born in pennsylvania, u.s.. his first role was in a short movie "the last installment: a crime does not pay subject" (1945), that same year he was cast in "what next, corporal hargrove?" by richard thorpe. also had a role in the movie "they were expendable" (1945), john wayne. in 1948 he landed the role of lieutenant ansel goldberg, in the classic war movie "command decision", with clark gable.