Began his acting career on Broadway in the 50s.
Close friend of Merv Griffin.
Graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in Journalism in 1951.
Graduated New Dorp High School, Staten Island, New York, in 1947.
Has mentioned in interviews that he meditates often while working on films to keep himself calm and centered.
His hair and eyebrows are more than often dyed a brown-like color in his movies, so often that his naturally white hair comes as a surprise when seen in real life and in films without it.
In an interview on "Pat Sajak Weekend" (2003), he talked about when he first expressed an interest in acting while in his early twenties. Initially, he was reluctant to tell his father what he wanted to do with his life and, when he finally confessed, his father was less than happy with his son's career choice. But, the man had blessed his son by simply telling Robert he had to go with how he felt and follow his passion.
Italian-American.
Last name is pronounced Loh-jha.
Served in the army.