During World War II he was refused by the Army because of a bad stomach
so he worked at Lockheed in order to support his country's war
effort.
The never-married character actor was known for his rather unflattering
blank-looking country bumpkin portrayals and, though unbilled in many
of his movies, usually enjoyed a side-splitting one-liner or
two.
Came to Hollywood during a summer vacation with his roommate, the
younger brother of director William A. Seiter. Grady was invited onto the set of
one of Seiter's films and by chance given a job as an extra. He stayed
in town for over six decades.
Did a slew of commercials over the years for such products as
Chevrolet, Ford and Mean Mary Jean.
He usually played a gentle soul with a soft Southern drawl in the majority of his films most of which he did short walk ons or semi extra bits but he was recognised as an accomplished supporting actor.
Signed for a series of Hal Roach two-reelers called the "Boy Friends"
which also co-starred Mickey Daniels from the original "Our Gang" shorts.