Few people in Bucharest know that one of Hollywood’s greatest actors from the golden age of cinema was born right in Romania’s capital. Emanuel Goldenberg, who would become famous under the name Edward G. Robinson, was born on December 12, 1893, in Bucharest, into a Jewish family. He was the fifth of six children of the Goldberg family and grew up in an environment marked by hardship and social tension.

From Emanuel Goldenberg to Edward G. Robinson

At the turn of the 20th century, Romania’s Jewish community faced severe discrimination and persecution. Like many others, the Goldenberg family decided to emigrate to the United States in search of a better life. 

Since they did not have enough money to travel all together, the eldest son left first. After working hard and saving, he managed to bring the rest of the family overseas.

Thus, at only 10 years old, young Emanuel arrived in New York with his parents and siblings, settling in the poor yet culturally vibrant neighborhood of the Lower East Side. The experience of emigration and his contact with America’s cultural diversity profoundly shaped him, fueling his ambition to overcome adversity.

Early education and the discovery of the stage

An intelligent and curious child, Emanuel—affectionately called “Manny” by his brothers—quickly distinguished himself in school. He attended Public School 137, where his teachers admired his excellent memory and natural gift for oratory. He wasn’t just a diligent student but also someone with an innate charisma, capable of holding the attention of those around him.

At just 17, he was admitted to the City College of New York. His academic excellence earned him a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. It was here that his passion for theater and acting grew into a true vocation. Encouraged by his professors and peers, Emanuel was advised to choose a stage name that would be easier for audiences to remember.

Thus, Edward G. Robinson was born. He kept his initials, “E.G.,” as a nod to his birth name, but admitted later with humor that he didn’t quite know why he had chosen “Robinson”: “If I had to do it over again, I’d pick a shorter name. You have no idea how long it takes to sign ‘Edward G. Robinson’ for a crowd of autograph hunters,” he joked in an interview.

From Broadway to Hollywood

After graduating, Robinson began securing small roles in plays. His start in the artistic world was modest, but perseverance and talent gradually opened doors for him. During World War I, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and after the war, he resumed his artistic career.

The 1920s brought him his first major successes on Broadway, where he stood out for his powerful stage presence and commanding voice. He made his film debut in a silent movie, just as cinema was beginning to outshine theater in popularity.

In 1925, he married American painter Gladys Lloyd and settled in New York. Four years later, he moved to Hollywood, where he would build a legendary career.

Little Caesar and stardom

Robinson’s career skyrocketed in 1930 with his role in Little Caesar. Playing Rico Bandello, a ruthless gangster, Robinson delivered a performance that made him a Hollywood sensation overnight. From that moment, Edward G. Robinson’s name became synonymous with the image of the American mobster.

The role didn’t just bring him fame but also transformed him into a true celebrity. Paparazzi followed him everywhere, and fans would approach him on the street, shouting lines from the movie: “Tough guy, huh? Little Caesar, huh? Let’s see how tough you are!”

Although Robinson was in reality a refined man, passionate about art and an avid collector of paintings, audiences forever associated him with the tough gangster image he so convincingly portrayed on screen.

A versatile actor and landmark films

The 1930s and 1940s marked the peak of his career. Robinson starred in numerous productions, many alongside great actors like Humphrey Bogart. His most notable films included Kid Galahad, Key Largo, and The Cincinnati Kid.

His deep voice, expressive face, and piercing gaze helped him create unforgettable characters. Although he was often typecast as a gangster, Robinson proved himself capable of performing in comedies, dramas, and a variety of roles that showcased his remarkable versatility.

A little-known fact is that director Peter Bogdanovich originally cast Robinson as Vito Corleone in The Godfather. However, when Francis Ford Coppola took over the project, he chose Marlon Brando instead. It was a missed opportunity for the Romanian-born actor, who might have added yet another defining role to his career.

The man behind the screen

Beyond the screen, Edward G. Robinson was a cultured and refined individual. He assembled one of the most impressive art collections owned by an actor in Hollywood, featuring works by masters like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Renoir.

His personal life included two marriages and a lifelong passion for culture. Robinson also used his fame for causes he believed in. During the 1940s, he was an outspoken critic of fascism and contributed to campaigns against Nazi propaganda.

However, his success was not without setbacks. During the anti-communist “Red Scare” of the 1950s, Robinson was suspected of leftist sympathies and called before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Though never convicted, the suspicions temporarily tarnished his career.

The Oscar and the end of a legendary career

Despite starring in dozens of acclaimed films and being considered one of the greatest actors of his generation, Robinson was never nominated for an Academy Award for a specific role. It was only in 1973 that the Academy decided to honor him with a lifetime achievement Oscar.

Sadly, Edward G. Robinson never lived to hold the statuette in his hands. He passed away on January 26, 1973, at the age of 79—just two weeks before the award ceremony. Fate had delayed recognition until it was too late for him to personally enjoy it.

Edward G. Robinson’s legacy

Today, Edward G. Robinson is remembered as one of the defining figures of classic American cinema. He was the actor who gave a face to Hollywood’s gangster archetype but also someone who demonstrated profound artistic range.

For Romania, he remains the only actor of Romanian origin to have received an Oscar, even if it was an honorary one. His life story stands as proof of the power of talent when paired with perseverance and hard work.

From a Jewish boy born on the streets of Bucharest, Emanuel Goldenberg became Edward G. Robinson—a Hollywood giant. His destiny reflects not only the opportunities America offered to immigrants but also the resilience of a family that overcame hardship and prejudice.

Edward G. Robinson was more than just an actor. He was a man who lived between two worlds—his birthplace of Bucharest and the glittering world of Hollywood—and who managed to unite them through art. His name is etched not only on film posters of the past but also in the collective memory of an industry that, albeit late, recognized him as one of its greats.

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