Although not really a robot, Robby means robot for many people. Actually a very elaborate suit that an actor wore, Robby the Robot has it all going on. Designed by Robert Kinoshita for the 1956 MGM movie Forbidden Planet it had a plexiglass "head" spinning antennae, lights and rotating appendages galore.
Actor Frank Darro strapped on the Robby body during this film. A veteran actor who worked through the silent era and into the age of serials was well suited for this. Known as a fit, acrobatic and thankfully thin actor, he stamped around the sound stage from shot to shot. Since this was a suit, not unlike modern deep sea diving systems, it was hopelessly hard to keep your balance on solid ground.
I have been trying to find out who was inside Robby when he appeared in other movies and TV shows, notably: Gilligan's Island, The Banana Splits, Columbo (!), and Wonder Woman. Anyone out there have any info?
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