He gained fame for starring in gangster films such as Scarface and Each Dawn I Die. He received additional recognition for his performances in They Drive by Night and Bolero.
Prior to becoming a film actor, he worked as a Dancer in New York City nightclubs.
He earned two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
He married Grayce Mulrooney in 1923.
He appeared in the 1959 film, Some Like It Hot, with Marilyn Monroe.
