Born in 1930 in New York City, he was a prominent American actor known for his intense performances. He studied at the Actors Studio and gained attention on Broadway with "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Transitioning to film, he collaborated frequently with director John Cassavetes on projects like "Husbands" and "The Killing of a Chinese Bookie." He also appeared in "Anatomy of a Murder" and "Road House." His career spanned over five decades, marked by a distinctive presence on screen and stage.