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'''Peter Mark Richman''' (born '''Marvin Jack Richman'''; April 16, 1927 – January 14, 2021) was an American actor who portrayed Colonel [[Briggs]] in the ''[[Galactica 1980]]'' episodes "[[The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I]]" and "[[The Night the Cylons Landed, Part II]]".<ref name="imdb_pmr">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0725052/ |title=Peter Mark Richman |website=IMDb |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref><ref name="galactica1980_cast">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080221/fullcredits/ |title=Galactica 1980 (TV Series 1980) - Full cast & crew |website=IMDb |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | '''Peter Mark Richman''' (born '''Marvin Jack Richman'''; April 16, 1927 – January 14, 2021) was an American actor who portrayed Colonel [[Briggs]] in the ''[[Galactica 1980]]'' episodes "[[The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I]]" and "[[The Night the Cylons Landed, Part II]]".<ref name="imdb_pmr">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0725052/ |title=Peter Mark Richman |website=IMDb |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref><ref name="galactica1980_cast">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080221/fullcredits/ |title=Galactica 1980 (TV Series 1980) - Full cast & crew |website=IMDb |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
A prolific | A prolific character actor with a career spanning over six decades, Richman appeared in over 500 guest starring television roles, as well as numerous films and theatrical productions from the 1950s until his retirement in 2011.<ref name="bookpleasures_interview">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=Peter%20Mark%20has%20appeared%20in%20over%20500%20guest%20star%20television%20roles. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref><ref name="foxnews_interview">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=The%20actor%2C%2091%2C%20has%20over%20500%20TV%20appearances%20under%20his%20belt |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> Known as Hollywood's most notorious on-screen villain, Richman held an unofficial record for dying in every possible way on camera—shot, stabbed, hung, poisoned, eaten, boiled, crushed, burned, and beheaded.<ref name="bookpleasures_deaths">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=Peter%20Mark%20is%20known%20as,beheaded%20and%20more. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> Beyond his acting career, Richman was also an accomplished painter, playwright, novelist, and humanitarian. | ||
==Early Life and Education== | ==Early Life and Education== | ||
Richman was born Marvin Jack Richman on April 16, 1927, in | Richman was born Marvin Jack Richman on April 16, 1927, in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.<ref name="imdb_pmr" /> Reflecting on his early interest in acting, Richman stated: "I always wanted to be an actor. I snuck into the theater once when I was a child and ever since then, I've always been fascinated by actors."<ref name="foxnews_interview_early">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=I%20always%20wanted%20to%20be%20an%20actor.%20I%20snuck%20into%20the%20theater%20once%20when%20I%20was%20a%20child%20and%20ever%20since%20then%2C%20I%E2%80%99ve%20always%20been%20fascinated%20by%20actors. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> He began performing in radio at a young age, recalling: "I always knew I wanted to be an actor. My desire began when I was doing radio and television in my home town of Philadelphia."<ref name="bookpleasures_training">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=I%20always%20knew%20I%20wanted%20to%20be%20an%20actor.%20My%20desire%20began%20when%20I%20was%20doing%20radio%20and%20television%20in%20my%20home%20town%20of%20Philadelphia. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
Despite his artistic inclinations, Richman was pressured by his family to pursue a stable profession. He graduated from the | Despite his artistic inclinations, Richman was pressured by his family to pursue a stable profession. He graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science in 1951, becoming a licensed pharmacist in two states (Pennsylvania and New York).<ref name="foxnews_pharmacy">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=I%E2%80%99m%20still%20licensed%20in%20New%20York%20and%20Pennsylvania%2C%20but%20I%20haven%E2%80%99t%20been%20in%20a%20pharmacy%20for%20a%20while. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
