Delivered the evening news in Yiddish on New York radio during the war
years on WEVD.
Served in the U.S. Air Force in the South Pacific during World War II.
Received his start in the New York Yiddish theater. His first film,
The Light Ahead (1939), was all-Yiddish.
He pronounced his last name as "Oh-puh-tosh-you".
His dark, balding, slightly swarthy features made him a versatile
character player, either the perfect ethnic villain in crimers or the
epitome of saintliness in bible stories. He was often utilized playing
wise, often beleaguered Jewish pops.
Son of Joseph Opatoshu, a prominent Yiddish novelist and short-story
writer.
Made his Broadway debut with the Group Theater in 1938, appearing in 'Golden Boy' and 'Night Music' by Clifford Odets.