Son of character actor Robert Keith and actress 'Helena Shipman' (a stage actress from Aberdeen, Washington). Grew up on the road with his parents, who toured in plays. Appeared at age 3 in film Pied Piper Malone with his father. Began acting in radio programs and on stage before World War II. Joined the Marines and served as a machine gunner. Returned to Broadway stage after the war and branched into television and film. Worked as an extra in several films before achieving speaking roles and subsequent stardom.


His first son died in childhood. Daughter, Daisy Keith committed suicide 10 weeks before her father's suicide, aged 27. Father, with Victoria Young, of Daisy Keith. At the time of his death, he was suffering from emphysema and terminal lung cancer, as well as mourning the recent gunshot suicide of his 27-year-old daughter, Daisy Keith, only ten weeks prior. His own suicide happened after he returned from a stay at a hospital. He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California. Was fluent in Russian. His third wife Victoria Young co-starred with him on "The Brian Keith Show" (1972), she played a nurse. He graduated from East Rockaway High School in East Rockaway, New York, in 1939. Actor Daniel Hugh Kelly was said he to be a huge fan of his while he was growing up. His favorite movies that Keith starred were The Rare Breed (1966) and Nevada Smith (1966). Years later, he would land a co-starring role opposite Keith in "Hardcastle and McCormick" (1983), and stayed on the show until its cancellation in 1986. Actors Kathy Garver and Johnny Whitaker were said to be huge fans of his when they were both growing up. They both co-starred alongside him on "Family Affair" (1966), and stayed on the show until its cancellation in 1971. His mother, Helena Shipman, died on October 26, 1983. Was offered the role of Deke Thornton in The Wild Bunch (1969), but turned it down, because he was under contract working on "Family Affair" (1966). Was diagnosed with emphysema and lung cancer. He also had financial problems and was depressed by the suicide of his daughter, which eventually led to his own suicide. His hobbies included: partying, golfing, swimming, spending time with family, sailing, horseback riding, reading and painting. His future "Family Affair" (1966) co-star, Kathy Garver, had guest-starred with him twice: on an episode of one of his short-lived series, "Crusader" (1955), and just before his death, she worked with him on the aforementioned "Spider-Man" (1994) cartoon series. Was a heavy smoker until 1986, just the decade before he was diagnosed with lung cancer. His widow Victoria Young guest-starred with him on 2 episodes of "Hardcastle and McCormick" (1983). His third wife, Victoria Young, was almost 23 years his junior. The younger of two children. Had four biological children and adopted three more.