Actor. He is best remembered for his portrayal of the headstrong leader Cochise in western epic "40 Guns to Apache Pass" (1967). Born Michael Capanna, he was raised in rural Colorado, the second of four children, whose parents ran a general store. After serving in the United States Army during World War II, he settled in California and originally worked as a book-keeper for Wells Fargo Bank. After starring in several productions at his local church, he was strongly encouraged by friends and peers respectively to pursue a career in theatricals based on praise of his effective readings at social functions. After attaining his degree in theatrical arts from the UCLA, he began his career in television following a walk-on role in the series "77 Sunset Strip" and from there he went on to enjoy a fruitful 30-year career as a character actor appearing as a leading man in over 35 features; mostly typecast as husbands, fathers, heroes, doctors, patriarchs, businessman, policeman, retail clerks, soldiers, aristocrats, lawyers, politicians, blue-collared guys, and historical figures. On television, he became a household name appearing in numerous guest spots on such syndicated sitcoms as "Wrangler," "Zane Grey Theater," "Bronco," "Wagon Train," "Peter Loves Mary," "Michael Shayne," "The Detectives," "The Twilight Zone," "The Untouchables," "Have Gun - Will Travel," "Cheyenne," "The Travels of Jamie McPheeters," "Rawhide," "The Great Adventure," "Gunsmoke," "The Rogues," "The F.B.I.," "Branded," "Laredo," "Bonanza," "The Virginian," "Death Valley Days," "Daniel Boone," "Kojak," "The High Chaparral," "Get Christie Love!," "The Cowboys," and "Airwolf." He appeared in such motion pictures as "The Way West" (1967) and "Stacey" (1973). During his career, he was a member of the Screen Actors Guild, was supportive of the Motion Picture and Television Fund, was the celebrity spokesman for the St. Joseph's Indian School, was a regular parishioner of the Hollywood United Methodist Church, was an honorary chairman for the California State Republican Committee, and he was active on the board of directors for the Pasadena Playhouse. In 1990, he retired from acting and spent the final years of his life devoted to charitable and religious causes until his death from undisclosed causes.