Was part of an acrobatic team in the early years but eventually quit after his partner threw him too hard and broke his wrist.
Left school for show business at the age of 9. He played alongside tumbler Bud Aarons on the road.
After his split with Mitchell in the late 1930s, he returned to Braodway in "Yokel Boy" but was replaced by Phil Silvers. He played the London Palladium for sixteen weeks and broke the house attendance record.
Worked for Fox musicals that showcased Alice Faye.
Tall, slim, handsome half of the comedy duo of Mitchell & Durant.