Robert Jack Stein (December , â€" July , ), better known by the stage
name Bobby Van, was a musical actor, best known for his career on
Broadway, in films and television from the s through the s. He was
also a game show host and panelist.Van was born to Jewish vaudeville
parents in The Bronx, New York City, and grew up backstage, witnessing
many memorable Depression-era acts. Originally, Van took King as his
stage name (after his father's stage name, from the trio "Gordon, Reed
and King"). He finally opted for Van, supposedly after seeing a Van
Johnson poster hanging in his sister's bedroom.Van began his career as
a musician, playing trumpet. When his band played a venue in the
Catskills, Van was asked to fill in as a song and dance man for
another act. His act drew rave reviews and gave Van a thrill
performing live as a solo act. He went on to appear in several
Broadway musicals.
name Bobby Van, was a musical actor, best known for his career on
Broadway, in films and television from the s through the s. He was
also a game show host and panelist.Van was born to Jewish vaudeville
parents in The Bronx, New York City, and grew up backstage, witnessing
many memorable Depression-era acts. Originally, Van took King as his
stage name (after his father's stage name, from the trio "Gordon, Reed
and King"). He finally opted for Van, supposedly after seeing a Van
Johnson poster hanging in his sister's bedroom.Van began his career as
a musician, playing trumpet. When his band played a venue in the
Catskills, Van was asked to fill in as a song and dance man for
another act. His act drew rave reviews and gave Van a thrill
performing live as a solo act. He went on to appear in several
Broadway musicals.
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