Robert Joseph Sully, a native New Yorker born on November 20, 1928, but raised in Pittsburgh, initially demonstrated promising leading man potential during the early years of World War II.
His father, Reginald Sully, a prominent figure in the Union Carbide Corp., instilled in Robert a strong work ethic, encouraging him to start at the bottom and learn the family business.
After being accepted to Duquesne University, Robert transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, where he majored in engineering and finance.
Following his graduation, he joined Union Carbide as a technical sales representative.
However, due to medical issues, Robert was unable to be drafted and instead relocated to California, where he found work at Lockheed, contributing to the construction of airplanes and pipelines.
Standing tall, with dark features and a charming demeanor, Robert was offered a leading role in a film following a simple "letter of introduction." Nevertheless, he declined, fearing his lack of experience.
Instead, he signed with MGM and began his acting career in unbilled roles.
The attention of the Bobbysoxers was piqued when Robert played the role of an astronomer in the William Powell-starring film, The Heavenly Body (1944),followed by his most memorable role as Lucille Bremer's beau in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944).
Despite these notable performances, Robert's career failed to gain traction, and MGM subsequently dropped him.
Paramount subsequently offered him small but poignant roles in The Affairs of Susan (1945),You Came Along (1945),and Love Letters (1945),where he played a romantic interest to Jennifer Jones.
Regrettably, these roles did not lead to significant breakthroughs, and Robert turned to Broadway, appearing in the short-lived production "Single People" (1945).
After departing the entertainment industry, Robert opened his own engineering plant, Sully Engineering, which he operated until 1949.
He then returned to academia, earning his Ph.D. and eventually becoming a renowned architect in the Southern California region.
Robert was married three times and passed away on May 15, 2007, at the age of 88, due to natural causes, in Santa Barbara.
