Born in Maryville, Missouri,[2] Overman began his career in theatre before becoming a film actor in the 1930s and early 1940s.

Early in his career, he sang in musical comedies, but he left that genre after a severe cold and an operation on his throat affected his larynx.

(1932), Company's Coming (1931), Dancing Partner (1930), Button, Button (1929), Sunny Days (1928), People Don't Do Such Things (1927), The Gossipy Sex (1927), Just Married (1921), Honey Girl (1920), Come-on Charlie (1919),[4] and Fair and Warmer (1916).

[3] Commencing with a double wedding also including Paul Whiteman and Vanda Hoff, Overman was married to Emily Helen Drange from November 4, 1922, until his death.

[5][2] Overmann died in Santa Monica, California on February 19, 1943, five days after having suffered his second heart attack in less than two months.