Born on November 21, 1920, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was an American actor known for his rugged charm and versatility. He gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s, notably starring in the film noir classic "Kiss Me Deadly" (1955) as the hard-boiled detective Mike Hammer. His career spanned stage, film, and television, including roles in "The Dirty Dozen" (1967) and "Paths of Glory" (1957). Despite his early success, his career waned in later years. He passed away on August 5, 1988.