Born in 1901 in New York City, he rose to fame in the 1930s with roles in films like "Bad Girl" and "Bright Eyes," where he starred alongside Shirley Temple. Known for his boyish charm and affable on-screen presence, he captured audiences during Hollywood's Golden Age. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" in 1945. Despite struggles with alcoholism, he continued acting in both film and television until his death in 1967.