Robert James Mackenroth

Robert James Mackenroth, aka Robert Dolphin (Stage Name)

Robert passed away on March 31, 2008 at the Siena Care Nursing Home in Auburn, Calif. He was 83 years old.

Born August 8, 1924 in Minneapolis, Minn., he moved with his family to Akron, Ohio in 1939 where he graduated from Stow High School in 1943. Shortly thereafter, he entered the U.S. Army serving in the Signal Corps directing P-61 "Black Widow" night fighter craft into Western Europe after the invasion of Normandy. After the war, he spent the next few years working in the family business before going to Los Angeles to study acting at the Geller Theatre Workshop. After a brief return to Ohio, he moved to New York City where he had lived and worked for over the past 50 years.

Entering the cosmetics field and representing such names as Revlon, Max Factor and Adrien Arpel, he quickly became one of the city's prominent cosmetic specialists culminating in a 28 year career at Boomingdale's in Manhattan as one of their leading make-up artists.

Complimenting his professional status in the make-up world, Bob pursued a singing and dance career appearing in numerous theater productions, musicals and TV commercials throughout the 1960's and 70's. Gaining a reputation as a standout nightclub performer, Bob became known as the consummate "entertainer" and could be seen as late as last year still "knocking them dead" singing and dancing the "blues" at such notable New York clubs as the Lennox Lounge and Birdland.

His theatrical skills carried over into his make-up work where he achieved celerity status lavishing his non-stop, performance energy on all his clientele. To quote his friend and devoted client, Dody Goodman, "Being made up by Bob Dolphin was always a theatrical event!"

While maintaining his busy New York life style through the fall of 2007, Bob's health took a turn for the worse. By the end of the year, he found it necessary to come to California to live at his brother's home.

He is survived by his two brothers, David Mackenroth of Newcastle, Calif., and Steven Mackenroth of Sacramento, Calif.. His sparkling wit and charm will be missed by his family and friends.

Any remembrance donations can be sent to the Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center, P.O. Box 7733, Auburn, CA 95603.

His memorial service in California will be held at the home of David and Gail Mackenroth in Newcastle, Calif., this Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 4 p.m.