Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Annapolis graduate and theatre owner who began his stage career as a black-face entertainer in minstrel shows, then went on to the New York stage in dramas (The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, Paid in Full, etc.) and in musical comedies. In 1921, he made his screen debut in THE JOURNEY'S END. His first film for Paramount, CODE OF THE WEST (1925), brought him to the attention of director James Cruze, who cast him in THE PONY EXPRESS (1925). Strongly built, he soon developed into one of the most accomplished heavies, with a smooth style of villainy that was especially effective as a pre-Cagney gangster in Josef von Sternberg's UNDERWORLD (1927) and THE DOCKS OF NEW YORK (1928). Also played tough "good guy" leads and supporting parts. In 1942 he retired to become a rancher. He was married to former actress Octavia Brooke.    Nominated for Actor 1928-29: THUNDERBOLT 1 nomination