Actor. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, he began his career as a ventriloquist and radio performer shortly after leaving school. During World War II, he served in the United States Army's Special Services Branch in a performance troupe called "Hank's Yank's" as a ventriloquist with a dummy called "MacGregor." He first appeared in film in 1948, in an uncredited role in "The Babe Ruth Story," only gaining a credit some six years later in the potboiler "The Big Chase," which was swiftly followed by a role in "The Seven Little Foys," and several more uncredited parts. By 1958 he had also debuted on television, becoming a regular on "The George Gobel Show," which led to a season with "The Joey Bishop Show" in 1961, as well as numerous guest roles in such programs such as "Twilight Zone," "Gunsmoke," and a recurring role in "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet." In 1962 he landed what would become his signature role, that of Captain Binghamton on the television series "McHale's Navy." The series ran until 1966 and spawned two theatrical movies. From 1968 he was a staple performer at the Disney studio, with an appearances in "The Love Bug" (1969) and nine other films, "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" (1969), "Million Dollar Duck" (1971), and "Now You See Him, Now You Don't" (1972). At the same time he spearheaded a movement on behalf of the Screen Actors' Guild for more equitable distribution of television residual payments. Shortly after completing voice-over work for Disney, his body was discovered in the family swimming pool, the victim of an apparent heart attack, which had led to death by drowning. His final films, "The Strongest Man in the World" and "The Rescuers," were released posthumously.
Actor. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, he began his career as a ventriloquist and radio performer shortly after leaving school. During World War II, he served in the United States Army's Special Services Branch in a performance troupe called "Hank's Yank's" as a ventriloquist with a dummy called "MacGregor." He first appeared in film in 1948, in an uncredited role in "The Babe Ruth Story," only gaining a credit some six years later in the potboiler "The Big Chase," which was swiftly followed by a role in "The Seven Little Foys," and several more uncredited parts. By 1958 he had also debuted on television, becoming a regular on "The George Gobel Show," which led to a season with "The Joey Bishop Show" in 1961, as well as numerous guest roles in such programs such as "Twilight Zone," "Gunsmoke," and a recurring role in "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet." In 1962 he landed what would become his signature role, that of Captain Binghamton on the television series "McHale's Navy." The series ran until 1966 and spawned two theatrical movies. From 1968 he was a staple performer at the Disney studio, with an appearances in "The Love Bug" (1969) and nine other films, "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" (1969), "Million Dollar Duck" (1971), and "Now You See Him, Now You Don't" (1972). At the same time he spearheaded a movement on behalf of the Screen Actors' Guild for more equitable distribution of television residual payments. Shortly after completing voice-over work for Disney, his body was discovered in the family swimming pool, the victim of an apparent heart attack, which had led to death by drowning. His final films, "The Strongest Man in the World" and "The Rescuers," were released posthumously.
Bio by: Iola
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