Actor. Beginning his career in vaudeville, he soon found himself performing as a radio actor on such series as "Lux Radio Theatre," "Suspense," "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," "Meet the Missus," and "Duffy's Tavern." Upon being introduced to director Sam Newfield while attending a dinner party at Ciro's Nightclub, it was arranged he have an appearance in "The Contender" (1944). From there, he would go on to a career as a character actor in over 20 features; including such films as "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), "He Walked by Night" (1948), "Mrs. O'Malley and Mr. Malone" (1950), "Queen for a Day" (1951), "The Day of the Wolves" (1971), "How to Seduce a Woman" (1971), and "The Strongest Man in the World" (1975). On television, he appeared in such programs as "Mister Ed," "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color," "Batman," "Green Acres," "Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre," "The Monroes," "Gunsmoke," "I Dream of Jeannie," "Lancer," "The D.A.," "Adam-12," "Emergency!," "Dusty's Trail," "Apple's Way," "Ironside," and "Police Story." During his career, he was a celebrity spokesman for Quaker Oats and Alcoholics Anonymous, was the host of "Truth or Consequences" and "Place the Faces." He was married to secretary Carol Bailey and after her death to housewife Jean Bailey. Following his 1975 retirement, he spent the remainder of his life as a regular attendee at autograph conventions and was involved in charitable and religious causes.
Actor. Beginning his career in vaudeville, he soon found himself performing as a radio actor on such series as "Lux Radio Theatre," "Suspense," "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," "Meet the Missus," and "Duffy's Tavern." Upon being introduced to director Sam Newfield while attending a dinner party at Ciro's Nightclub, it was arranged he have an appearance in "The Contender" (1944). From there, he would go on to a career as a character actor in over 20 features; including such films as "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), "He Walked by Night" (1948), "Mrs. O'Malley and Mr. Malone" (1950), "Queen for a Day" (1951), "The Day of the Wolves" (1971), "How to Seduce a Woman" (1971), and "The Strongest Man in the World" (1975). On television, he appeared in such programs as "Mister Ed," "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color," "Batman," "Green Acres," "Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre," "The Monroes," "Gunsmoke," "I Dream of Jeannie," "Lancer," "The D.A.," "Adam-12," "Emergency!," "Dusty's Trail," "Apple's Way," "Ironside," and "Police Story." During his career, he was a celebrity spokesman for Quaker Oats and Alcoholics Anonymous, was the host of "Truth or Consequences" and "Place the Faces." He was married to secretary Carol Bailey and after her death to housewife Jean Bailey. Following his 1975 retirement, he spent the remainder of his life as a regular attendee at autograph conventions and was involved in charitable and religious causes.
Bio by: Lowell Thurgood
