Robert Preston Meservey ( June 8 , 1918 – March 21 , 1987 ) was an American stage and film actor best remembered for originating the role of Professor Harold Hill in the 1957 musical '' The Music Man '' and the 1962 film adaptation ; the film earned him his first of two Golden Globe Award nominations . Preston collaborated twice with filmmaker Blake Edwards , first in '' S.O.B. '' ( 1981 ) and again in '' Victor/Victoria '' ( 1982 ) . For portraying Carroll " Toddy " Todd in the latter , he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor at the 55th Academy Awards
55th Academy Awards
55th Academy Awards
Robert Preston (actor)