DEAR ABBY: Although Mr. Robinson played, as you said, "heavies" on screen, he also spent years on the stage -- beginning with the Garrick Theater in New York during the 1920s.
In 1951, he returned to the stage in a starring role in "Darkness at Noon." I was fortunate to see the play when it came to San Francisco. He was superb.
I also saw most of his movies. He was a great actor. Mr. Robinson's autobiography, "All My Yesterdays," is one of the best books by an actor I've ever read.
Here in San Francisco a few years ago, a tribute to Edward G. Robinson was held at Herbst International Exhibition Hall, featuring excerpts from some of his films. The hall was packed. The first time he appeared on the screen, everyone in the audience stood up and applauded. He was loved by many classic movie buffs. -- PATRICIA ANDERSON, SAN FRANCISCO
DEAR PATRICIA: And he's fondly remembered by many fans -- old and new -- today.