- Was supposed to be one of the "heroes" of Hogan's Heroes (1965). He is in the pilot episode only, The Informer (1965). He decided not to be in the series because he didn't believe that one could have a comedy take place in a German POW camp.
- Emigrated from Russia after the Communist Revolution of 1917, worked in Europe, then went to Hollywood, and became a character actor, and eventually became a US citizen.
- Married Iphigenie Castiglioni four times. 'It started in Mexico City", he said, "and then over 20 years of our happy marriage we celebrated every five years by taking a new marriage license in a different country".
- During the Second World War, as part of a cultural exchange program, he was choosing Hollywood movies for showing in the USSR.
- Along with Bing Crosby, introduced the song "I'm an Old Cowhand (from the Rio Grande)" in Rhythm on the Range (1936).
- Starred in "The Spot Lite Club" in 1948, t the first situation comedy on TV (KTLA).
- When his acting career tailed off, he wrote and directed industrial films for major corporations.
- At the time of his death, in 1998, he was the last surviving major cast member of Casablanca (1942).
- Widowed twice before his marriage to Tina.
- He made his film debut in Trouble in Paradise and retired from films in the 40's but returned in the mid 50;s after which he only made the odd tv appearance but remained an active producer and director of industrial, shows,.
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