Max, a talented and skilled vaudevillian, initially gained recognition alongside Gene Autry on a national radio show in 1932, four years prior to his move to Hollywood. By this time, Max had honed his craft, boasting expertise in a multitude of disciplines, including magic, juggling, whistling, impressions, and card tricks. However, his specialty lay in ventriloquism, a talent that would serve him well throughout his career.
On the Orpheum Circuit, Max's trusty dummy, Skully Null, was his faithful companion, and later, in the movies, he would come to be known as Elmer Sneezeweed. Max's film debut occurred in 1936 with the release of Ride, Ranger, Ride, and that same year, he took on the role of Lullaby in the "Three Mesquiteer" series, a part he would reprise in 21 films until 1939.
Following his departure from the "Three Mesquiteer" series, Max went on to star in 24 "Range Buster" pictures, co-starred in Ken Maynard's final film, and appeared alongside Johnny Mack Brown a total of eight times. In addition to his film work, Max also played a doctor in the 1956 epic, Giant.
After leaving the big screen behind, Max continued to entertain audiences on television, making appearances in shows such as Ramar of the Jungle in 1952. Max ultimately passed away in Cottonwood, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and versatile performer.