Died during surgery at Jewish Memorial Hospital on September 29, 1959, leaving behind his wife Ethel and daughter, Margaret. He was buried at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Queens, NY.
Attended New York University in 1925 (age 16) and was both a member of the university debate team and editor of the university's school magazine. Also attended Columbia University with the intent of pursuing law but left after beginning to find acting work in 1930.