 After high school, Menken attended Columbia University, and later studied performing arts at the Neighborhood Playhouse Theatre and the Juilliard School of Music.Menken made his film debut in 1949 with a supporting role in "The Red Menace", and eventually appeared onscreen in 17 movies.Menken worked steadily as a television actor, appearing on such series as "I Love Lucy", "I Spy", and "The Wild Wild West".