An American actor, born on June 14, 1889, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, USA. His father was a Presbyterian minister of English origin. While studying at the University of Wisconsin, he started being involved in drama. He appeared in theaters before entering the field of Hollywood's films. He gained experience directing and producing on stage and became well known for playing elderly men on screen and stage. He has participated in more than 200 TV and film productions. He appeared in several western films and worked with many cowboy actors. His notable works include The Grapes of Wrath (1940), Code of the Silver Sage (1950), and Foxfire (1955). He was married to Doris Waller until he passed away at the age of 88 on August 20, 1977, in Los Angeles, California, USA, from a stroke.