Born on December 27, 1879, in Sandwich, England, he initially pursued a career in business before turning to the stage. He became a prominent figure in British and American theater, known for his commanding presence. His film debut came at age 61 in "The Maltese Falcon" (1941), where his portrayal of the villainous Kasper Gutman earned him an Academy Award nomination. Despite a brief film career, he became iconic for roles in classics like "Casablanca" (1942). He retired in 1951 and passed away in 1954.