Born in Pennsylvania in 1920, he served in the Army Air Forces during World War II before pursuing a career in acting. He gained recognition in the 1940s and 1950s, appearing in films like "Battleground" and "Father of the Bride." Transitioning to directing, he worked on TV and films such as "Escape from the Planet of the Apes." His career spanned several decades, contributing significantly to the industry until his passing in 1998.