Hughes became famous for a variety of roles: his most notable came after middle age, and he was often cast as a dithering authority figure or grandfatherly elder.

Through high school and college, Hughes worked a series of odd jobs, including a stint as a dockworker and as a salesman at Macy's.

[4] Hughes appeared on TV in such series as Naked City, The Secret Storm, Dark Shadows, Love Story, Blossom, and Homicide: Life on the Street.

[4] In 1973, he had a notable recurring role on All in the Family as a Roman Catholic priest, Father John Majeski, doing battle with Archie Bunker, and won an Emmy for his portrayal of a senile judge on Lou Grant.

He also made a memorable appearance as The King (with Jim Dale as The Duke) in the PBS mini-series Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.