Trivia

He often played private detectives, on radio and in television and films. He was very likely the only actor to have played private eyes who had actually been one--for several years before he became an actor he had been a private investigator for a New York City detective agency.

After his 1960 laryngectomy, he devoted most of his time to the American Cancer Society.

Died in flight between NY and San Diego

Early in his career, between acting jobs, he got a job selling bootleg whiskey to New York City speakeasies. He was partnered, and began a lifelong friendship, with another aspiring actor named Dave Chasen, who later became a famous restaurateur and opened up the famed Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood.

Brother of character actor Edward Gargan, who appeared with him in Miss Annie Rooney (1942) and Follow That Woman (1945).

According to Wikipedia, his father was also a detective.

Upon his death his remains were interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in San Diego, CA. His location plot is Mausoleum St. Felicitas Chapel section 21, Crypt FS.

He starred as "Martin Kane" and "Barrie Craig, Confidential Investigator" on radio. After losing his voice to cancer ended his acting career, he devoted himself to anti-smoking education.

He was the celebrity spokesman for Blatz Beer.