Born in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada. Character player of the American stage, TV, and films, usually in comic support, but sometimes in menacing roles. From 1955 until 1988, he appeared in almost 100 television episodes, first as just a working actor, then as a guest star. Appearing in almost 90 feature films, his first feature credit was RED, HOT AND BLUE in 1949. He was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar® for his performance in THE APARTMENT (1960). Other notable film credits include THE WAR OF THE WORLDS (1953), THE LONG, LONG TRAILER (1954), THE BENNY GOODMAN STORY (1955), THE BUCCANEER (1958), LOVER COME BACK (1961), CAPE FEAR (1962), THE HAPPENING (1967), FREEBIE AND THE BEAN (1974); his last film was 'TIL THERE WAS YOU as Mr. Katz (1997).  Nominated for Supporting Actor 1960: THE APARTMENT 1 nomination