Robert Preston
Latest News on Robert Preston:
Reimagined THE FANTASTICKS and GLORIA Will Make Broadway Premieres as Part of Second Stage's 2026-27 Season (Jun 3, 2026)
Review: LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO 'ROUND Was Packed with Fine Songs at AMT Theater (May 18, 2026)
Review: SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED Hits the High Notes at 54 Below (Apr 30, 2026)
Reimagined THE FANTASTICKS and GLORIA Will Make Broadway Premieres as Part of Second Stage's 2026-27 Season (Jun 3, 2026)
Review: LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO 'ROUND Was Packed with Fine Songs at AMT Theater (May 18, 2026)
Review: SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED Hits the High Notes at 54 Below (Apr 30, 2026)
BIO
Robert Preston Meservey (June 8, 1918 – March 21, 1987) was an American stage and film actor and singer. His best known role was Professor Harold Hill in the 1957 musical The Music Man for which he received the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He reprised the role in the 1962 film adaptation, for which he received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy nomination.
Preston made his Broadway debut in The Male Animal in 1952. He won two Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Musical for The Music Man (1957) and I Do! I Do! (1967) and was Tony-nominated for Mack and Mabel (1975). Preston collaborated twice with filmmaker Blake Edwards, first in S.O.B. (1981) and again in Victor/Victoria (1982), the latter earning him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
On March 21, 1987, at age 68, Preston died of lung cancer.
STAGE CREDITS
Movies
Illegal Traffic
[ 1938 ] Charles Bent Martin
[ 1938 ] Charles Bent Martin
King of Alcatraz
[ 1938 ] Robert MacArthur
[ 1938 ] Robert MacArthur
Disbarred
[ 1939 ] Bradley Kent
[ 1939 ] Bradley Kent
Union Pacific
[ 1939 ] Dick Allen
[ 1939 ] Dick Allen
Beau Geste
[ 1939 ] Digby Geste
[ 1939 ] Digby Geste
Moon Over Burma
[ 1940 ] Chuck Lane
[ 1940 ] Chuck Lane
Typhoon
[ 1940 ] Johnny Potter
[ 1940 ] Johnny Potter
North West Mounted Police
[ 1940 ] Ronnie Logan
[ 1940 ] Ronnie Logan
Parachute Battalion
[ 1941 ] Donald Morse
[ 1941 ] Donald Morse
New York Town
[ 1941 ] Paul Bryson, Jr.
[ 1941 ] Paul Bryson, Jr.
Pacific Blackout
[ 1941 ] Robert Draper
[ 1941 ] Robert Draper
The Lady from Cheyenne
[ 1941 ] Steve Lewis
[ 1941 ] Steve Lewis
The Night of January 16th
[ 1941 ] Steve Van Ruyle
[ 1941 ] Steve Van Ruyle
Reap the Wild Wind
[ 1942 ] Dan Cutler
[ 1942 ] Dan Cutler
This Gun for Hire
[ 1942 ] Michael Crane
[ 1942 ] Michael Crane
Wake Island
[ 1942 ] Pvt. Joe Doyle
[ 1942 ] Pvt. Joe Doyle
Night Plane from Chungking
[ 1943 ] Captain Nick Stanton
[ 1943 ] Captain Nick Stanton
The Macomber Affair
[ 1947 ] Francis Macomber
[ 1947 ] Francis Macomber
Wild Harvest
[ 1947 ] Jim Davis
[ 1947 ] Jim Davis
Variety Girl
[ 1947 ] Robert Preston
[ 1947 ] Robert Preston
Whispering Smith
[ 1948 ] Murray Sinclair
[ 1948 ] Murray Sinclair
Big City
[ 1948 ] Rev. Philip Y. Andrews
[ 1948 ] Rev. Philip Y. Andrews
Blood on the Moon
[ 1948 ] Tate Riling
[ 1948 ] Tate Riling
Tulsa
[ 1949 ] Brad Brady
[ 1949 ] Brad Brady
The Lady Gambles
[ 1949 ] David Boothe
[ 1949 ] David Boothe
The Sundowners
[ 1950 ] James Cloud - aka Kid Wichita
[ 1950 ] James Cloud - aka Kid Wichita
When I Grow Up
[ 1951 ] Father Reed
[ 1951 ] Father Reed
My Outlaw Brother
[ 1951 ] Joe Waldner
[ 1951 ] Joe Waldner
Cloudburst
[ 1951 ] John Graham
[ 1951 ] John Graham
Best of the Badmen
[ 1951 ] Matthew Fowler
[ 1951 ] Matthew Fowler
Face to Face
[ 1952 ] Sheriff Jack PotterThe Bride Comes to Yellow Sky
[ 1952 ] Sheriff Jack PotterThe Bride Comes to Yellow Sky
The Last Frontier
[ 1955 ] Col. Frank Marston
[ 1955 ] Col. Frank Marston
