Born into a family of circus acrobats, he began his career as a performer, seamlessly transitioning to vaudeville when his parents decided to pivot. This led to a stint in the burgeoning film industry, where he caught the attention of Carl Laemmle, the visionary founder of Universal Pictures. Laemmle, impressed by his talents, decided to rebrand him as Lake, a name that would stick for the duration of his illustrious career.
Initially, Lake found success in silent films, often playing the role of a lovable, yet slightly dim-witted, young character. This persona continued to define him as he transitioned into adult roles, most notably his iconic portrayal of Dagwood in the beloved "Blondie" film series. The enduring popularity of this character cemented his status as a beloved figure in American cinema.
But Lake's talents didn't stop at the silver screen. He and his co-star, Penny Singleton, also brought the "Blondie" franchise to the airwaves, starring in a half-hour radio series that aired on CBS, ABC, and finally NBC from 1939 to 1950. The show's distinctive opening line, delivered by the charismatic Bill Goodwin, became a cultural phenomenon: "Uh-uh-uh. Don't touch that dial. It's time for...[Lake:] Blond-dee."
