Served in the Polish underground during WWII; was captured and interred in a German workcamp until rescued by Patton's forces; studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in post-WWII London; started the Professional Actors Workshop in New York City, Los Angeles, and Provo, UT; former students include James Earl Jones, Martin Sheen, Sigourney Weaver, Mercedes Ruehl and Ralph Waite.