Sir Ralph David Richardson (19 December 1902 - 10 October 1983) was an English actor, one of a group of theatrical knights of the mid-20th century who, though more closely associated with the stage, did their best to make the transition to film.
Hobby was collecting motorbikes.
Knighted in 1947.
Interred at Highgate Cemetery (East), Highgate, London, England, UK.
The son of a Quaker father and a Roman Catholic mother, Ralph Richardson lived with his mother after she deserted the family home in Gloucestershire, and was raised Catholic by her.
Once found by police walking very slowly along the gutter of an Oxford street, he explained he was taking his pet mouse for a stroll.
He was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Special Award in 1982 (1981 season) for his lifetime achievement in the theatre.
Played both God - in Time Bandits (1981) - and the Devil - in Tales from the Crypt (1972).
Played two roles originally played by Basil Rathbone. He played Karenin in Anna Karenina (1948) (Rathbone was Karenin in the Anna Karenina (1935) film version). Richarson also played Dr. Sloper in Heiress, The (1949) after Rathbone had played Sloper in the Broadway stage version.
Was nominated three times for Broadway's Tony Award as Best Actor (Dramatic): in 1957, for "The Waltz of the Toreadors" in 1971, for "Home" and, in 1977, for "No Man's Land" -- but never won.
Was offered The part of Lord Bartelsham (played by Richard Vernon) in Ripping Yarns: Roger Of The Raj, but could not agree to terms and conditions.
Is portrayed by Rhys McConnochie in Darlings of the Gods (1989) (TV)
Was part of a trio of great English stage actors, the other two being Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud. They appeared in several scenes together in the epic mini series "Wagner" (1983), which was released shortly after Richardson's death.
Was originally considered for one of the leading roles of Lady L (1965).
