Went to France at the beginning of World War I to work as an interpreter and became active in espionage during the war years. Remained in France after the armistice to train as a singer. Moved to Hollywood during the 1920's to act in stage musicals and operettas. Promoted by Gloria Swanson, who cast him opposite her in
The Love of Sunya (1927). Became a heart throb in early Hollywood musicals and romantic melodramas. Returned to the theater after 1943 and later carved out a new career in the oil business.