Performed as a child singing at church and community gatherings

Made his NYC stage debut in the Rodgers and Hart musical "I Married an Angel"

Appeared in several Broadway shows, including "The Boys From Syracuse" (1938, by Rodgers and Hart), "This Is the Army" (1942, Irving Berlin) and "Sing Out, Sweet Land" (1944)

Feature debut with a singing role in "Smoky"

First starring role in the children's feature "So Dear to My Heart"

Starred on Broadway in a revival of "Showboat"

Collaborated with Elia Kazan on "East of Eden" (as Sam, the town sheriff) and on the original Broadway stage production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", for which he created his signature role of Big Daddy Pollitt

TV debut with a guest spot on the Western series "Zane Grey Theater"

Appeared as a panelist on the game show "High Low Quiz"

Reprised his role as Big Daddy Pollitt in Richard Brooks' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"

Won Supporting Actor Oscar for "The Big Country"

Hosted the first of many holiday televised specials, "Holiday U.S.A."

TV series debut as Prater Beasley on "Daniel Boone" (NBC)

Narrated English-language version of "Mediterranean Holiday"; also performed songs on the soundtrack

Credited as the host, narrator, voice and song performer for the animated classic, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

Portrayed title role of short-lived ABC series "O.K. Crackerby"

Played Gepitto in "Hallmark Hall of Fame" presentation of "Pinocchio" (NBC)

TV-movie debut, "The Sound of Anger" (NBC), portraying lawyer Walter Nichols

Reprised Nichols in "The Lawyers", seen as one-third of the rotating segments of "The Bold Ones" (NBC)

First TV miniseries, "Captains and the Kings" (NBC)

Acted in acclaimed ABC miniseries "Roots"

Final TV-movie, "The Bermuda Depths" (ABC)

Provided the voice of the Great Easter Bunny in CBS' "The First Easter Rabbit"

Final small screen appearance as F W Woolworth in the miniseries, "Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story" (NBC)

Last feature acting credit, "Two Moon Junction"