Brought to the US in 1920 by his maternal grandfather, violinist Leopold Auer, from whom he took his stage name. Attended New York's Ethical Culture school, then turned to the theater. He was appearing in the play Magda on Broadway when director Frank Tuttle offered him a part in the film SOMETHING ALWAYS HAPPENS (1928). For several years he appeared in films in small parts, mostly as a villain. The turning point in his career came with his hilarious performance in Gregory La Cava's MY MAN GODFREY (1936), for which he was nominated for an Oscar. His long, sad face, bulging eyes, and droll accent enlivened many a production, and he became one of Hollywood's most popular supporting actors, typically in eccentric, comic roles. He appeared in some 60 American films before settling in Europe, where he played in many more.    Nominated for Supporting Actor 1936: MY MAN GODFREY 1 nomination