Albertson was born in Malden, Massachusetts to Flora (née Craft) and to Leopold Albertson. His career would begin in 1938 and last until his death in 1981, but Albertson is known for his roles such as; Manny Rosen in "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972), Grandpa Joe in "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971), Amos Slade in the 1981 animated movie "The Fox and the Hound" (1981), and as Ed Brown in the 1974–1978 television comedy "Chico and the Man". For his contributions to the television industry, Jack Albertson was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6253 Hollywood Boulevard. 