Biographie

During WWII he served in the US Army as a combat cameraman in the 9th Air Force in Europe.

His first marriage lasted six months. His wife's identity is unknown, as it happened before he became famous.

Heflin died of a heart attack while he was swimming in his pool. He managed to get to the pool's ladder, where he held on until found hours later, unconscious but still alive. He died 17 days later, never having regained consciousness. At his request no funeral was held and his ashes were scattered over the Pacific Ocean.

He was the first actor to win an Academy Award for a role in a gangster movie.

His deep, rich speaking voice didn't go unnoticed by radio producers, and in between movie roles early in his career he worked steadily on a variety of radio soap operas, dramas, action shows, etc., eventually turning in more than 2000 performances.