A former circus performer. Though primarily a dramatic actor, he proved his comic flair in the 1910s in Universal's "Victor Comedies", and worked for Hal Roach in the 1920s.
In films from 1913 with Selig Polyscope. Joined Universal in 1914. Specialized in authority figures: senior military officers, lawmen, politicians, newspaper editors, and the like.
Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Leading man in Hollywood silents. In sound films thereafter, he was a character player until the year he died.