Actor. He is best remembered for his portrayal of the outgoing Buck Brown in "Girls Gone Wild" (1929). Born Niculae Pratza, he was raised within a traditional working-class family. Upon immigrating to the United States in 1913, he was raised primarily in Dayton, Ohio. Following his public education, he began his career as singer in several bands which led to him being discovered by actor and singer Bing Crosby. Impressed by his dark good looks, slim physique, and baritone voice, he took notice of his potential and arranged for him to begin a career in the film industry beginning with him appearing under his supervision per a supporting role in "The Cradle Snatchers" (1927). From there, he would go on to flourish as a notable character actor appearing in over 50 features; often typecast as husbands, fathers, doctors, lawyers, foreigners, waiters, doormen, bellhops, chauffeurs, playboys, torch singers, white-collared workers, eccentrics, curmudgeons, landlords, neighbors, bailiffs, policemen, deputies, guards, state troopers, reporters, and patriarchs. He appeared in such feature films as "High School Hero" (1927), "News Parade" (1928), "Chasing Through Europe" (1929), "Swing High" (1930), "Trapped" (1931), "Secret Sinners" (1933), "A Demon for Trouble" (1934), "Secrets of Chinatown" (1935), "Put on a Spot" (1936), "Blake of Scotland Yard" (1937), "Pride of the Bowery" (1940), "Mr. Mugg Steps Out" (1943), "Journey Together" (1945), "Gunsmoke" (1946), "King of the Congo" (1952), "Killer Ape" (1953), "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" (1963), and "This Property Is Condemned" (1966). During his career, he was a member of the Screen Actors Guild, was a member of the Hollywood Democratic Committee, was a regular parishioner of the Catholic church, was a script editor for several major studios, sat on the board of directors for the David Kay Casting Agency, had been the celebrity spokesman for Terry's Chocolate Oranges and Bostonian Shoes, had been a vocalist with the Guy Lombardo Orchestra, presided as a chairman for his local charters of the American Red Cross and the Boys & Girls Clubs, and he was married to actress Sue Carol from 1929 to 1934 and hotel owner Martha Burnett from 1942 to 1973 (his first union ended in divorce, produced a daughter, and his second union ended upon his death). Following his 1966 retirement, he relocated down south and became the owner of the prominent Broadwater Beach Hotel and Casino, which he oversaw until his death.
Actor. He is best remembered for his portrayal of the outgoing Buck Brown in "Girls Gone Wild" (1929). Born Niculae Pratza, he was raised within a traditional working-class family. Upon immigrating to the United States in 1913, he was raised primarily in Dayton, Ohio. Following his public education, he began his career as singer in several bands which led to him being discovered by actor and singer Bing Crosby. Impressed by his dark good looks, slim physique, and baritone voice, he took notice of his potential and arranged for him to begin a career in the film industry beginning with him appearing under his supervision per a supporting role in "The Cradle Snatchers" (1927). From there, he would go on to flourish as a notable character actor appearing in over 50 features; often typecast as husbands, fathers, doctors, lawyers, foreigners, waiters, doormen, bellhops, chauffeurs, playboys, torch singers, white-collared workers, eccentrics, curmudgeons, landlords, neighbors, bailiffs, policemen, deputies, guards, state troopers, reporters, and patriarchs. He appeared in such feature films as "High School Hero" (1927), "News Parade" (1928), "Chasing Through Europe" (1929), "Swing High" (1930), "Trapped" (1931), "Secret Sinners" (1933), "A Demon for Trouble" (1934), "Secrets of Chinatown" (1935), "Put on a Spot" (1936), "Blake of Scotland Yard" (1937), "Pride of the Bowery" (1940), "Mr. Mugg Steps Out" (1943), "Journey Together" (1945), "Gunsmoke" (1946), "King of the Congo" (1952), "Killer Ape" (1953), "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" (1963), and "This Property Is Condemned" (1966). During his career, he was a member of the Screen Actors Guild, was a member of the Hollywood Democratic Committee, was a regular parishioner of the Catholic church, was a script editor for several major studios, sat on the board of directors for the David Kay Casting Agency, had been the celebrity spokesman for Terry's Chocolate Oranges and Bostonian Shoes, had been a vocalist with the Guy Lombardo Orchestra, presided as a chairman for his local charters of the American Red Cross and the Boys & Girls Clubs, and he was married to actress Sue Carol from 1929 to 1934 and hotel owner Martha Burnett from 1942 to 1973 (his first union ended in divorce, produced a daughter, and his second union ended upon his death). Following his 1966 retirement, he relocated down south and became the owner of the prominent Broadwater Beach Hotel and Casino, which he oversaw until his death.
Bio by: Lowell Thurgood
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