An American actor known for his frequent collaborations with director John Cassavetes, he was born in 1935 in Detroit, Michigan. He gained recognition for his role in "Faces" (1968), earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His career spanned over five decades, appearing in films such as "Minnie and Moskowitz" (1971), "Rushmore" (1998), and "The Royal Tenenbaums" (2001). Known for his distinctive presence, he became a beloved character actor in independent cinema.