Born on May 27, 1911, in St. Louis, Missouri, he became an iconic American actor known for his distinctive voice and roles in horror films. He studied at Yale and the University of London, launching his career on stage before transitioning to film in the 1930s. He gained fame in classics like "House of Wax" and "The Fly." Beyond acting, he was an art connoisseur, author, and gourmet cook. His career spanned over five decades, leaving a lasting legacy in cinema and pop culture. He passed away on October 25, 1993.