He graduated from Hollywood High School and then attended the premier art university in Europe, the Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma. He served in the United States Navy during World War II as a "Monuments Man", finding, preserving and cataloging art stolen by the Nazis.
He graduated from Hollywood High School before attending the renowned Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, Italy. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy as a "Monuments Man," tasked with rescuing and preserving art looted by the Nazis.