Ortega was a voice-over regular on the popular 1930s radio series
"Gangbusters" that featured weekly episodes based actual crime
incidents. Each program ended with various descriptions of wanted
criminals, many of whom were later arrested due to avid listener
participation.
On radio played Ellery Queen's father, Inspector Richard Queen, from 1939 to 1947. He also played Nero Wolfe, Charlie Chan and Commissioner Weston on "The Shadow".