Born in Brooklyn the son of immigrants - his father was Lebanese; his mother Israeli.
Discovered acting in high school.
Drafted into the military, he spent his time serving by appearing in a revue called "Rolling Along".
He was a childhood friend of Peter Falk and later starred alongside him in several Columbo episodes.
Instantly recognizable portraying "Jewish Everyman" roles, whether a working class or white collar character.
Made his Broadway debut in 1956 as a replacement for James Komack in the role of Rocky in the hit musical "Damn Yankees!".
Was a drama major at Syracuse University.
Was a last minute replacement to star in I Wonder Who's Killing Her Now? (1975) when the film's producer couldn't insure the originally-planned star, Peter Sellers, due to the actor's heart condition.
Was nominated for Broadway's 1977 Tony Award as Best Actor (Featured Role - Play" for "Sly Fox."
Won a Drama Desk award in 1977 for his role as Truckle in Sly Fox.
Worked as a comedian at the Catskills "Borscht Belt" circuit.