Stage and Screen Veteran Robert Prosky Dies at 77

Robert Prosky, whose film and stage career included more than 200 plays on Broadway and at Washington’s Arena Stage, died on December 8 in Washington after a heart procedure. He was 77 and most recently appeared with two of his sons in Arthur Miller’s The Price in his hometown of Philadelphia, a play he had planned to do again in San Diego this winter.

A character actor best known for roles in films such as Mrs. Doubtfire and Dead Man Walking and for playing Sgt. Stan Jablonski on Hill Street Blues, Prosky last appeared on Broadway in 2005 in Michael Frayn’s Democracy. He created the role of Shelly Levene in David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross and also appeared in Broadway productions of A Walk in the Woods, A View from the Bridge and Moonchildren.

A native of Philadelphia, Prosky studied economics at Temple University and served in the U.S. Air Force. He spent most of his life in Washington and was affiliated with Arena Stage, near his Capitol Hill home for 22 years. affiliated with the theater and a small company of players, appearing in more than 120 plays.

“I don't know of another American actor who has played in so many plays in so many styles in so many places in so many roles, and played them all to the hilt,” Arena co-founder Zelda Fichandler said in a statement.

Prosky is survived by his wife, Ida, and three sons, Stefan Prosky of Washington, John Prosky of North Hollywood, CA, and Andrew Prosky of New York. The family has asked for memorial donations to be sent to The Actors Fund, or for people to “just go see a play,” Stefan Prosky told the Associated Press.