Noted American character actor, renowned for his distinctive deep and rich voice, made his Broadway debut in the early 1930s, starring in a variety of plays including "Page Pygmalion", "The Man Who Reclaimed His Head", "Late Wisdom", and "Yesterday's Orchids".
He soon transitioned to Hollywood in 1936, initially securing small film roles, before gradually advancing to frequent appearances in B-Westerns and serials, often playing the role of a supporting lead or heavy. One of his earliest notable roles was as Dick Tracy's brother in the 1937 film "Dick Tracy".
As a contract player at Republic Pictures, he became a familiar face in many Westerns and serials, occasionally working under the stage name Gordon Robert. In 1941, he returned to Broadway to star in Parker Fennelly's play "Cuckoos On the Hearth".
Throughout the 1940s, Young continued to appear in Westerns, before transitioning to better roles in more prestigious films, earning the admiration of renowned director John Ford. His iconic line in the 1962 film "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance", "This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend", has become synonymous with Ford's style.
After a long and illustrious career, Young retired in 1970 and passed away in 1994 at the age of 89. It is often mistakenly assumed that he is Carleton G. Young, a radio performer who also appeared in a few films and was the father of actor Tony Young.
