Born in Canada and raised in Milwaukee, he became a prominent character actor in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. Known for his comedic timing and affable on-screen persona, he appeared in numerous films alongside stars like Humphrey Bogart and Doris Day. He frequently played the likable sidekick or bumbling friend, excelling in both comedy and drama. His career spanned radio, film, and television, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry before his death in 1963.