Richard Widmark

American Actor
Richard Widmark was an acclaimed American actor known for his villainous roles in film noir and his later transition to more heroic leading and supporting parts. He was nominated for an Oscar and won a Golden Globe for his breakout performance in the 1947 film 'Kiss of Death'.

About Richard Widmark

Richard Weedt Widmark (December 26, 1914 – March 24, 2008) was an American film, stage, and television actor and producer.

He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as the villainous Tommy Udo in his debut film, Kiss of Death (1947), for which he also won the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer. Early in his career, Widmark was typecast in similar villainous or anti-hero roles in films noir, but he later branched out into more heroic leading and supporting roles in Westerns, mainstream dramas, and horror films among others.

For his contributions to the motion picture industry, Widmark has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6800 Hollywood Boulevard. In 2002, he was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

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Frequently asked questions about Richard Widmark

Richard Widmark was an American film, stage, and television actor and producer who was known for his roles in film noir, Westerns, and other genres.

Richard Widmark’s breakthrough role was as the villainous Tommy Udo in the 1947 film ‘Kiss of Death’, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award and won a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer.

Early in his career, Richard Widmark was often typecast in villainous or anti-hero roles in film noir, but he later branched out into more heroic leading and supporting parts in Westerns, mainstream dramas, and horror films.

Richard Widmark has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2002 he was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Richard Widmark was born on December 26, 1914, and he passed away on March 24, 2008.

Quotes by Richard Widmark

A lot of actors said they hated the studio system, but I loved it. It was like a college; it was a great place to learn.

Richard Widmark

Anne Baxter was a very good actress, Donna Reid was great. You couldn’t name an actress I wasn’t crazy about.

Richard Widmark

Cheyenne Autumn was received not too successfully. I still think it was a very good movie. It was kinda Ford’s apology for the way he had treated Indians in his past pictures.

Richard Widmark

Ford used to come to work in a big car with two Admiral’s flags, on each side of the car. His assistant would be there with his accordion, playing, Hail to the Chief.

Richard Widmark

Gary Cooper was a good friend. He was a great nature lover. He was like an American Indian, he knew every leaf that was turned over. It was an education to go for a walk with him.

Richard Widmark

Hoods are good parts because they’re always flashy and attract attention. If you’ve got any ability, you can use that as a stepping stone.

Richard Widmark

I felt pretty comfortable with Westerns, apart from the fact I couldn’t ride.

Richard Widmark

I loved Jack Ford. I got him in his later days, and he was a total tyrant and a total autocrat and an Irish drunk. But I had a great time.

Richard Widmark

I think a performer should do his work and then shut up.

Richard Widmark

I was never a part of the Actor’s Studio, because two friends of mine started it in 1947 and by that time I’d gone to California.

Richard Widmark

I was playing this horrible part. I didn’t didn’t want to play it because the character was an awful racist. But I’m glad I did it because I met Sidney Poitier.

Richard Widmark

John Ford was so funny that I couldn’t wait to go to work in the morning.

Richard Widmark

Kazan was an old friend, I met him in 1938. He picked up radio jobs for eating money, so I met him on a couple of radio shows. Later on I was in a play he directed.

Richard Widmark

Mankiewicz was a brilliant director.

Richard Widmark

Many of my friends were blacklisted. America should be ashamed of it forever.

Richard Widmark

Marilyn was terrible to work with. I was fond of her, she was a nice girl, but she was a damaged girl. She was very difficult. You couldn’t get her on the set; she didn’t know the words.

Richard Widmark

Most movies are made today for teenage boys. Once in a while a good one comes along.

Richard Widmark

Other actors like to rehearse on film-they like 30 or 40 takes. When you get an actor like that, it becomes difficult for me because I’m ready to quit after number two.

Richard Widmark

There was something about Marilyn. She couldn’t act her way out of a bag, but she became an icon because something happened between her and the lens, and no one knows what it is.

Richard Widmark

You have to compromise all the way. The only thing that counts is the result.

Richard Widmark