Troubles and Triumphs

An introvert by nature, Robert Young found that he could overcome his shyness by taking on other personalities when he performed with his high school's drama group. Further schooling in theatre arts at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he appeared in many productions, led to a screen test and a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Louis B. Mayer, the top man at MGM, said, "Young has no sex appeal." Yet during his years with the studio Robert starred in dozens of films and had prime supporting roles in many others. After leaving MGM to freelance for several years, he branched out into radio and starred on the popular series Father Knows Best. He then repeated his parental role in its television adaptation, followed by Marcus Welby, M.D., both highly acclaimed series for which he won several awards. But for most of his adult years, unknown to all but his family and some close friends, Robert suffered from a chronic illness-one that almost killed him. Supported by his beloved wife Elizabeth, he persevered, entertaining millions of moviegoers, radio listeners, and television viewers well into his senior years. Troubles and Triumphs is his story.