Robert Clarke, a movie enthusiast from Oklahoma City, harbored a childhood dream to become an actor, despite initially struggling with stage fright in his early school performances. He continued to hone his craft by participating in University of Oklahoma radio plays and University of Wisconsin stage productions before making the bold decision to travel to California in pursuit of a career in the film industry.
After undergoing screen tests at 20th Century-Fox and Columbia Pictures, Clarke secured a contract player position at RKO Studios. However, three years later, RKO dropped his option, prompting Clarke to transition to freelancing.
In 1956, Clarke tied the knot with Alyce King, a member of the renowned King Sisters singing group. A decade later, he began appearing on television and touring with The King Family.