Born on July 4, 1931, in Glengormley, Northern Ireland, he began his acting career on stage before transitioning to film in the 1950s. Gaining fame for his role in "Ben-Hur" (1959), he became known for his intense performances and striking presence. Throughout the 1960s, he starred in various Hollywood films, including "The Fall of the Roman Empire" and "Fantastic Voyage." Although his career waned in the 1970s, he continued to act until his untimely death in 1977.