Born in Albany, New York, he began his acting career in theater before transitioning to film and television. He gained recognition for his portrayal of President John F. Kennedy in a 1974 TV docudrama and later became well-known for his role as Greg Sumner on the television series "Knots Landing." His film credits include "Marathon Man," "Family Plot," and "Rolling Thunder." Known for his versatile performances, he often plays authoritative figures and has appeared in numerous TV series and commercials.