Likable, craggy-faced, heavy-set stage veteran who became a busy character actor in film and TV of the 1980s and 90s. After 23 seasons as a resident actor with the Arena Stage Theater in Washington, DC, Prosky made his film debut as an initially ingratiating gangster in Michael Mann's "Thief" (1981). He came to prominence as the endearing Sgt. Jablonski who replaced Michael Conrad's Sgt. Esterhaus ("Let's be careful out there!") at the opening of each episode of TV's "Hill Street Blues." Prosky became a familiar TV face in a succession of TV movies, pilots, and guest spots.Prosky's 80s feature credits include "Christine" (1983), "The Natural" (1984), "Broadcast News" (1987) and David Mamet's "Things Change" (1988) where he turned in a memorable performance as the avuncular mob boss. Prosky kept busy in the 90s providing sturdy support in a diverse group of films including "Gremlins 2: The New Batch" and "Green Card" (both 1990) and "Hoffa" and "Far and Away" (both 1992). 1993 found him in "The Last Action Hero", as a kindly old projectionist with a magic ticket, "Rudy", as a supportive priest, and "Mrs. Doubtfire", as a TV producer who helps out Robin Williams.
Profession(s):
Actor, acting teacher, grocer
Sometimes Credited As:
Robert Porzuczek
Helen Hayes Award The American Express Tribute 1998
Outer Critics Circle Award Actor in a Play "A Walk in the Woods" 1988
Special Drama Desk Award Outstanding Ensemble Performance "Glengarry Glen Ross" 1984
2006 Starred in the comedy "Suits on the Loose" helmed by Rodney Henson
2001 Returned to sitcoms as Daniel Stern's father in "Danny" (CBS); sitcom cancelled after only airing twice
1995 - 1996 Played Thomas Edison in the Off-Broadway play "Camping with Henry and Tom"; co-starred with son John Prosky; later recreated role at the Pasadena Playhouse
1988 Starred opposite Sam Waterston in Lee Blessing's Broadway drama "A Walk in the Woods"; earned second Tony Award nomination
1984 Nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross"
1984 Joined the cast of "Hill Street Blues" as Sgt. Stanislaus Jablonski
1981 Feature acting debut, "Thief"
1945 At age 15, played the stage manager in a high school production of "Our Town"
Joined Air Force and served in the Korean War after graduating from college
Received an honorable discharge from the military after the death of his father
Returned home and took over the family grocery
Continued to act in amateur productions
Joined Old Academy Players, Philadelphia
Won an amateur TV dramatic contest
Awarded a scholarship at New York's American Theatre Wing
Spent 23 seasons as a resident actor with the Arena Stage Theatre, Washington DC
Appeared in over 150 plays
Co-starred in the NBC sitcom "Veronica's Closet"
