Dropped out of college and enlisted in the Canadian Field Artillery

After WWI, moved to Boston; worked nights in the mailroom of a brokerage firm

Toured with the Boston Light Opera Company; spotted by singer Elsie Janis who hired him

Appeared in support of Janis on Broadway in "Puzzles of 1925"

Feature acting debut in silent film, "Mannequin"

First acting role in a musical talkie, where he used his baritone singing voice, "Viennese Nights"

Distinguished himself with starring roles in John Ford's "How Green Was My Valley" and Fritz Lang's "Man Hunt", both released in the same year

First film starring opposite Greer Garson, "Blossoms in the Dust"

Earned first Best Actor Oscar nomination for his co-starring role opposite Garson in "Mrs. Miniver"

Starred as Pierre Curie to Garson's "Madame Curie"; received second Best Actor Academy Award nomination

Last of eight co-starring vehicles opposite Garson, "Scandal at Scourie"

Co-starred in the all-star production of "Executive Suite"

Hosted MGM's first TV series, "M-G-M Parade", an ABC variety series

Appeared as Dr. Morbius in "Forbidden Planet"

Starred as the father in "The Swiss Family Robinson", an NBC adventure special

Appeared on Broadway in the musical "Take Me Along"

Cast as the submarine's admiral in "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea"

Had role as the US Senate Majority Leader in "Advise and Consent"

Played the King in the CBS TV remake of "Cinderella", with a score by Rodgers and Hammerstein

Portrayed Florenz Ziegfeld in the movie musical "Funny Girl"

Last TV-movie, "The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case"; portrayed the judge

Made final feature appearance in "Sextette"