, USAAlso known as
Frank Johnson, Frank Darro, Frankie Darrow, Frank Darrow, Frank Johnson, Jr.Cast credits
Pinocchio
Lampwick (voice) (uncredited)Charlie Chan at the Race Track
'Tip' Collins, JockeyThree on a Match
Bobby (uncredited)Little Men
DanSaratoga
Dixie GordonThe Public Enemy
Matt as a Boy (uncredited)Wild Boys of the Road
Eddie SmithThe Girl on the Late, Late Show
Studio GuardBroadway Bill
Ted WilliamsUp in the Air
Frankie RyanThe Mayor of Hell
James 'Jimmie' SmithWestward the Women
Jean's Awaiting Groom (uncredited)Angels' Alley
Cousin JimmyWyoming Mail
RufeJunior Prom
Roy DonneOn the Spot
Frankie 'Doc' KellyRiding High
Jockey WilliamsMen with Steel Faces
Frankie BaxterHollywood on Parade No. B-1
The Mad Genius
Fedor as a BoyThe Vanishing Legion
Jimmie Williams