Robert Tobias Andrews (born Reginald Frank Andrews; 20 February 1895 – 17 January 1976) was a British stage and film actor. He is perhaps best known as the long-term companion of Ivor Novello.
Early life
Robert Andrews was born in Camden Town, the son of Walter Andrews (1861–1935), a horse bus inspector, and his wife Ada Harriet, née Judd (1864–1946). He was the younger brother of actress Maidie Andrews.
Career
Andrews began his stage acting career at age eleven. He made his first stage appearance in the play Shore Acres in 1906. His child actor contemporaries included Noël Coward and Philip Tonge. Coward referred to Andrews as Tonge's "only serious rival" among the "boy actors" of the London theatre. a role for which he received significant acclaim. Andrews' "finished and sympathetic performance" was described as "the success of [Her Son<nowiki/>'s] première," "a genuine and surprising triumph" In 1911, he briefly worked in Chicago, acting in the play The Backsliders, before returning to London theatre. In 1921, he appeared as Charles Deburau in the play Deburau; Deburau also featured Andrews's lover Ivor Novello's debut performance. Andrews starred in a number of Novello's theater productions, beginning with the play Fresh Fields in 1932.
Personal life
Andrews first met Ivor Novello in 1916, while Novello was attending the opera with his friend Edward Marsh. Andrews and Novello eventually became lovers. Andrews was also responsible for introducing Novello to Noël Coward in 1916, at Coward's request.
Death
Andrews died in 1976 at his family home, 37 St Mary's Mansions, Paddington.