Although he was typecast as being straitlaced and businesslike, he was notorious for his wicked sense of humor and pulling pranks on his co-stars. While filming "The Bold Ones: The New Doctors" (1969), he often ad-libbed profane jokes and non-sequiturs while his lips were hidden by a surgical mask.
Always refused to divulge the meaning of his initials E.G.
Among other historic figures, he portrayed U.S. Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles in Lincoln (1992) (TV), President Ulysses S. Grant in "Emma: Queen of the South Seas" (1988), Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy in "Kennedy" (1983), Secretary of State John Foster Dulles in Eleanor, First Lady of the World (1982) (TV) and Gen. George Washington and revolutionary Samuel Adams on "You Are There" (1953).
Began acting in 1933.
Biographical entries indicate that he attended Carleton College and the University of Minnesota. However, researchers after his death found that he was enrolled at Mechanic Arts High School in St. Paul in September 1932 as Everett E. Grunz, but there is no record of his having graduated. Archivists at Carleton College say there is no record of his ever attending that institution.
Children from 2nd marriage - both are daughters. Children from 3rd marriage - Sons Sam and Jed, daughter Sarah
Children from first marriage to Emy: Daughter, Jill, and daughter, Degen
Children from first marriage: Daughters Jill and Degan.
Has suggested that initials might, or might not, stand for "Edda Gunnar" or "Enigma Gregarius"
Has the distinction of playing four U.S. Presidents; Grover Cleveland in a 1952 episode of "Hallmark Hall of Fame" (1951), Harry S. Truman in Collision Course: Truman vs. MacArthur (1976) (TV), Dwight D. Eisenhower in both Ike (1986) (TV) and "War and Remembrance" (1988) and the fictitious, unnamed President in Superman II (1980).
His parents were of Norwegian ancestry. His father, Charles Marshall, was employed by a telephone company.
Host of the long running radio series, The CBS Radio Mystery Theater.
In one interview, when asked about his initials, he stated it meant "Everybody's Guess."
Though he was the host/narrator for the "CBS Radio Mystery Theater" from 1974 to 1981, he performed in only one episode of the show as Ebeneezer Scrooge in its version of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens in 1975 (which was repeated at Christmas time every year until the show's demise).
Twice in the same year Marshall and Oscar winner Beatrice Straight played husband and wife in two political films Under Siege (1986) (TV) and Power (1986).