Compact, reliable, likable leading man of the 1930s and 40s, often as a cop, detective or gangster, primarily in low-budget action films, many of them quite good. Once dubbed "Hollywood's most popular forgotten man" by "This Week" magazine in 1949, Nolan--handsome, but not of the glamourous, pretty-boy type--gave good value for one's money in fine B-films like "King of Gamblers" (1937), "Michael Shayne, Private Detective" (1940) and "Buy Me That Town" (1941). He also played important supporting roles in more expensive films including "The House on 92nd Street" and "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn"
Starred in the title role of the TV series, "Martin Kane, Private Eye"; replaced William Gargan (1949-51) in the role; part subsequently played by Lee Tracy (1952-53) and Mark Stevens (1953-54)
Starred opposite Diahann Carroll as Dr. Morton Chegley on the NBC sitcom, "Julia"
