Born on September 29, 1925, in Huntsville, Texas, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II before pursuing a career in acting. He studied at UCLA and began his Hollywood career in the early 1950s, appearing in films like "So Big" and "The Long Gray Line." Known for his rugged good looks and commanding presence, he gained fame in the 1970s for his role in the TV series "S.W.A.T." He continued acting in various roles on screen and television, leaving a memorable mark on the industry before passing away on May 18, 2013.