In 1952, Richman made the pivotal decision to leave pharmacy for acting. As he recalled: "I was making prescriptions when I got out of college in | In 1952, Richman made the pivotal decision to leave pharmacy for acting. As he recalled: "I was making prescriptions when I got out of college in Rosemont, Pennsylvania. But I went away to summer theater where I met my wife. She was the leading lady there when I was hired. So I quit my job as a pharmacist managing a drugstore just to pursue acting."<ref name="foxnews_quit">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=I%20was%20making%20prescriptions%20when,just%20to%20pursue%20acting. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> His family at the time "thought I was meshuggener," he later admitted.<ref name="jewishjournal_meshuggener">{{cite web |url=https://jewishjournal.com/culture/125486/#:~:text=his%20family%20at%20the%20time%20%E2%80%9Cthought%20I%20was%20meshuggener%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said. |title=Peter Mark Richman: Actor, painter, writer explores love |website=Jewish Journal |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> The summer stock job paid just $35 per week, far less than his pharmacy position.<ref name="jewishjournal_35">{{cite web |url=https://jewishjournal.com/culture/125486/#:~:text=he%20quit%20a%20well%2Dpaying%20job%20managing%20a%20pharmacy%20to%20accept%20a%20summer%2Dstock%20job%20that%20paid%20just%20%2435%20per%20week |title=Peter Mark Richman: Actor, painter, writer explores love |website=Jewish Journal |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
==Career== | ==Career== | ||
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===Early Stage Work and Training=== | ===Early Stage Work and Training=== | ||
Richman's professional theater work began at the Grove Theatre, an | Richman's professional theater work began at the Grove Theatre, an Equity summer theater company in Nuangola, Pennsylvania. He recalled: "I was the leading man in an Equity summer theatre called the Grove Theatre in Nuangola PA. I got the job because I was working with a wonderful set designer in Philadelphia Little Theatre named Bill Fletcher. I knew that he worked in an Equity company and I asked him if he could get me a job there. He came through because I soon received a telegram from the producer, Royal Stout, that I was hired into his company."<ref name="bookpleasures_first_job">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=I%20was%20the%20leading%20man,I%20was%20hired%20into%20his%20company. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
Richman then pursued formal training with | Richman then pursued formal training with Lee Strasberg in New York. As he explained his approach: "I have always been an instinctive actor, so when I began studying with Lee Strasberg in New York, my natural abilities were greatly enhanced by his teaching. I then got accepted into the hallowed Actors Studio in 1962, governed by Elia Kazan, Lee Strasberg and Cheryl Crawford. The acting technique at the Actors Studio is commonly known as The Method."<ref name="bookpleasures_strasberg">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=I%20have%20always%20been%20an,commonly%20known%20as%20The%20Method. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> His colleagues at the Actors Studio included notable performers such as Maureen Stapleton and James Dean.<ref name="jewishjournal_studio">{{cite web |url=https://jewishjournal.com/culture/125486/#:~:text=Richman%20went%20on%20to%20be%20accepted%20to%20the%20famed%20Actors%20Studio%20in%20New%20York%2C%20where%20his%20colleagues%20included%20Maureen%20Stapleton%20and%20James%20Dean. |title=Peter Mark Richman: Actor, painter, writer explores love |website=Jewish Journal |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
Regarding what he found most valuable in his training, Richman stated: "In my first classes with Lee Strasberg the most useful thing I learned was to really see and listen to the person with whom I was acting. In my very first network TV show, I really saw the pores in the nose of the actress and the freckles on her face."<ref name="bookpleasures_listening">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=In%20my%20first%20classes%20with,freckles%20on%20her%20face. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> He went on to perform in major theatrical productions, including appearing in more than 400 performances of | Regarding what he found most valuable in his training, Richman stated: "In my first classes with Lee Strasberg the most useful thing I learned was to really see and listen to the person with whom I was acting. In my very first network TV show, I really saw the pores in the nose of the actress and the freckles on her face."<ref name="bookpleasures_listening">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=In%20my%20first%20classes%20with,freckles%20on%20her%20face. