Stage Name: Robert Conrad
Birth Name: Conrad Robert Falk
Lived: March 1, 1935 – February 8, 2020
Chicago Roots
Robert Conrad was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, where he spent his early years before moving into acting, singing, and stunt work. he moved to Los Angeles around 1957 to pursue an entertainment career.
Birth + Ancestry
- March 1, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois
- His mother was only 17 years old when he was born, and shortly divorced their father
- Ancestry: His paternal great-grandparents emigrated from Germany to Chicago in the 1800s
Chicago Activities
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1930s: Lived in Chicago as a young child, surrounded by his family, including his mother, Alice Jacqueline Hartman, who worked in show business.
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1940s: Attended school and developed an interest in physical fitness, boxing, and performing.
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1950s: Worked odd jobs around Chicago, including loading trucks and singing in local clubs. This period marked the early stages of his passion for entertainment and performing.
Chicago Schools
Robert Conrad attended several schools in Chicago, including Hyde Park High School and South Shore High School. He briefly studied at Northwestern University before deciding to focus on his career.
Chicago Work
While living in Chicago, Robert Conrad worked in various capacities, including as a milk truck driver and nightclub singer. These experiences helped shape his resilient, charismatic persona that later defined his career in Hollywood.
Chicago Residences
His family lived at these addresses in Chicago:
- 1900s: 962 36th St
- 1920s: 5156 S Marshfield (Leonard Falk-father, Emil + Minnie Falk-grandparents)
- 1930s: 9307 Throop St. (August Falk - great-grandfather, 6215 Bishop St. (mother + grandparents)
- 1940s: 8459 Ada St. (Jacqueline Smith - mother remarried, George Smith - stepfather)
