born May 16, 1905, Grand Island, Neb., U.S.
died Aug. 12, 1982, Los Angeles, Calif.
U.S. actor.
He achieved success on Broadway in The Farmer Takes a Wife (1934), which led him to Hollywood for the film version (1935). He portrayed thoughtful men of integrity in films such as Young Mr. Lincoln (1939), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), and The Ox-Bow Incident (1943). He also made comedies such as The Lady Eve (1941) and The Male Animal (1942). He returned to the stage in Mister Roberts (1948, Tony Award; film, 1955). His last film, On Golden Pond (1981, Academy Award), also starred his daughter Jane Fonda . His son, Peter (b. 1939), also achieved fame as a screen actor.