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> He went on to perform in major theatrical productions, including appearing in more than 400 performances of Edward Albee's original New York production of ''The Zoo Story''.<ref name="deadline_obit">{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2021/01/peter-mark-richman-dies-versatile-actor-broadway-film-tv-was-93-obituary-1234674328/#:~:text=He%20also%20portrayed%20%E2%80%9CJerry%E2%80%9D%20in%20more%20than%20400%20performances%20of%20Edward%20Albee%E2%80%99s%20original%20NY%20production%20of%20The%20Zoo%20Story. |title=Peter Mark Richman Dies: Versatile Playwright, Author And Actor For Broadway, Film, TV Was 93 |author=Pat Saperstein |date=January 15, 2021 |website=Deadline |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
On his acting philosophy, Richman explained: "I read the script many times, and I find where I can use myself within the character. I then personalize any of the emotions and traits necessary to properly portray the character."<ref name="bookpleasures_method">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=I%20read%20the%20script%20many,to%20properly%20portray%20the%20character. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> He emphasized the importance of stage training, noting: "To be a fine actor, it takes work and dedication to your craft," and criticized modern actors who "don't know how to talk (mumble to much)," attributing this to the fact that "many of the TV actors have no stage experience."<ref name="ringside_stage">{{cite web |url=https://ringsidereport.com/?p=77539#:~:text=Actors%20today%20don%E2%80%99t%20know%20how%20to%20talk%20(mumble%20to%20much).%20Stage%20work%20is%20required. |title=Peter Mark Richman Talks About Acting, Old Hollywood, Boxing, The Twilight Zone & More… |author=Brad Berkwitt |website=Ringside Report |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref><ref name="bookpleasures_stage">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=To%20be%20a%20fine%20actor%2C%20it%20takes%20work%20and%20dedication%20to%20your%20craft. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | On his acting philosophy, Richman explained: "I read the script many times, and I find where I can use myself within the character. I then personalize any of the emotions and traits necessary to properly portray the character."<ref name="bookpleasures_method">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=I%20read%20the%20script%20many,to%20properly%20portray%20the%20character. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> He emphasized the importance of stage training, noting: "To be a fine actor, it takes work and dedication to your craft," and criticized modern actors who "don't know how to talk (mumble to much)," attributing this to the fact that "many of the TV actors have no stage experience."<ref name="ringside_stage">{{cite web |url=https://ringsidereport.com/?p=77539#:~:text=Actors%20today%20don%E2%80%99t%20know%20how%20to%20talk%20(mumble%20to%20much).%20Stage%20work%20is%20required. |title=Peter Mark Richman Talks About Acting, Old Hollywood, Boxing, The Twilight Zone & More… |author=Brad Berkwitt |website=Ringside Report |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref><ref name="bookpleasures_stage">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=To%20be%20a%20fine%20actor%2C%20it%20takes%20work%20and%20dedication%20to%20your%20craft. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
Richman also emphasized the value of stage experience over screen work: " | Richman also emphasized the value of stage experience over screen work: "WHATEVER MEDIUM I AM WORKING IN IS THE ONE I DEVOTE MY CONCENTRATION ON. HOWEVER, I WAS TRAINED FOR THE STAGE WHERE ALL OF YOU IS PUT TO USE, FROM THE TOES TO THE TOP OF YOUR HEAD...AND IT SEPARATES THE MEN FROM THE BOYS. ACTING ON STAGE TAKES A TRAINED ACTOR. NOT A CLOSE-UP! BUT ALL OF YOU."<ref name="maartenbouw_stage">{{cite web |url=https://maartenbouw.blogspot.com/2011/01/interview-with-peter-mark-richman.html#:~:text=WHATEVER%20MEDIUM%20I%20AM%20WORKING,ALL%20OF%20YOU. |title=Interview with... Peter Mark Richman |website=Maarten Bouw Blog |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
===Film Career=== | ===Film Career=== | ||
Richman's feature film debut came in 1956 when legendary director | Richman's feature film debut came in 1956 when legendary director William Wyler cast him in ''Friendly Persuasion'' opposite Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire. Richman recalled: "I was on Broadway and doing live tv during the golden age of television when I got the job in 'Friendly Persuasion', I was thrilled to play opposite Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire. I was under contract to William Wyler, the director who signed me for the film, but I wanted to get back to New York and the stage to improve my craft."<ref name="santabarbara_friendly">{{cite web |url=https://pierin26santabarbara.blogspot.com/2011/06/exclusive-and-inusual-interview-with.html#:~:text=I%20was%20on%20Broadway%20and,to%20improve%20my%20craft. |title=AN EXCLUSIVE AND UNUSUAL INTERVIEW WITH PETER MARK RICHMAN (C.C. CAPWELL #1) |website=Santa Barbara Blog |date=June 2011 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
