Under contract to MGM in the 1940s. Signed to play the role of
Rudolph Valentino in a biographical
film about Valentino, but the project was scrapped when the studio
didn't know how to deal with the homosexual aspect of Valentino's life.
Along with
Douglas Croft, helped the
writers of the "Andy Hardy" films use up-to-date teenage jargon.
Later in life, he built the Munster's car for the film version.
Had an antique car collection which was in constant demand for period
films made in the 80s and 90s.
Married "Baby" Rose,
Cecil B. DeMille's
"favourite" baby actress, daughter of Western actor/composer
Oscar Gahan. Father of
Sharmagne Leland-St. John.
Father-in-law of
Richard Sylbert,
production designer. Grandfather of
Daisy Alexandra Sylbert-Torres,
costume designer.