Born Ira Dean Jagger in Columbus Grove, OH. A vaudeville and stage actor since the 1920s, he made his film debut in 1929, developing into a fine lead and character actor. Bald, robust, and personable, he played a variety of roles, from men of action to men of dreams. He won an Academy Award as best supporting actor for TWELVE O'CLOCK HIGH (1949). He also essayed the title role in BRIGHAM YOUNG FRONTIERSMAN (1940), a well-remembered effort. Jagger's few leads include a 1935 Zane Grey Western for Paramount, WANDERER OF THE WASTELAND, a 1936 Poverty Row thriller, REVOLT OF THE ZOMBIES (1936), and WHEN STRANGERS MARRY (1944) an unheralded little B thriller of surprising quality, co-starring Jagger with Kim Hunter and Robert Mitchum and directed by William Castle. His work also included much on TV, including the "Mr. Novak" series. Other notable film credits include WESTERN UNION (1941), THE NORTH STAR (1943), SISTER KENNY (1946), RAWHIDE (1951), MY SON JOHN (1952), THE ROBE (1953), WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954), BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK (1955), KING CREOLE (1958), THE NUN'S STORY (1959), ELMER GANTRY (1960), BILLY ROSE'S JUMBO (1962), THE KREMLIN LETTER (1970) and his last film, EVIL TOWN (1987).  Supporting Actor 1949: TWELVE O'CLOCK HIGH 1 nomination, 1 Award