Biografie

He often played private detectives, on radio and in television and films. He was very likely the only actor to have played private eyes who had actually been one--for several years before he became an actor he had been a private investigator for a New York City detective agency.

After his 1960 laryngectomy, he devoted most of his time to the American Cancer Society.

Died in flight between NY and San Diego

Early in his career, between acting jobs, he got a job selling bootleg whiskey to New York City speakeasies. He was partnered, and began a lifelong friendship, with another aspiring actor named Dave Chasen, who later became a famous restaurateur and opened up the famed Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood.

Brother of character actor Edward Gargan, who appeared with him in Miss Annie Rooney (1942) and Follow That Woman (1945).

Martin Kane, Private Eye (1949) - $4,500 /episode

Aggie Appleby, Maker of Men (1933) - $750 /week

Headline Shooter (1933) - $750 /week

Emergency Call (1933) - $750 /week

Lucky Devils (1933) - $750 /week