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs
[ 1960 ] Rubin Flood
[ 1960 ] Rubin Flood
The Music Man
[ 1962 ] Harold Hill
[ 1962 ] Harold Hill
How the West Was Won
[ 1962 ] Roger Morgan
[ 1962 ] Roger Morgan
All the Way Home
[ 1963 ] Jay Follett
[ 1963 ] Jay Follett
Island of Love
[ 1963 ] Steve Blair
[ 1963 ] Steve Blair
Junior Bonner
[ 1972 ] Ace Bonner
[ 1972 ] Ace Bonner
Child's Play
[ 1972 ] Joseph Dobbs
[ 1972 ] Joseph Dobbs
Mame
[ 1974 ] Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside
[ 1974 ] Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside
Semi-Tough
[ 1977 ] Big Ed Bookman
[ 1977 ] Big Ed Bookman
S.O.B.
[ 1981 ] Dr. Irving Finegarten
[ 1981 ] Dr. Irving Finegarten
Victor/Victoria
[ 1982 ] Carole "Toddy" Todd
[ 1982 ] Carole "Toddy" Todd
The Last Starfighter
[ 1984 ] Centauri
[ 1984 ] Centauri
TV Shows
The Chisholms
Hadley Chisholm
Hadley Chisholm
Awards and Nominations
Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Robert Preston, Mack and Mabel
winner
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Robert Preston, Do! I Do!
winner
Tony Awards - 1958 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Robert Preston, The Music Man
Videos
VIDEO: Asolo Repertory to Present New Ahrens & Flaherty Musical KNOXVILLE
by Alan Henry - 2019-02-06 15:26:46
BWW Flashback: Harvey Schmidt Reminisces on His Legendary Career in the Theatre
by Nicole Rosky - 2018-03-01 12:37:19
TV: Try to Remember... Broadway Legends Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt Recall Career Highlights
by Nicole Rosky - 2017-12-05 12:13:22
News
Reimagined THE FANTASTICKS and GLORIA Will Make Broadway Premieres as Part of Second Stage's 2026-27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Jun 3, 2026
Second Stage Theater has announced five productions for its upcoming 48th Season, including the Broadway premieres of The Fantasticks and Gloria. Learn more about the full season here!
by Stephi Wild - Jun 3, 2026
Second Stage Theater has announced five productions for its upcoming 48th Season, including the Broadway premieres of The Fantasticks and Gloria. Learn more about the full season here!
Review: LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO 'ROUND Was Packed with Fine Songs at AMT Theater
by Rob Lester - May 18, 2026
A cabaret night celebrating the music of Bob Merrill in conjunction with J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Co.'s production of CARNIVAL. THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD is currently playing through May 24.
by Rob Lester - May 18, 2026
A cabaret night celebrating the music of Bob Merrill in conjunction with J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Co.'s production of CARNIVAL. THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD is currently playing through May 24.
Review: SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED Hits the High Notes at 54 Below
by Sharon Ellman - Apr 30, 2026
Sondheim's music soars at 54 Below in the final season of the celebrated series, SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED. The show returns 6/28. The late maestro himself would have been proud of this special night of his works!
by Sharon Ellman - Apr 30, 2026
Sondheim's music soars at 54 Below in the final season of the celebrated series, SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED. The show returns 6/28. The late maestro himself would have been proud of this special night of his works!
Review: Bob O'Hare A Fine Music Man In WE TAKE THE TOWN at Don't Tell Mama
by Stephen Mosher - Jan 26, 2026
Delightful and charming Bob O'Hare manages to pack a New York cabaret room on a frosty night in the city.
by Stephen Mosher - Jan 26, 2026
Delightful and charming Bob O'Hare manages to pack a New York cabaret room on a frosty night in the city.
