Missouri, in July 1918, Craig Stevens originally intended to be a dentist were it not for the drama classes he began taking at the University of Kansas in the late 1930s. Leaving college, Stevens went to California and, through his work at the Pasadena Playhouse, eventually found work in films. His film appearance came in a brief bit in Columbia's Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939; with Jean Arthur and James Stewart). The young actor was signed by Warner Bros. in 1940. The studio immediately cast Stevens in a variety of supporting roles in features and lead roles in Warners' two-reelers.