Born on January 26, 1918, in West Virginia, he was a professional football player before transitioning to acting. After serving in World War II, he played for the Philadelphia Eagles in the late 1940s. His rugged appearance suited him for Westerns and action films. Relocating to Europe, he became a familiar face in Spaghetti Westerns. Over his career, he appeared in numerous films and TV shows, often as a supporting actor. He passed away on January 6, 1998, leaving a diverse legacy in sports and cinema.