bosley was born on october 1, 1927 in chicago, illinois, the son of dora (née heyman) and benjamin bosley. although well known for playing a catholic priest-and numerous protestants-bosley was actually jewish. during world war ii, bosley served in the united states navy. while attending depaul university, in chicago. in 1947 bosley's stage career began in "our town" with the canterbury players at the fine arts theatre. bosley performed at the woodstock opera house in woodstock, illinois, in 1949 and 1950 alongside paul newman.