I've found a feature story on him in the Milwaukee Journal of August 8, 1948 along with a publicity shot from NBC. He replaced James Kirkwood, Jr. in the Broadway version of Junior Miss in February 1943. He opened in the revival of Harriet in October 1944.
Brother William
Robert North Came to Mikes Via Broadway
By CARLETON CHENEY
A YOUNG man who likes to fish and hunt, who is a regular at most big sports events, who hits a golf ball 250 yards and usually knows where it’s going to go, is making a name for himself with radio listeners as an actor.
His name is Robert North, more familiar to the dial twisters as the precise and somewhat prissy Brother William on the Phil Harris-Alice Faye comedy show.
A native of Detroit, Mich., Bob is one of Hollywood’s most promising newcomers. He came to Hollywood a little less than two tears ago after a series of drama successes on Broadway.
When Phil Harris was in New York last year he saw North in a Broadway play. Liking the North brand of talent, Harris tucked the young actor’s name in his mind for future reference. Harris thought no more about the matter until early this season when he needed a new character for his winter radio program.
When the script writers came up with a suggestion for a Brother William, a person to play a very correct, supereducated business manager for Miss Faye, Harris remembered North. He invited Bob to come to Hollywood and have a try at the new part.
From East to West
NORTH came west, auditioned for the role, was signed to play Brother William. Just about this time he also took up golf as a hobby. This is the first season he has ever acted on radio and the first season he has played golf. He’s doing rather well at both.
All of which is well and good except with North’s mother, who hoped her son would make a great musician. Robert had no desire to make music his life’s career, however. In grade school he excelled in dramatic productions. When he friends came over, Robert appointed himself producer, director and leading actor. Then he would proceed to take down all the household drapes and curtains to turn the basement into a theater.
It was hard on his mother’s patience, but she tolerated it until one evening he played “movie show.” For this Robert string up her favorite blanket and cut a hole in the center for the “projection machine.” Needless to add, this ended Bob’s childhood acting career.
When he grew older, however, his love for the theater grew stronger. After attending Detroit public schools, Robert enrolled in the fame Cranbook dramatic school, where he specialized in club waiter and town drunk roles.
Apprenticeship in Stock
FOR three summers, Robert North played summer stock. During the winters, he studied make-up under the guidance of theater experts. Then he enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.
Upon his graduation from the dramatic academy, North read for a role in “Junior Miss” on Broadway and won the part. His next Broadway achievement was “Life With Father,” a seven month run. The role called for red hair—and Robert’s hair was dyed a bright red. At the end of seven months his hair had been dyed so often, he nearly became bald.
North’s popularity on Broadway, his talent and ability, soon got him a call to the Gilbert Miller office for a role in Helen Hayes’ “Harriet.” He was signed for a nine month transcontinental tour. It was after this tour that he returned to Broadway and then received the call which brought him to Hollywood.
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