Robert Sterling
ActingAbout Robert Sterling
Robert Sterling, born William Sterling Hart (November 13, 1917 – May 30, 2006) was an American film and television actor. The son of baseball player and umpire Bill Hart, he was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and worked as a clothing salesman before pursuing an acting career. After signing with Columbia Pictures in 1939, he changed his name to Robert Sterling to avoid confusion with silent western star William S. Hart. In 1941, Sterling went to MGM. He worked steadily as a supporting player for several years. After serving in World War II as an Army Air Force flight instructor, he returned to Hollywood, but by the end of the decade, his film career had faltered. He did, however, play the non-singing role of Steve Baker, opposite Ava Gardner as Julie, in the hit MGM 1951 film version of Show Boat. Sterling later revived his acting career on the small screen with numerous appearances on Television.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Robert Sterling reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 48 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Robert Sterling's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 27% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Robert Sterling remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Man Who Had Influence, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Robert Sterling Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Robert Sterling's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Robert Sterling.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Blood Car | Couple in horror | Flop | Similar → |
| 1982 | Night of 100 Stars | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Beggarman, Thief | Colonel Day | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | Letters from Three Lovers | Bob | Average | Similar → |
| 1964 | A Global Affair | Randy Sterling | Flop | Similar → |
| 1961 | Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea | Captain Lee Crane | Average | Similar → |
| 1961 | Return to Peyton Place | Mike Rossi | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Dearest Enemy | John Copeland | Flop | Similar → |
| 1953 | Column South | Lee Whitlock | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Show Boat | Steven Baker | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Bunco Squad | Det. Sgt. Steve Johnson | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Man Who Had Influence | David Grant | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Sundowners | Tom Cloud | Flop | Similar → |
| 1949 | Roughshod | Clay Phillips | Flop | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Secret Heart | Chase N. Addams | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | A-26 Flying Tips | Captain | Flop | Similar → |
| 1942 | Somewhere I'll Find You | Kirk 'Junior' Davis | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | This Time for Keeps | Lee White | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Dr. Kildare's Victory | Dr. Donald 'Don' Winthrop | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Personalities | (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | Two-Faced Woman | Dick 'Dickie' Williams | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Johnny Eager | Jimmy Courtney | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Ringside Maisie | Terry Dolan, aka Young O'Hara | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Get-Away | Jeff Crane | Flop | Similar → |
| 1941 | I'll Wait for You | 'Lucky' Wilson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Penalty | Edward McCormick | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Gay Caballero | Billy Brewster | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Yesterday's Heroes | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Manhattan Heartbeat | Johnny Farrell | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | The Heckler | Trophy Presenter | Flop | Similar → |
| 1940 | Nothing But Pleasure | Gangster at Cozy Auto Court | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | Mandrake the Magician | Henchman | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | Glove Slingers | Warehouseman Taking Fight Pool Money (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Amazing Mr. Williams | Elevator Boy (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Blondie Brings Up Baby | Dithers' Employee (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Beware Spooks! | Bellboy (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Mr. Smith Goes to Washington | Senate Reporter (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | A Woman is the Judge | Reporter (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1939 | Those High Grey Walls | Convict (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Golden Boy | Elevator Boy | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Man They Could Not Hang | First Reporter (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Good Girls Go to Paris | Student (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Pest from the West | Cigarette Customer at Adjacent Table (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Only Angels Have Wings | Bit Role | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Mandrake the Magician | Henchman | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Sorority House | Soda Shop Extra (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Outside These Walls | Reporter (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Blondie Meets the Boss | Office Worker / Man Dancing with Millie (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
Robert Sterling - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Robert Sterling?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Robert Sterling is "The Man Who Had Influence" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Robert Sterling acted in?
Robert Sterling has been featured in at least 48 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Robert Sterling?
Other notable films include "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", "Outside These Walls", and "Only Angels Have Wings".