Born in New York City. Gritty-voiced character player of the American stage and screen. He dropped out of high school to pursue a career in acting. He played a number of bit parts in the 1940s and 50s and was featured in Kazan's AMERICA, AMERICA (1963). He was named Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for his role as an unhappy married businessman in John Cassavetes's FACES (1968) and was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ali MacGraw's father in LOVE STORY (1970). Perhaps best remembered as the studio head who was the recipient of "an offer he can't refuse" in THE GODFATHER (1972). Other notable credits include CAT BALLOU (1965), BLADE (1973), W.C. FIELDS AND ME (1976), HOOPER (1978) and TRIBUTE (1980). He appeared extensively on television as a guest star on series and in made-for-TV movies. He died in Los Angeles in 1984 after open heart surgery. His son is actor Ben Marley.  Nominated for Supporting Actor 1970: LOVE STORY 1 nomination