Robert Sterling, star of "Topper" TV series, dies at 88 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TJ · 06-01-2006, 11:23 PM

http://www.dailycomet.com/apps/pbcs..../APN/605310530

Robert Sterling, the handsome star of 1940s movies who appeared with
his wife Anne Jeffreys in the television series "Topper," died Tuesday
at his Brentwood home. He was 88.

He died of natural causes, said his son, Jeffrey Sterling, following a
decade-long battle with shingles. His wife and other close relatives
were at his bedside.

"He hung in there, never complained," his son said.

Although he appeared in dozens of movies, Robert Sterling was best
known for the 1953-1956 TV series "Topper," based on the Thorne Smith
novel, and the 1937 film starring Cary Grant and Constance Bennett.

Sterling and Jeffreys played George and Marion Kirby, a fun-loving
couple killed in an accident but returned as ghosts to haunt the new
occupant of their home, a banker named Cosmo Topper.

Robert Sterling was born William Hart in November 13, 1917 in New
Castle, Pa., the son of Chicago Cubs catcher William S. Hart. He
attended college in Pennsylvania and worked as a clothing salesman
before breaking into movies.

He proved a versatile player, especially in romantic roles, and
appeared in five films in 1941, including the romantic comedy
"Two-Faced Woman" with Greta Garbo and "The Penalty" with Lionel
Barrymore.

After "Topper," Sterling retired from acting to become a businessman
and worked in the early stages of computers.

Sterling was married to actress Ann Sothern from 1943 to 1949 and they
had a daughter, actress Tisha Sterling.

He married Anne Jeffreys in 1951 and they had three sons: Jeffrey, Dana
and Tyler. Sterling also is survived by six grandchildren.

Robert Sterling @ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0827577/

Lamont · 06-04-2006, 09:45 AM

actor Robert Sterling from Topper has passed

http://www.dailycomet.com/apps/pbcs..../APN/605310530

staypuftman2004 · 06-04-2006, 01:00 PM

TV Knowledge Fan · 06-12-2006, 01:20 PM

...the Associated Press would get their facts straight. "TOPPER" was only in production for TWO seasons (1953-'55), and in REPEATS for another prime-time season (1955-'56). Just "glancing" at Brooks & Marsh's book for dates isn't enough.

And Mr. Sterling certainly did NOT retire after "TOPPER". He and Anne Jeffreys co-starred in their own short-lived series, "LOVE THAT JILL" [ABC, 1958] before he decided to retire from the acting profession in the EARLY '60s and focus on being a businessman. I still have that 1959 "Sing Along With The Four Roses Society" album that he and Anne "introduced" (it was a special record you got when you ordered it from the manufacturers of Four Roses whiskey), and has them prominently featured on the cover.

06-01-2006, 11:23 PM	#1
TJ Site Owner Administrator Forum Star Join Date: Feb 03, 2000 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 10,648	Robert Sterling, star of "Topper" TV series, dies at 88 http://www.dailycomet.com/apps/pbcs..../APN/605310530 Robert Sterling, the handsome star of 1940s movies who appeared with his wife Anne Jeffreys in the television series "Topper," died Tuesday at his Brentwood home. He was 88. He died of natural causes, said his son, Jeffrey Sterling, following a decade-long battle with shingles. His wife and other close relatives were at his bedside. "He hung in there, never complained," his son said. Although he appeared in dozens of movies, Robert Sterling was best known for the 1953-1956 TV series "Topper," based on the Thorne Smith novel, and the 1937 film starring Cary Grant and Constance Bennett. Sterling and Jeffreys played George and Marion Kirby, a fun-loving couple killed in an accident but returned as ghosts to haunt the new occupant of their home, a banker named Cosmo Topper. Robert Sterling was born William Hart in November 13, 1917 in New Castle, Pa., the son of Chicago Cubs catcher William S. Hart. He attended college in Pennsylvania and worked as a clothing salesman before breaking into movies. He proved a versatile player, especially in romantic roles, and appeared in five films in 1941, including the romantic comedy "Two-Faced Woman" with Greta Garbo and "The Penalty" with Lionel Barrymore. After "Topper," Sterling retired from acting to become a businessman and worked in the early stages of computers. Sterling was married to actress Ann Sothern from 1943 to 1949 and they had a daughter, actress Tisha Sterling. He married Anne Jeffreys in 1951 and they had three sons: Jeffrey, Dana and Tyler. Sterling also is survived by six grandchildren. Robert Sterling @ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0827577/

06-04-2006, 09:45 AM	#2
Lamont Lamont says Smile! Forum Veteran Join Date: May 28, 2005 Location: Deep in the Heart of Nowhere Posts: 5,217	Robert Sterling from TOPPER passes away actor Robert Sterling from Topper has passed http://www.dailycomet.com/apps/pbcs..../APN/605310530
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06-04-2006, 01:00 PM	#3
staypuftman2004 NWO-4-LIFE Senior Member Join Date: Sep 01, 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,450
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06-12-2006, 01:20 PM	#4
TV Knowledge Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 29, 2006 Location: Long Branch, N.J. Posts: 2,577	I just wish.... ...the Associated Press would get their facts straight. "TOPPER" was only in production for TWO seasons (1953-'55), and in REPEATS for another prime-time season (1955-'56). Just "glancing" at Brooks & Marsh's book for dates isn't enough. And Mr. Sterling certainly did NOT retire after "TOPPER". He and Anne Jeffreys co-starred in their own short-lived series, "LOVE THAT JILL" [ABC, 1958] before he decided to retire from the acting profession in the EARLY '60s and focus on being a businessman. I still have that 1959 "Sing Along With The Four Roses Society" album that he and Anne "introduced" (it was a special record you got when you ordered it from the manufacturers of Four Roses whiskey), and has them prominently featured on the cover.