American actor and occasional screenwriter. One of the most frequently seen heavies in films and television programs of the 1950s, his name is nevertheless well known only to buffs. Occasionally he played minor leads and sympathetic characters, but his stern good looks and rich deep voice made him a memorable villain, particularly in Westerns.
Godson of noted horticulturist Luther Burbank.
During World War II he joined the US Army Air Corps and was a navigator and bombardier, flying many bombing missions over Germany.
Remembered as being the man who gives Robert Horton 20 lashes with a bullwhip in the TV series episode "Wagon Train" {The Traitor (#5.11)} , broadcast 13 December 1961.
Was the son of a prominent California proctologist.
Was a child prodigy who sang on radio and gave violin and piano recitals while still in his early teens.
Studied acting with Maria Ouspenskaya.
Everybody seemed to like him, including myself. .
