John Richardson (actor)

2.1. Birth and Early Life

John Richardson was born on January 19, 1934, in Worthing, West Sussex, England. During the Korean War, he served in the British Merchant Navy.

2.2. Beginning of Acting Career

Initially, Richardson had no particular desire to pursue acting. However, after leaving the Merchant Navy, his striking appearance led to an offer to perform in a play by a local amateur theatre group in his hometown. He found the experience enjoyable and subsequently began working for several repertory companies across Britain. His talent and presence were eventually noticed by a talent scout from 20th Century Fox, who placed him under contract. This contract lasted for two years, but during this period, Richardson undertook few projects.

3.1. Early Film Appearances

Richardson secured several small roles in films produced by the Rank Organisation, including an uncredited role as a valet in A Night to Remember (1958), a student in Sapphire (1959), and a house guest in The 39 Steps (1959). His first role of note came in the Italian gothic horror film Black Sunday (1960), directed by Mario Bava, where he starred as Dr. Andre Gorobec alongside fellow British actress Barbara Steele. Following this, Richardson remained in Italy for a supporting role as Percy in the swashbuckler Pirates of Tortuga (1961). Upon returning to Britain, he took on minor, often uncredited, parts in films such as Tender Is the Night (1962), where he appeared as a young man being photographed, and Lord Jim (1965), playing a sailor.

3.2. Breakthrough and International Recognition

Richardson's major breakthrough occurred when producer Ray Stark discovered him at the offices of Seven Arts Productions. Stark cast him as the male lead, Leo Vincey, in She (1965), a film co-produced by Seven Arts Productions and Hammer Films. The film proved to be a considerable commercial success. Richardson was the sole actor to reprise his role in the sequel, The Vengeance of She (1968), though this follow-up film was not as successful. Hammer and Seven Arts continued to feature Richardson, casting him alongside another prominent female star, Raquel Welch, in One Million Years B.C. (1966), which also became a major hit.

Following these successes, Richardson returned to Italy, where he took on lead roles in the spaghetti Westerns John the Bastard (1967), portraying John Donald Tenorio, and Execution (1968), in which he played Bill or John Coler. He also had a supporting role as Dragone in On My Way to the Crusades, I Met a Girl Who... (1967) and appeared as Dr. Pierre Lemmon in A Nun at the Crossroads (1967). In the late 1960s, Richardson was among the actors considered for the iconic role of James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), following Sean Connery's initial departure from the franchise; however, the part ultimately went to George Lazenby.

3.3. Later Career and Activities

In 1968, Richardson relocated to Hollywood with his then-wife, English actress Martine Beswick. During this period, he played a supporting role as Robert Tentrees in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970), portraying a ne'er-do-well character who is seduced by Barbra Streisand's character, Melinda, but eventually abandons her.

In 1973, Richardson and Beswick divorced. That same year, Richardson re-established his base in Italy and appeared in several giallo films, a subgenre of Italian crime-horror. These included Torso (1973), Anna, quel particolare piacere (1973), Eyeball (1975), Reflections in Black (1975), Nine Guests for a Crime (1977), and Murder Obsession (1981), where he played Oliver. His other films from this period encompass the comedy Duck in Orange Sauce (1975), the science fiction movie War of the Planets (1977) as Captain Fred Hamilton, and Canne mozze (1977). He also appeared in The Tree with Pink Leaves (1974), La bellissima estate (1974), Four Billion in Four Minutes (1976), Battle of the Stars (1978), Happy Birthday, Harry (1980), and Paradiso Blu (1980). His career continued into the early 1990s, with later roles including Scuola di ladri - Parte seconda (1987), The Church (1989) where he played an architect, and his final credited role in the 1994 television movie Milner, where he portrayed Edward.

4.1. Marriage and Family

John Richardson was married to English actress Martine Beswick. Together, they moved to Hollywood in 1968. Their marriage subsequently concluded with a divorce in 1973.

5.1. Death due to COVID-19

John Richardson died on January 5, 2021, at the age of 86. His passing was a result of COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

6.1. Assessment of Career

John Richardson made significant contributions as an actor, particularly in the realm of Italian genre cinema. His early performance in Mario Bava's Black Sunday helped establish him as a notable male lead in the gothic horror genre. His subsequent roles in She and One Million Years B.C. brought him international recognition, making him famous for his work opposite leading actresses of the era, Ursula Andress and Raquel Welch respectively. He was a prominent figure in spaghetti Westerns and giallo films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, leaving an indelible mark on these genres through his consistent presence and performances.