
Symonds was born in Bristow, Oklahoma, the son of Nellie (née Barry) and Walter Stout Symonds. He married Elizabeth Janel Kaderli in 1952 and had three children; Victoria, Barry, and Rebecca. He and Janel divorced in 1969. He was married to actress Priscilla Pointer from 1980 until his death and was the step-father of actress Amy Irving and her siblings, David and Katie. He was the father of Vicki Morrison, Barry Symonds, and Becca Wooldridge.
He died on the morning of August 23, 2007, aged 80, from complications of prostate cancer.

Catch Me If You Can
2002 · as Mr. Rosen

The Exorcist
1973 · as Dr. Taney

Crimewave
1985 · as Guard #1

Inferno
1999 · as Henry Howard

...And Justice for All
1979 · as Judge Burns

Primary Colors
1998 · as Bart Nilson

The Ice Pirates
1984 · as Lanky Nibs

Gray Lady Down
1978 · as Secretary of Navy

Micki & Maude
1984 · as Ezra Hutchison

Demon, Demon
1975 · as Ruig

Tail Gunner Joe
1977 · as President Harry Truman

C.H.U.D. II: Bud the Chud
1989 · as Proctor

Superstition
1982 · as Pike

The Legend of Lizzie Borden
1975 · as Andrew Jennings

Carly's Web
1987 · as Sen. Moreland

Marian Rose White
1982 · as Dr. Arnold

Shell Game
1975 · as Carruthers

Mandroid
1993 · as Karl Zimmer