Born in November 1890 in Sekuren (Sekareny), Bessarabia. Father -- small dealer. He learned in a cheder and a shul. 1903 -- came with his parents to Philadelphia, America, where he soon entered into the Columbia Theatre as a stand-in, role-writer and costumer.

1904 -- began to act in roles in the same theatre, and several seasons later became director of the Columbia Theatre with Maurice Schwartz as partner.

Here D. also was a co-founder of the Yiddish Actors Union (Local 6, American Federation of Labor), which later united with Local 5.

1909 -- arrived in New York and acted in various variety houses, 1911 -- director of the Odeon Theatre in Montreal, Canada. Then he was manager for Adler, Kessler and Thomashefsky during their guest-appearances across the province.

1916 -- manager of the Russian itinerant troupe with Sara Adler.

1924 -- had in New York a booking office for the province.

1925 -- married Rosetta Yeager, and since then has acted with her across the province.