Tamarac resident Bobby Breen was presented with the “Forest Trace Honorary Octogenarian: Turn Back Time” award on Wednesday, February 15 in the Jennie Grossinger Theatre to the applause of over 100 residents. He was introduced by Marvel Comic artist and previous recipient of the award, Allen Bellman, also a Tamarac resident, and the award was presented by Stanley Rosenthal, owner’s representative of Forest Trace.
Breen, a native of Canada, was discovered by Eddie Cantor in 1936 and became the leading child star at RKO Studios. He performed at Radio City Music Hall and rubbed elbows with Shirley Temple and Elizabeth Taylor. He is best remembered today for his films, and for the fact he was a boy soprano. His first film was Let’s Sing Again (1936), followed by eight more, including Rainbow on the River (1936), Make a Wish (1937), Way Down South (1939), and his last film, Johnny Doughboy (1942).
Bobby performed as an actor and singer all around the world with Mickey Rooney during World War II. Proudly, he was chosen to be included on the cover of the Beatle’s Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album.
He and his wife, Audrey, own Bobby Breen Enterprises, a company that books entertainment for cruises and military bases.