By: Austin Gonzales
SAGINAW – As we have highlighted over the past few months, the mid-Michigan region is home to many talented people. From artists to musicians, this little part of the Mitten oozes talent.
This has always been the case, like with Saginaw’s Robert Armstrong. Born Nov. 20, 1890 to Mina A. Lahman and William Noah Armstrong, Robert Armstrong would spend most of his early childhood in Bay City and Saginaw.
After high school, Armstrong studied law at the University of Washington in Seattle. Just before graduating, Armstrong dropped out of college to help his uncle’s vaudeville entertainment business. It’s thanks to his time with the vaudeville company that after World War 1, Armstrong would take a shot at Hollywood.
In 1927, Armstrong made his film debut in the film “The Main Event.” This debut launched his prolific career, starring in a variety of films featuring his fast-paced, assertive on-screen personalities. His acting talents soon grabbed the attention of rising film director, Merian C. Cooper. Cooper collaborated with Armstrong for many films early in their careers. These include the 1932 pre-code horror film, “The Most Dangerous Game,” and the iconic 1933 “King Kong.”
“King Kong” proved to be one of Armstrong’s biggest claims to fame for his role as Carl Denham. Denham, is a driving force in the film, is the director character who takes his film crew to Skull Island. In the end, returning to New York City with the giant ape creature “King Kong” was a huge box office success. Leading to a sequel, “Son of Kong,” where Armstrong would reprise his role.
As the years passed, Armstrong’s filmography continued to grow, encompassing a wide array of genres. From comedies to dramas and adventure films, he navigated diverse roles with ease. One of Armstrong’s next memorable roles brings us back to the world of stop motion monkeys with the 1949 film, “Mighty Joe Young”.
In the 1950s, Robert Armstrong’s career made the transition from the big screen to television screens. Most memorably, Armstrong portrayed Sheriff Andy Anderson, opposite Rod Cameron’s Lt. Rod Blake on State Trooper. The series failed to market to big networks like CBS, but it successfully sold to local markets as a syndicated program. Armstrong continued acting until his retirement in 1962.
In 1972, Robert Armstrong passed away at the age of 82, survived by his wife, Louise. Just one day later, ‘King Kong’ director and close friend, Merian C. Cooper died. Although they had no children of their own, Louise and Robert Armstrong were parental figures to actor Jimmy Lydon. After Armstrong’s death, Lydon cared for Louise until her death 18 years later.
2024 marks the 91st anniversary of “King Kong.” So this year, it only makes sense to continue celebrating everyone’s favorite giant gorilla and shine light on the cast that helped bring the magic alive nearly a century ago.
