Based on the 1930 Federal Census, his father was a Station Agent and his mother had no profession. Robert was, at that time, an only child. At the time of the census, Robert had not yet turned 17. Robert's father, Louis R Hanks was born in Illinois about 1885 (grandparents from Ky and Ind) and his mother, Leah E, was born in Texas about 1892 (her parents were also native Texans); they were married about 1910, and lived in a home that they owned.
Largely unknown to his family and friends, Bob had several major collections of a wide variety of items, including tie pins, political campaign memorabilia, golf memorabilia, and one of the widest and most varied assortment of suits imaginable.
Related on his father's side to Nancy Hanks, Abraham Lincoln's natural mother.
Singer and dancer.
Started out as a singer in Kansas City with Slats Randall's orchestra.
Was the second actor to play Batman (Batman and Robin (1949)).