I began my adult life, just having turned 20, in 1954 by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. I earned my 2nd Lieutenant’s bars, and navigator’s wings a year later, and looked forward to a 20 year military career. My first assignment was to Tachikawa AF Base near Tokyo, flying throughout the Far East. All was well, UNTIL... sometime in 1957, I fell into a ditch after over- imbibing in liquid spirits, which had become a habit - the drinking, not the falling.

To use my off duty time more safely, I decided, at the suggestion of a friend, to help build scenery for the base’s theatrical company. Because my facility with accents was revealed, I was asked by the colonel who ran the company, to read for a Cockney character in an English farce. Being very reluctant, I was promised that I would be coached by an attractive young woman, who had theatrical experience. So I accepted, read, and got the part. She guided me as best she could through the rehearsal process, my fear and anxiety building.

Hearing the buzz of the audience on opening night, I was petrified to the point of near paralysis, UNTIL..I got my first laugh - then another, and another, and another, and soon I was relaxed and to my amazement, having fun. Parts in two plays followed, and I was bitten by the acing bug - hard and deep! I was hooked, but I had committed 20 years to Uncle Sam, so what to do? UNTIL...the Universe waved its magic wand! In early 1958, the Air Force was having what was called a “Reduction In Force”. I could apply and be discharged. I did and was, and in July, 1958, I set out in my hometown of New York City to pursue a career as a professional actor. I enrolled in the Dramatic Arts Department of New York University. My first role was Oedipus in Sophocles, “Oedipus Rex”, which was a gigantic challenge. Despite a lambasting by the school paper’s drama critic, I played leads throughout college, and spent three summers falling in love with the Bard at the Oregon Shakespearean Festival.

I left NYU to study with acting teachers Lee Strasberg and Uta Hagen. I earned my Actor’s Equity card in an Off-Broadway production, and my Screen Actors Guild card in a TV show shooting in N.Y, and began my hunt for an agent. I finally scored representation, as well as a gig in an Broadway play as an understudy UNTIL..a number of theaters around the country were holding auditions for their resident companies, all at one time. in one place.

My wife Rhoda and I auditioned, and were both hired by Wisconsin’s, Milwaukee Repertory Theater. In 1967, in Chicago between seasons, Rhoda gave birth to our son Jeremy, while I was acting in a play at the famous Ivanhoe Theater.

Four years in Milwaukee was followed by a year at the Arena Stage in Washington D.C. I was now divorced from Rhoda. After touring in two Broadway hits, a year went by without work...

UNTIL, in 1977, I decided to move to Los Angeles and Hollywood. Once again, I slowly began the climb up the work ladder. In 1993, I married Joy and a year later, my daughter Sky was born.

The Credits and Theater Pages will speak of my work in Theater, Films, and Television, from that knee-shaking opening night in Japan to the present day. Through the years, I have been fortunate to have worked with wonderful actors and directors, who were also wonderful people.

Drawing and painting are my second passion. From being “class artist” in grade school to the present, they have provided me with solace, relaxation, and creativity complementing my work as an actor.

Acting and painting are my joys, but infinitely greater joys are my two children - Jeremy and Sky, and Sky’s mom, Joy; and all the doggies that have passed, and the two, Bunny and Truffle, who are still with me. My children and Joy are extraordinarily talented, sensitive, perceptive and wise; and as I enter my 90th year, a continuing source of inspiration and love. My life has been truly blessed.