An American character actor with a career spanning over six decades, he was born on September 18, 1920, in Newark, New Jersey. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before pursuing acting. Gaining recognition in the 1950s, he became known for his roles in films like "12 Angry Men" and "Shampoo." With a knack for playing gruff yet endearing characters, he earned two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor. He passed away on July 19, 2006, leaving behind a rich legacy in film and television.