Gruff, engaging character actor whose craggy-face and distinctive bass voice are known to two generations for his ubiquitous presence as a supporting character in a number of memorable film and TV roles. Usually cast as the heavy, and later in more comedic turns, Warden has enjoyed a long and productive career. Before embarking on acting, Warden was by age 17 a ranked professional middleweight prizefighter. He served in World War II as a paratrooper and it was while recovering from an injury suffered in a jump that Warden began reading plays and decided to try acting. He moved to New York
Broke a leg during a practice jump while preparing for the Normandy invasion in England; began reading plays while recuperating and, upon discharge, joined the Alley Theater in Dallas
Moved to New York; gained attention for Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and "A View from the Bridge"; also did live TV work
Appeared in anthology TV series of the early 1950s including "The Armstrong Circle Theater" and "Danger"
1951
Film acting debut in "You're In the Navy Now/USS Teakettle"; also debut film for Lee Marvin and Charles Buchinski (Bronson)