Pleasance Launches Monthly Comedy Night For 2026
by Stephi Wild - Dec 11, 2025
For 2026, marking 30 years on the London comedy scene, The Pleasance in Islington is launching Cut Price Comedy, a brand new monthly mixed-bill comedy night.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 11, 2025
For 2026, marking 30 years on the London comedy scene, The Pleasance in Islington is launching Cut Price Comedy, a brand new monthly mixed-bill comedy night.
Interview: Patrick Cassidy on Studio Tenn's Upcoming Season
by Carolan Trbovich - Oct 8, 2025
Born into one of Hollywood’s most beloved musical dynasties, with mother Shirley Jones, father Jack Cassidy, and brothers David and Shaun, Patrick Cassidy has long stood out as a star in his own right.
by Carolan Trbovich - Oct 8, 2025
Born into one of Hollywood’s most beloved musical dynasties, with mother Shirley Jones, father Jack Cassidy, and brothers David and Shaun, Patrick Cassidy has long stood out as a star in his own right.
15 Broadway Musicals with Multiple Movie Adaptations
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 19, 2025
For years, Broadway musicals have spawned multiple film adaptations, from the early days of cinema to Steven Spielberg's remake of West Side Story. Take a look at our list of 15 musicals that have danced their way to the screen more than once!
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 19, 2025
For years, Broadway musicals have spawned multiple film adaptations, from the early days of cinema to Steven Spielberg's remake of West Side Story. Take a look at our list of 15 musicals that have danced their way to the screen more than once!
Review: Go Ahead and Get SHUCKED at Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts
by Albert Gutierrez - Jun 26, 2025
One would think a musical all about corn would be a one-trick pony with the same tired joke made again and again. Corny jokes about corny people in a corny town. That’s exactly what SHUCKED wants the audience to expect. The very first song, aptly titled “Corn,” extols the virtues of the vegetable, the expected jokes about how it can be used for anything and everything, and how this little town in the middle of nowhere relies so heavily on it that it literally becomes their entire identity. However, hidden within this opening number also lies the subversive nature of the musical itself. This is not just a celebration for all things corn. Rather, it’s a commentary on how small towns in this country suffer from preconceived notions of backwards values, of tradition over innovation, and of hyper-conservative rural voters who nowhere near as bright as a high noon sun on a summer day.
by Albert Gutierrez - Jun 26, 2025
One would think a musical all about corn would be a one-trick pony with the same tired joke made again and again. Corny jokes about corny people in a corny town. That’s exactly what SHUCKED wants the audience to expect. The very first song, aptly titled “Corn,” extols the virtues of the vegetable, the expected jokes about how it can be used for anything and everything, and how this little town in the middle of nowhere relies so heavily on it that it literally becomes their entire identity. However, hidden within this opening number also lies the subversive nature of the musical itself. This is not just a celebration for all things corn. Rather, it’s a commentary on how small towns in this country suffer from preconceived notions of backwards values, of tradition over innovation, and of hyper-conservative rural voters who nowhere near as bright as a high noon sun on a summer day.
DO! I DO! to Open At The Pompano Beach Cultural Center in May
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 8, 2025
The Pompano Players final production of their inaugural season is I Do! I Do! – an intimate and nostalgic look at a marriage by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 8, 2025
The Pompano Players final production of their inaugural season is I Do! I Do! – an intimate and nostalgic look at a marriage by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Who Has Hosted the Tony Awards the Most? A Complete History of Tony Hosts
by Sidney Paterra - May 22, 2026
On June 7, 2026, viewers will be able to tune in to watch P!nk take the stage at Radio City Music Hall as a first-time host for the 79th annual ceremony. Do you know who has hosted the ceremony the most?
by Sidney Paterra - May 22, 2026
On June 7, 2026, viewers will be able to tune in to watch P!nk take the stage at Radio City Music Hall as a first-time host for the 79th annual ceremony. Do you know who has hosted the ceremony the most?
