As a child, wanted to be a doctor.
Big Band pianist before becoming an actor.
Biography in: "American National Biography". Supplement 1, pp. 22-23. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.
Born at 12:15am-CST
Died in his sleep after being in a coma for several days.
He was a conscientious objector during World War II, which made him rather unpopular at the studio.
He was awarded 2 Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Motion Pictures at 6385 Hollywood Boulevard and Radio at 1724 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
Is buried next to Frank Zappa in Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles, California.
One child, Justin Ayres, with Diana Hall.
Played the Vice-President of the United States twice (in Advise & Consent (1962) and _The Man_, the President twice (in Advise & Consent (1962) and Earth II (1971) (TV)), and Galactic President (in "Battlestar Galactica" (1978)).
Portrayed the title character for the syndicated radio show "The Story of Dr. Kildare" (1950-1951).
Wife, Diana, is a former flight attendant.