- Son of Norwegian immigrants. Father a carpenter, came from Norway in 1907 (served with the US Army in Europe during WW I). Mother came from Norway in 1922.
- Joined the Army Air Corps during World War II. He became a cryptographer and finished his hitch in 1946, being discharged with the rank of sergeant.
- Early jobs during his salad days in Hollywood include truck driver, construction worker and bouncer.
- Auditioned for an early 1950s TV show based on Al Capp's popular comic strip character "Li'l Abner." His Daisy Mae for the audition was none other than Marilyn Monroe. Neither got the job.
- Known for his work in westerns, in 2004 he attended the Golden Boot Awards.
- Living in Encino, CA, after retiring, he played a lot of golf and made frequent personal appearances for charity purposes. Developed an interest in Native American lore and history and spoke a little Navajo.
- Was cremated. His ashes were sprinkled outside downtown Encino, CA.
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