David Brian was born Brian Davis. A song-and-dance man in vaudeville and nightclubs, he changed his name and entered an acting career after serving in the Coast Guard in World War Two. At first on the stage, he made his film debut in Flamingo Road (1949) opposite Joan Crawford, going on to become one of Crawford's favorite leading men. Brian played lead roles for Warners, usually as powerful or conscienceless types; later, in westerns he sometimes portrayed strong villains. He starred in the TV series Mr. District Attorney (1954-55) and into the '80s still occasionally popped up on TV to play smooth, despicable villains. He is married to actress Adrian Booth.