Born in Long Beach, Long Island, NY; educated at Hollywood High, Los Angeles. Compact, baby-faced utility player of Hollywood films, he began as a delivery boy at 20th Century-Fox. Beginning in 1943 (GUADALCANAL DIARY), he played a mixed variety of screen roles -- combat cowards, heavies, pugnacious heroes, misguided youths, and even some romantic parts. He was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar® for SOMETIMES A GREAT NOTION (1971). (I can still remember his death scene -- more than 35 years later!) Notable screen credits include BATTLEGROUND and SANDS OF IWO JIMA (both 1949), MY SON JOHN and COME BACK, LITTLE SHEBA (both 1952), THE NAKED AND THE DEAD (1958), THE GALLANT HOURS (1960), TOWN WITHOUT PITY and 4 FOR TEXAS (both 1961), THE YOUNG AND THE BRAVE (1963), THE DIRTY DOZEN (1967), THE DEVIL'S BRIGADE (1968), CHISUM (1970), WALKING TALL PART II (1975), GRIZZLY (1976), AIRPLANE II: THE SEQUEL (1982), STARMAN (1984). His last feature film was THE KING OF THE KICKBOXERS (1991). He appeared extensively on television in series, mini-series and made-for-TV movies.  Nominated for Supporting Actor 1971: SOMETIMES A GREAT NOTION (a.k.a. "Never Give an Inch") 1 nomination