Robert Prosky (born December 13, 1930) is an American actor.
Prosky has appeared in such films as Christine, The Natural, Broadcast News, Green Card, Hoffa, Rudy, and Dead Man Walking. In addition to appearing in numerous films, Prosky has appeared as a regular on the television shows Hill Street Blues and Veronica's Closet. Prior to his film and television career, Prosky appeared in numerous productions at the Arena Stage in Washington, DC, most notably as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman. He was considered for the role of Martin Crane in Frasier and later made a guest appearance in the show as a reclusive writer. He also played Rebecca Howe's father on Cheers.
Prosky, a Polish American, was born Robert Joseph Porzuczek in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Helen and Joseph Porzuczek, a grocer. He studied at the American Theatre Wing and lives on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
Prosky has often performed at the Arena Stage in Washington, DC, with over 100 stage credits to his name at that theatre alone. He also originated the role of Shelly Levene in David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Glengarry Glen Ross.
Two of his sons, Andy and John Prosky, are also film, TV, and stage actors. The three have starred together in two productions of Arthur Miller's play The Price, in which the brothers' characters are brothers.
