Came from a family of entertainers: His father was noted film director John Cromwell (Since You Went Away, Abe Lincoln in Illinois) and his mother, Kay Johnson, was an actor
First major TV role came in 1974, when he won the part of Archie Bunker's pal Jerome "Stretch" Cunningham on the sitcom All in the Family
Made his big-screen debut in the 1976 mystery spoof Murder by Death
Had difficulty getting roles early in his career because of his height (nearly 6' 7"); however, in 1995, he became the tallest actor ever nominated for an Academy Award
Has been arrested several times for his political activism: at a 1971 anti-Vietnam War demonstration where he grabbed a police officer who allegedly assaulted a woman; and in 2001, for trespassing during an animal-rights demonstration against Wendy's restaurants in Virginia
Is an outspoken advocate for animal rights
Awards
2020Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series:nominated
2013Canadian Screen Awards-Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role:winner
2011Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture:nominated
2005Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series:nominated
2004Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series:nominated
2003Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series:nominated
2000Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie:nominated
1999Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture:nominated
1997Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture:nominated
1995Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role:nominated