Was Lucille Ball's original choice to play Fred Mertz on "I Love Lucy."
Was known for his ability to do cartwheels, even after reaching his senior years. Can be seen doing a cartwheel on several episodes of "Here's Lucy."
Found his niche as stuffy, blustery characters on Our Miss Brooks (1952) and the various Lucille Ball sitcoms. In his early film appearances he usually played stuffy military officers. Was at his best when he had to deliver the "slow burn" take.
Best known for his TV work, especially his long association with Lucille Ball, having appeared in several of her series for more than two decades from 1962, usually as her curmudgeonly nemesis.