He worked with Olivier for a number of years on stage, appearing on Broadway with Olivier and Vivien Leigh in the Olivier-produced rep productions of Antony and Cleopatra and Caesar and Cleopatra, in 1951-52. He also appeared in Child of Fortune. Olivier reportedly introduced Mr. Purdom to Hollywood, where his movie credits included "The Egyptian" and "Julius Caesar" with Marlon Brando and John Gielgud. He moved to Italy in the 1960s and lived there until his death. His film credits in Italy included "Mr. Scarface," "Frankenstein's Castle of Freaks" and "Horror Safari." He dubbed many Italian films into English.