- Did commercials for the Pathmark supermarket chain for 3 decades earning the nickname of "Mr. Pathmark".
- Was a longtime friend of the late Robert Ludlum, best-selling author of the "Osterman Weekend" and the "Jason Bourne" novels, among others. Both men got to know each other as young, struggling actors after World War II and before Ludlum's career turned to writing.
- Once stated in an interview that when he could not find work as an actor, he earned a living by restoring and customizing cars.
- He's the son of a produce dealer and a folk singer.
- In 2001, he received the "Buster" award, an annual honour given to one who demonstrates professional excellence in the tradition of Buster Keaton. He was a close friend of Buster Keaton and Eleanor Keaton and toured with the legendary comedian on the 1950s stage with "Merton of the Movies" and in the Samuel Beckett film entitled Film (1965).
- Father of Reed Karen and has two grandchildren.
- Remained active well into his '90s with various film roles and speaking appearances.
- Became an actor thanks to the insistence of U.S. Congressman Daniel J. Flood (who was himself an amateur thespian).
- Studied acting at New York City's prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse under legendary acting coach Sanford Meisner.
- His parents, Mae S. (Freed) and Joseph H. Karnofsky, were Russian Jewish immigrants.
- Close friend of actor Hans Conried.
- Profiled in "Character Kings: Hollywood's Familiar Faces Discuss the Art & Business of Acting" by Scott Voisin. (2009)
- Was a longtime resident in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles.
- Ex-brother-in-law of Jared Reed.
- He was a lifelong liberal Democrat.
- Former son-in-law of film director Daniel Reed and Isadora Reed.
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