He would make his film debut with a small role in 1939's I Stole a Million. He would have his first memorable bit in his next film, Destry Rides Again, where in the opening scene he is playing cards, and is cheated when the character portrayed by Marlene Dietrich distracts him by spilling coffee in his lap.

His film career would span almost forty years and encompass over 90 films, mostly in small or supporting roles, although with an occasional starring role, as in 1940's Zanzibar.

His final acting credit was the 1977 science fiction horror film Empire of the Ants.

Fadden died of natural causes on April 14, 1980 in Vero Beach, Florida.