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Frankie Darro

Acting Born Dec 22, 1917 Chicago, Illinois, USA 24 credits

Biography

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 .

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Known for

Perry Mason

as Elevator Operator

Perry Mason

as Messenger
Film

Pinocchio

as Lampwick (voice) (uncredited)

Full filmography

  • Perry Mason (1957) as Elevator Operator
  • Perry Mason (1957) as Messenger
  • Peter Gunn (1958)
  • Bat Masterson (1958) as Edward 'Snapper' Garrison
  • Batman (1966) as Newsman
  • Have Gun, Will Travel (1957)
  • Pinocchio (1940) as Lampwick (voice) (uncredited)
  • The Red Skelton Show (1951) as Maw Kadiddlehopper
  • Mister Ed (1961)
  • The Addams Family (1964) as Delivery Boy
  • Checkmate (1960) as Sonny
  • Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) as Little Dandy Dorf
  • Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) as Boots
  • Public Defender (1954)
  • The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok (1951)
  • Mr. Lucky (1959)
  • Going My Way (1962)
  • Hey, Jeannie! (1956) as Caddy
  • Forbidden Planet (1956) as Robby the Robot (interior) (uncredited)
  • Operation Petticoat (1959) as Pharmacist's Mate 3rd Class Dooley
  • The Public Enemy (1931) as Matt as a Boy (uncredited)
  • Flesh and the Devil (1926) as Boy who dances with Hertha (uncredited)
  • Living It Up (1954) as Bellboy Captain (uncredited)
  • Westward the Women (1951) as Jean's Awaiting Groom (uncredited)