Actor. Horror film cult figure whose deformities of the face and body (caused by acromegaly, a distorting disease) inspired Hollywood to cast him as a monstrous killer in several mystery/horror thrillers. His most memorable screen appearances were in "The Pearl of Death" (1944) and "House of Horrors" (1946), both released by Universal Pictures. As a member of the American Legion he fought in World War I, during the course of which he was exposed to poison gas. Some have suggested that this may have triggered his acromegaly. Relatives, friends and co-workers described him as a very kind, gentle and deeply religious man in real life, and he was happily married.
