Born in New York City on July 10, 1905, he began his acting career on stage before transitioning to film in the 1940s. Known for his robust character roles, he became a familiar face in Hollywood, often portraying villains or authority figures. He earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Ride the Pink Horse" (1947). His career spanned several decades, including appearances in both television and film. He passed away on June 18, 1971.