Born in Avoca, Iowa, he moved to Los Angeles during childhood. He began acting in the 1950s and gained fame for his role as Tony in "West Side Story" (1961). His career spans over six decades, including notable performances in "The Diary of Anne Frank" (1959) and "Twin Peaks" (1990-1991, 2017). Aside from acting, he has pursued photography and filmmaking. His diverse body of work and contributions to both film and television highlight his enduring presence in the entertainment industry.