Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky

Was expelled from several schools; parents sent him to parochial and military schools hoping it would teach him discipline

After quitting scool for good at age 14, entered confectionary business in Louisville

With confectionary profits became co-owner of a restaurant (date approximate)

Sold restaurant interests and went to Hollywood to pursue acting career

Stage debut in "Paths of Glory" at Pasadena Playhouse

While student at Pasadena Playhouse (from 1937) appeared in over 50 stage productions

Signed contract with Hal Roach Studio; film debut in "The Housekeeper's Daughter". opposite Joan Bennett

Signed with RKO

Starred in "One Million B.C."

Broadway debut in the musical "Lady in the Dark"; played a movie star opposite Gertrude Lawrence

Signed long-term contract with 20th Century-Fox

Served with US Coast Guard, first in Atlantic Ocean, then Pacific

Delivered strong performance as Doc Holliday in John Ford's "My Darling Clementine"

Had what many consider his best role in the noir classic "Kiss of Death"

Hired to replace Tyrone Power in "Samson and Delilah"

"Retired" from acting

Returned to film acting spoofing his screen image in Vittorio De Sica's "Caccia alla Volpe/After the Fox"

Again spoofed his image as 'The Big Victor' in Bob Rafelson's "Head", starring The Monkees

Last feature film "Firepower"

Ran a television retail shop in the 1970s

Final acting assignment, played Samson's father in the ABC movie "Samson and Delilah"