Robert Donner was born in the vibrant city of New York, but his childhood was marked by a series of moves to New Jersey, Michigan, and Texas, shaping his formative years and laying the foundation for his future endeavors.
After graduating from high school, Robert joined the Navy, where he served for almost four years, gaining valuable life experience and discipline.
Following his time in the Navy, Robert settled on the West Coast, where he embarked on a diverse range of careers, including working as a shipping clerk, salesman, bartender, commercial artist, gardener, and insurance investigator.
In his pursuit of higher education, Robert attended San Fernando Valley State College (now California State University, Northridge) at night, taking courses in Art History, Psychology, and Speech.
During this period, Robert resided in Studio City, where he became close friends with actor Clint Eastwood, who lived in the same apartment building. Clint, recognizing Robert's natural comedic talents, encouraged him to explore his passion for drama, stating that he had a good face for it.
When not pursuing his acting career, Robert was an avid athlete, earning the reputation as one of Hollywood's most enthusiastic golfers. He was a member of the now-defunct "Hollywood Hackers" and boasted a seven handicap, leading a group of entertainment industry professionals known as Don Porter's Thursday Golf Group. Additionally, Robert participated in numerous celebrity golf tournaments, which raised funds for various charities worldwide.
Robert's athleticism extended to tennis, where he competed in several tournaments and was frequently called upon to perform stand-up comedy during "Celebrity Nights," a event where he humorously promised not to sing. His reputation as a corporate speaker led to him being in high demand, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's most sought-after entertainers.
