Born on May 7, 1922, in Spokane, Washington, he was a versatile American actor with a career spanning over five decades. He gained prominence in the 1950s with roles in film, television, and theater. Known for his rugged charm and distinctive voice, he starred in "The Night Stalker" as Carl Kolchak, which became a cult classic. He also appeared in "A Christmas Story" as the Old Man. His work earned him an Emmy Award, showcasing his talent across genres. He passed away on February 25, 2006.