First TV role came in "Hands of Murder," as series of live plays on the DuMont Television Network in 1949.
First wife, Nancy Chase, was a stage actress. They had two children: Jency and Jon. Second wife was also an actress, Alice Hirson, whom he met on Broadway in 1964, but did not marry until 1980. He became the stepfather of her two children: David Hirson and Christopher Hirson. He was survived by three grandchildren at the time of his death in 2005.
Gruff, exacting, manly American character actor best remembered on film for playing Dudley Moore's wealthy, animal trophy-displaying father-in-law-to-be in the hit comedy Arthur (1981).
He died only one day after J.D. Cannon, with whom he had appeared in the "Law & Order" (1990) episode "Law & Order: The Secret Sharers (#1.18)" (1991).
Played Jane Wyman's ex-husband on the prime time soap "Falcon Crest" (1981) for one season.
Played Prestor in NPR's Star Wars radio drama.
Studied with prominent acting coach Sanford Meisner from 1940-1942.
Was nominated for Broadway's 1967 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Feature Actor (Dramatic) for a revival of "Marat/Sade."