Born in New York City, Lee J. Cobb was a child prodigy in music, but a broken wrist derailed his future as a violin virtuoso. While still in his teens he headed for Hollywood, attempting to become an actor, but was unable to find work. It wasn't until he was 25 and had honed his craft in the prestigious New York Group Theater in that he began to earn recognition on stage. Returning to Hollywood, his film career began in the 1937 western North of the Rio Grande (in which he was billed as Lee Colt). He is also recognized as Judge Henry Garth in the 1962 series The Virginian.
Lee J. Cobb died of a heart attack at age 64
