Distinguished Hollywood art director and production designer, painter, illustrator and draftsman. Began in films as a sketch artist in the 1930's. Had his longest spells at Universal (1938-49) and 20th Century Fox (1949-62. Nominated for eleven Academy Awards, winner of three. Inducted into the Art Director's Hall of Fame in 2004. Accaimed for his elaborate, lavish sets on big budget extravaganzas, such as
The King and I (1956),
Cleopatra (1963) and
Hello, Dolly! (1969). Among the first in his field to work with CinemaScope. Also active in theatrical design, on operas and designing theme parks.