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October 07, 2008

Actor Turned Activist Robert Arthur Dies

Baby-faced actor Robert Arthur, who starred in classic films with Bing Crosby, Gregory Peck, and Ronald Reagan, only to segue into the role of a gay rights activist, died October 1 in Aberdeen, Wash., at the age of 83.

After serving in the Navy, Arthur went to Hollywood, where he was cast in bit parts before landing a role in the 1948 western Green Grass of Wyoming. He had steady work after that in films such as Twelve O'Clock High and Hellcats of the Navy.

Some of his most memorable films were September Affair with Joan Fontaine, the Billy Wilder-directed Ace in the Hole, and the Jane Wyman film Just for You. Arthur left Hollywood in the 1960s and tried his hand at various careers, including insurance, the Los Angeles Times reports.

But it was as an activist for gay seniors that Arthur may be most fondly remembered. In 1980, Arthur established a nonprofit public-benefit corporation that aided gay and lesbian seniors. The former actor also was involved with the Log Cabin Republicans. (Neal Broverman, The Advocate) 

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