Born in Los Angeles, California, Albert made his Hollywood debut at the age of 11 with a supporting role in the 1965 film The Fool Killer, co-starring Salome Jens and Arnold Moss. Seven years later, in only his second film, Albert was the lead actor opposite Goldie Hawn in the romantic comedy Butterflies Are Free. His role as a blind man who falls for his kooky neighbor while escaping his over-protective mother earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture Actor in a Musical or Comedy. Although he did not win that award, his performance did garner him a Golden Globe as Most Promising Male Newcomer.