Originating from Owensboro, Kentucky, he defied family expectations of law or trade to pursue acting, beginning in summer stock with Don Ameche in 1928, moving to New York in 1931 and studying at the Actors Studio. After a Broadway debut in 1934 and a film debut in 1940, his career paused for naval service in World II, then resumed with a praised turn in Adam's Rib (1949) that opened doors to Holl…
