Before segueing into acting, worked in vaudeville and burlesque, performing with the Dancing Verselle Sisters troupe, among others
Made his feature debut in the 1938 romantic comedy Next Time I Marry
Put in memorable appearances in the big-screen blockbusters Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) and The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Best known for his role as Ed Brown on the '70s sitcom Chico and the Man
One of just a handful of actors to win a Tony (for The Subject Was Roses), an Oscar (for The Subject Was Roses) and an Emmy (for Cher and Chico and the Man)
Ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean after cremation
Awards
1982Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Special:nominated
1977Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:nominated
1976Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:winner
1975Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:nominated
1975Emmy-Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actor in Variety or Music:winner
1968Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role:winner