Season Ticket Holders Share Their Excitement About The Muny's 107th Season in 2025
by James Lindhorst - Mar 7, 2025
On Monday, March 10, 2025, new season subscriptions go on sale for The Muny’s107th season. The 2025 season brings the premieres of BRING IT ON, COME FROM AWAY, DISNEY’S FROZEN, and DEAR EVAN HANSEN to The Muny stage in Forest Park. EVITA, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, AND JERSEY BOYS round out the seven show season. This season promises to be as exceptional as last year’s magical season.
by James Lindhorst - Mar 7, 2025
On Monday, March 10, 2025, new season subscriptions go on sale for The Muny’s107th season. The 2025 season brings the premieres of BRING IT ON, COME FROM AWAY, DISNEY’S FROZEN, and DEAR EVAN HANSEN to The Muny stage in Forest Park. EVITA, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, AND JERSEY BOYS round out the seven show season. This season promises to be as exceptional as last year’s magical season.
Review: NOISES OFF at Burlington County Footlighters
by Donna Marie Nowak - Jan 27, 2025
What did BroadwayWorld's critic think of Noises Off at Burlington County Footlighters? Read the review here and learn more about the Footlighters production.
by Donna Marie Nowak - Jan 27, 2025
What did BroadwayWorld's critic think of Noises Off at Burlington County Footlighters? Read the review here and learn more about the Footlighters production.
Review: Theater UnCorked's THE LION IN WINTER Roars with Royal Intrigue
by R. Scott Reedy - Dec 13, 2024
Theater UnCorked has opened its sixth season with a sharp, searing production of “The Lion in Winter” that lays out a powerful story of a royal family struggling both with succession planning and with each other. It may be an unconventional offering given this season’s predictable plethora of holiday productions, but the drama – which inspired the Fox-TV series “Empire” – is definitely a gift for discerning theatergoers.
by R. Scott Reedy - Dec 13, 2024
Theater UnCorked has opened its sixth season with a sharp, searing production of “The Lion in Winter” that lays out a powerful story of a royal family struggling both with succession planning and with each other. It may be an unconventional offering given this season’s predictable plethora of holiday productions, but the drama – which inspired the Fox-TV series “Empire” – is definitely a gift for discerning theatergoers.
Shuler Hensley to Direct THE MUSIC MAN at City Springs Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 5, 2024
City Springs Theatre Company will present THE MUSIC MAN in September. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 5, 2024
City Springs Theatre Company will present THE MUSIC MAN in September. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Billy Harrigan Tighe to Star in THE MUSIC MAN at City Springs Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 15, 2024
City Springs Theatre Company will open its 2024-2025 season with THE MUSIC MAN starring Billy Harrigan Tighe. Learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 15, 2024
City Springs Theatre Company will open its 2024-2025 season with THE MUSIC MAN starring Billy Harrigan Tighe. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld July 10, 2024
by - Jul 10, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 10, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Jul 10, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 10, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Where Else Have the Tony Awards Been Held?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Dec 3, 2023
This time, the reader question was: Where has the Tony Awards ceremony been presented in the past?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Dec 3, 2023
This time, the reader question was: Where has the Tony Awards ceremony been presented in the past?
Have There Been Many Two-Person Broadway Musicals Before GUTENBERG?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 22, 2023
This time, the reader question was: Have there been many Broadway musicals starring only two actors, before Gutenberg! The Musical!?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 22, 2023
This time, the reader question was: Have there been many Broadway musicals starring only two actors, before Gutenberg! The Musical!?
Patrick Duffy, Tristan Gemmill & More to Star in TWELVE ANGRY MEN UK Tour
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 1, 2023
Get all the details about the upcoming TWELVE ANGRY MEN UK Tour featuring TV stars Patrick Duffy and Tristan Gemmill. Don't miss the opportunity to see this incredible cast in action!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 1, 2023
Get all the details about the upcoming TWELVE ANGRY MEN UK Tour featuring TV stars Patrick Duffy and Tristan Gemmill. Don't miss the opportunity to see this incredible cast in action!
Review: THE MUSIC MAN at Moorestown Theater Company
by Donna Marie Nowak - Jul 27, 2023
What did our critic think of THE MUSIC MAN at Moorestown Theater Company?
by Donna Marie Nowak - Jul 27, 2023
What did our critic think of THE MUSIC MAN at Moorestown Theater Company?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Robert Preston been in?
Robert Preston has appeared on Broadway in 18 shows.
How many West End shows has Robert Preston been in?
Robert Preston has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Robert Preston been nominated for?
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Mack and Mabel, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Do! I Do! and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Music Man.
What awards has Robert Preston won?
Robert Preston won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for Do! I Do! and The Music Man.
Videos
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