Fought with the British Army during the Boer War, then dug for gold nuggets in Nevada. Switched to acting, first in Gilbert & Sullivan plays, then on Broadway from 1912 to 1936 (last in 'Tovarich' as Prince Alexandrovitch). Though Brooklyn-born, he usually sported an upper-crust British accent. Incisive and dapper actor with a penchant for sophisticated comedy. Had good reviews as co-star of The Woman Accused (1933) with Cary Grant and Nancy Carroll. Also in gleefully villainous roles, such as in Terror Aboard (1933) or a wily arch rogue in Desire (1936) with Marlene Dietrich. Halliday had another leading role in Intermezzo: A Love Story (1939) and then appeared to best advantage as Katherine Hepburn's charming philanderer of a father in The Philadelphia Story (1940).