Born in Hunt, IL. Folk balladeer turned film actor whose trademark paunch and Mephistophelean beard were exploited in mainly villainous or Southern patrician roles. Probably best known as "Big Daddy" in Richard Brooks's screen version of CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (1958), he also performed in THE BIG COUNTRY and DESIRE UNDER THE ELMS that same year.  Supporting Actor 1958: THE BIG COUNTRY 1 nomination, 1 Award