About
Tall, rugged actor who played roles in numerous films of the 1930s and '40s and briefly had his own show in the '50s. In 1939, he starred in the race film, Burn 'Em Up O'Connor.
Before Fame
When he was a toddler he appeared alongside his parents in a film, and by age 16 he was writing scripts for comedy shorts.
Trivia
After Clark Gable recommended him to MGM, he was signed to a contract, changed his name, and appeared in several studio pictures.
Family Life
He was born the son of Irish vaudevillians in Ford Madison, Iowa, and was named Edward Vance Flanagan.
Associated With
He was known for his comedy work in the 1953 film, The Lady Wants Mink, starring Eve Arden.
