Born in Seattle, WA. Stage actor who made his screen debut as Biff in DEATH OF A SALESMAN (1951) and starred in Don Siegel's sci-fi classic, INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956). Over the next 10 years he alternated leads in small movies (such as 1956's NIGHTMARE with supporting roles in larger movies (such as 1961's THE MISFITS in which he's Marilyn Monroe's husband, and 1964's THE BEST MAN). In recent years, director Joe Dante, an inveterate fan, has cast McCarthy in colorful roles in a number of his films, including THE HOWLING (1981), TWILIGHT ZONE - THE MOVIE (1983), INNERSPACE (1987), and MATINEE (1993). He can still be seen both in large-scale theatrical films and madefor-video cheapies, though he takes greater pride, no doubt, in his longrunning stage vehicle Give 'Em Hell, Harry! (as Harry Truman). Brother of novelist Mary McCarthy; cousin of U.S. Senator and 1968 presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy.  Nominated for Supporting Actor 1951: DEATH OF A SALESMAN 1 nomination