He was the son of Gladys E. (Guethlein) and Charles M. Fries.
Attended and graduated from Elder High School in Cincinnati, Ohio (1946).
Received his Bachelor of Arts degree and Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He later received an honorary degree (Doctor of the Arts), presented by the president of the university.
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 6922 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on June 27, 1986. His Walk of Fame star is located opposite the famous Mann's Chinese Theatre.