Sesto Daily News
By Concita Occhipinti
10/5/2014
My first artistic endeavors were… I played trumpet and
valve trombone in bands when I was a teen ager. I sang in a quartet in the Navy
and another while attending University. I also sang in night clubs to augment
my University tuition. I originally wanted to be a secondary school teacher and
I studied in the little theater on campus, because it was quiet. They had
readings for a play (Victoria Regina) and by accident, (because I just happened
to be there) I was called upon to read for the male lead in it and was
accepted. Not long after the play, which was a success, I changed my major to
Speech Arts, with a music minor…Because I was suddenly accepted as an actor, my
professor insisted that I was going to be a film actor and upon graduation, he
sent me to Hollywood to give it a try.
My first film was a small part in the movie “Where The
Boys Are” for MGM… But I didn’t like Hollywood very much so I fled to New York
to further my study with the last remaining member (Boris Marshalov) of the
famed Stanislavsky’s Russian Repertory Theater from Moscow to and work in
‘live’ theater. I worked with the famous “Circle In The Square Theater” in New
York for over a year, in Checov’s Seagull, then went to Europe to work in The
American Theater In Paris on the Quay D’Orsay. It was there I was “discovered”
and taken to Spain, under contract to Balcazar Studios in Barcelona to do five
Westerns. The first “$5000 On The Ace” was sold to MGM. It was the predecessor
to Clint Eastwood’s ‘Dollar’ series which also sold to MGM. I had a bit of time
after shooting the first Western, so I went to Madrid, where I got the role of
Henry Fonda’s pilot in the classic, “Battle Of The Bulge” and also did
Geraldine Chaplin’s screen test for “Dr. Zivago”, directed by David Lean,
before returning to Barcelona to do fulfill my contract for the second Western…
After that I was briefly a gyspy…traveling around Europe
awaiting the next project. I signed a contract as a recording artist for
Phillips Fontana Records in London, in the sixties, before moving to Rome,
having been offered an abundance of new films. I have starred in over fifty
films to date and the beat goes on… As far as realizing my dream is concerned,
I have accomplished that and more… and I wouldn’t change a thing… There have been
many who have helped me along the way…as I have helped others…but I credit
having lived by three words for any and all success I have enjoyed… Respect…
Compassion… and Gratitude… As for my last projects…”Romazo Calabrese” is one of
the sweetest stories I have ever enjoyed being part of. It was shot in
Calabria, Italy and should be released over the holidays. I have also just
returned from the Grand Canyon where I was fortunate enough to finish another
wonderful project, called, “Of Fortune And Gold”…
It is a modern Western about Monument Valley, The Grand
Canyon and the protection of the surrounding, precious environment… You asked
what drives me? It is the continued interest from fans and continued offers
from production companies… plus I truly and passionately enjoy the work….
Otherwise, I would probably happily retire… As far as the youngsters who are
just beginning is concerned… It is best to work in your little theater and
devise ways to get yourself out there in every way you can, to be seen by those
with the ability to hire you… It is a more competitive business in every way
than it was when I began… so if this is truly what you want… I believe the only
way to achieve it is to stick to it!!!
Sincerely, Robert Woods
Robert Woods has been very busy lately. He continues to live in North Hollywood with his wife and has many hobbies. I plan on making a documentary about Robert called, "My Name Is Robert Woods" but first I will have to get his permission. Who knows? Maybe I might. Wish me luck.
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