Character actor who typically played large, boorish, characters in dozens of films. In 1951, he appeared in Angels in the Outfield, and in 1959, he played a role in The Mating Game.
He was an aspiring actor in school, and for a brief while played professional football. He became a popular Sportscaster and then became an actor on Broadway.
Despite having no reputation in Hollywood before he was a recognizable star, he was already unafraid to turn down movie parts that did not meet his standards.
He was married five times, and once married Virginia Field.
He refused to play a role in the Clark Gable film, Any Number Can Play becace he and Gable had an earlier unresolved tiff over a woman.
