American actor and baritone singer, the son of a railroad executive. Attended Calumet High School and later graduated from the University of Illinois. Won a scholarship to the Juillard School and graduated from there with a degree in music in 1930. Made his Broadway debut three years later in the
Jerome Kern musical "Roberta". Featured in
George White's Scandals (1939). Originated the part of Frank Butler opposite
Ethel Merman in "Annie Get Your Gun" on Broadway in 1946.