Robert Prosky- Biography

Also Credited As:

Robert Joseph Porzuczek

About Robert Prosky

He came to prominence as the endearing Sgt. Jablonski who replaced Michael Conrad's Sgt. Esterhaus ("Let's be careful out there!") at the opening of each episode of TV's "Hill Street Blues." Prosky also became a familiar TV face in a succession of TV movies, pilots, and guest spots.

Prosky's 1980s feature credits include "Christine" (1983), "The Natural" (1984), "Broadcast News" (1987) and David Mamet's "Things Change" (1988), where he turned in a memorable performance as the avuncular mob boss. Prosky kept busy in the 1990s providing sturdy support in a diverse group of films including "Gremlins 2: The New Batch" (1990), "Green Card" (1990), "Hoffa" (1992) and "Far and Away" (1992). In 1993 he appeared in "The Last Action Hero" as a kindly old projectionist with a magic ticket, in "Rudy" as a supportive priest, and in "Mrs. Doubtfire," as a TV producer who helps out Robin Williams.

Partners

Wife

Ida Prosky. Married in December 1960 until his death in December 2008

Family

Father

Joseph Porzuczek.

Mother

Helen Porzuczek.

Son

Andrew Prosky.

Son

John Patrick Prosky.

Son

Stefan Prosky.

Education

Roxborough High School, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania

Temple University, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania

American Theatre Wing, New York , New York

Career Milestones

2008

Co-starred with his sons Andy and John in the Philadelphia production of Arthur Miller's play "The Price," in which he played a furniture appraiser who mediates between two estranged brothers (played by his sons)

2006

Cast in the production of "Awake and Sing!" at the Arena Stage in Washington, DC

2001

Returned to sitcoms as Daniel Stern's father in "Danny" (CBS); cancelled after only airing twice

1997

Had a recurring role as a priest on the ABC legal drama "The Practice"

1997

Again played Kirstie Alley's father in the NBC sitcom "Veronica's Closet"

1996

Played Thomas Edison in the Off-Broadway play "Camping with Henry and Tom"; co-starred with son John Prosky

1995

Cast as the pro bono lawyer for death row inmate Sean Penn in "Dead Man Walking"

1993

Appeared opposite Robin Williams in "Mrs. Doubtfire" as a television station owner

1993

Played a self-deprecating priest in "Rudy"

1992

Appeared in "Hoffa" starring Jack Nicholson in the title role; again collaborated with Mamet who scripted

1992

Had a small role as Nicole Kidman's father in Ron Howard's "Far and Away"

1988

Played a mafia don in David Mamet's feature film, "Things Change"

1988

Starred opposite Sam Waterston in Lee Blessing's Broadway drama "A Walk in the Woods"; earned second Tony Award nomination

1987

Cast as a longtime executive who gets fired in director James L. Brooks' "Broadcast News"

1984

Played the big-hearted desk sergeant Stanislaus 'Stan' Jablonski on "Hill Street Blues" (NBC)

1984

Nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross"

1984

Cast as the villainous co-owner of the New York Knights baseball team in "The Natural"

1983

Played the evil garage owner in "Christine"

1982

First played Kirstie Alley's father in a guest appearance on "Cheers" (NBC)

1981

Made feature acting debut in Michael Mann's "Thief"

1975

Professional stage debut, "The Dybbuk" opposite Dianne Wiest at the Arena Stage in Washington, DC

Spent 23 seasons as a resident actor with the Arena Stage Theatre in Washington DC

Awarded a scholarship at New York's American Theatre Wing

Returned home and took over the family grocery

Received an honorable discharge from the military after the death of his father

Joined Air Force and served in the Korean War after graduating from college

1945

At age 15, played the stage manager in a high school production of "Our Town"