Came to Hollywood in 1935 to play in the Hollywood group theater's production of "Waiting for Lefty. After it closed he had a total of $4 to his name and had to hop freight trains to return to New York.
Briefly left the New York theater to work as an athletic counselor at a boys camp project.
Played a leading role in Edward Chodorov's anti-fascist play "Decision" at the Vanguard in Hollywood in 1945.
Will Geer gave him his start on Broadway.
Joined the Group Theater and appeared in the road company of "Golden Boy.".