Robert Young's Legacy Beyond the Screen
For six long years, the legendary actor Robert Young became the face of Sanka coffee, promoting it as "good coffee that makes good sense." But what many didn't know was the heartfelt reason behind his decision to take on these commercials. "He did those commercials so he could put his six grandchildren through college," his daughter Carol Proffitt revealed in an interview with Closer. "They all graduated from some of the best schools in the country—Yale, USC, and more. He was incredibly proud of them." This act of devotion shows just how much Robert valued education and family above all else.
The Dual Life of a Hollywood Legend
While Robert Young was famous for portraying the loving and wise Jim Anderson in Father Knows Best and the compassionate doctor Marcus Welby in Marcus Welby, M.D., these characters only scratched the surface of who he truly was. Beneath the warm and family-oriented persona lay a man grappling with deep personal challenges. Despite his public image, Robert quietly battled severe depression and alcoholism throughout his life. "He was a very thoughtful, caring person, but he wasn’t easy to understand," Carol explained. "There was more to him than what people saw on TV." Robert’s struggles were a private matter, and he worked hard to shield his family from the darker sides of his life.
A Hollywood Love Story
Robert and his wife, Betty, met in high school and tied the knot in 1933, shortly after Robert signed with MGM Studios. In the early years of his career, he co-starred in over 100 films, often alongside Hollywood legends like Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, and Katharine Hepburn. While Robert’s roles were often secondary, his charm and talent shone through. The couple lived a glamorous life, owning multiple homes and befriending some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
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Family Life Among the Stars
Carol Proffitt, one of Robert and Betty’s four daughters, fondly remembers her childhood growing up in this world of fame and fortune. "When I was 5 years old, Daddy asked me what I wanted for my birthday," she recalled. "I said I wanted a pony, and he made it happen. I named her Gypsy." The Young family often enjoyed outdoor adventures, heading up into the mountains near their ranch in Tarzana, California, for Sunday cookouts. "We’d invite friends like Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy," Carol reminisced. "The chauffeur would load up the station wagon with all the BBQ essentials, and I’d ride my horse while Mom guided me with a leash. It was magical."
A Career in Television
By the 1950s, Robert had transitioned to television, where he found immense success. He famously said of his role as Jim Anderson in Father Knows Best, "I’d like to be the father, but not a boob." His portrayal of the wise and loving patriarch earned him two Emmy Awards. Despite suggestions to make the show edgier, Robert remained committed to its wholesome values. "That would have been like taking a beautiful painting and obliterating it with black paint," he once remarked. His dedication to authenticity resonated deeply with audiences.
Struggles Behind the Smile
Despite his success, Robert faced significant personal challenges. "Mother and Daddy did everything they could to protect us, but it was a hard childhood," Carol admitted. "Daddy knew he had problems with drinking and depression, but back then, you didn’t talk about these things. You were supposed to be the Father Knows Best family—perfect and without problems." In an effort to overcome his struggles, Robert joined Alcoholics Anonymous and sought mental health treatment for his depression. However, setbacks were inevitable. In 1991, at the age of 84, he attempted to take his own life after a night of heavy drinking. Though he eventually passed away from natural causes at the age of 91, his battles with addiction and mental health were lifelong.
Remembering Robert Young
Despite the challenges he faced, Robert’s legacy is one of humor, kindness, and authenticity. "So many stories were about drinking and depression, but that’s not who Daddy was," Carol said. "He had a great sense of humor and believed that the best you can do is be yourself." His children and grandchildren remember him not just as a TV icon but as a loving father and grandfather who valued family above all else.
—With reporting by Amanda Champagne-Meadows
For more on this story, pick up the latest issue of Closer magazine, on newsstands now.
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