During his time at MGM Studios, he became a close friend of actor James Stewart whom he was befriended by during the filming of 'The Shopworn Angel (1938).
He supported the HUAC Hearings of the 1940s and was one of many who named names of supposed communists believed to be floating around in the film industry of the time.
From the late 1930's until his death, he and his wife lived 143 S. Mapleton Drive in Los Angeles, California, in a home that was paid in full courtesy of his immense MGM salary.
He retired from acting in 1939 to focus on marriage and fatherhood.
His only son, Roger Jr., died on July 3, 1954, at the age of 14.
He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, Los Angeles, California, Plot: Sanctuary of Celestial Peace, Great Mausoleum, Lot #0, Space #13235.