After serving in the United States Army during World War I, Collins began his acting career in the New York theater scene.
His first Broadway appearance was in the 1922 play, The Bootleggers, a short-lived comedy which was produced at the 39th Street Theatre in November and December of that year.
Collins often played earnest roles like police or military officers.
Two years later, in 1930, Collins would have a featured role in another film with Wolheim, the classic All Quiet on the Western Front.
After finishing work on They Died With Their Boots On, in which he had a small role, Collins took a break from the film industry, and at the age of 47 re-enlisted in the armed services for the duration of World War II.