On working with Gary Cooper, Richman reflected: "He was an absolute gentleman. I loved him. I would find myself stopping to just watch him in awe. It took some getting used to, seeing that image from the screen in real life. He went from being 20 feet to me sitting here opposite him, face-to-face. He taught me simplicity in making your mark as an actor."<ref name="foxnews_cooper">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=He%20was%20an%20absolute%20gentleman,your%20mark%20as%20an%20actor. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> He expanded further in another interview: "When I met him for the first time, I was in awe of him. After awhile he was very humble, unassuming and shy. He took me to his home and showed me his gun collection. He always wanted to know what was going on at the Actors Studio."<ref name="ringside_cooper">{{cite web |url=https://ringsidereport.com/?p=77539#:~:text=When%20I%20met%20him%20for,at%20the%20Actors%20Studio. |title=Peter Mark Richman Talks About Acting, Old Hollywood, Boxing, The Twilight Zone & More… |author=Brad Berkwitt |website=Ringside Report |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | On working with Gary Cooper, Richman reflected: "He was an absolute gentleman. I loved him. I would find myself stopping to just watch him in awe. It took some getting used to, seeing that image from the screen in real life. He went from being 20 feet to me sitting here opposite him, face-to-face. He taught me simplicity in making your mark as an actor."<ref name="foxnews_cooper">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=He%20was%20an%20absolute%20gentleman,your%20mark%20as%20an%20actor. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> He expanded further in another interview: "When I met him for the first time, I was in awe of him. After awhile he was very humble, unassuming and shy. He took me to his home and showed me his gun collection. He always wanted to know what was going on at the Actors Studio."<ref name="ringside_cooper">{{cite web |url=https://ringsidereport.com/?p=77539#:~:text=When%20I%20met%20him%20for,at%20the%20Actors%20Studio. |title=Peter Mark Richman Talks About Acting, Old Hollywood, Boxing, The Twilight Zone & More… |author=Brad Berkwitt |website=Ringside Report |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
Other notable film work included appearing in '' | Other notable film work included appearing in ''The Black Orchid'' (1958) opposite Sophia Loren, about whom Richman said: "Oh my God, she was the sexiest female I ever came across! I was on the steps of a building and she passed me wearing a tight sweater, a skirt and high heels. She was going to a rehearsal. My first impression was she's beautiful. And so sexy. We later chatted and she was so warm and friendly. I love her. You can never forget that image."<ref name="foxnews_loren">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=Oh%20my%20God%2C%20she%20was,never%20forget%20that%20image. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> In another interview, he more succinctly stated she was "One of the sexiest females I have ever met."<ref name="ringside_loren">{{cite web |url=https://ringsidereport.com/?p=77539#:~:text=Sophia%20Loren%3A%20One%20of%20the%20sexiest%20females%20I%20have%20ever%20met. |title=Peter Mark Richman Talks About Acting, Old Hollywood, Boxing, The Twilight Zone & More… |author=Brad Berkwitt |website=Ringside Report |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
Richman also worked with | Richman also worked with Audrey Hepburn during the production of ''Friendly Persuasion''. He recalled: "I first met her when she visited the set of 'Friendly Persuasion.' She had done a William Wyler movie before mine. She was so attractive and feminine. She was as nice and kind in person as she was in her films. She was gentle and just what you saw. Audrey was the real deal. I never forgot that."<ref name="foxnews_hepburn">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=I%20first%20met%20her%20when,I%20never%20forgot%20that. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
His later film work included '' | His later film work included ''The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear'', about which he said: "NAKED GUN WAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO UNITE WITH LESLIE NIELSEN WHO WAS AN OLD FRIEND OF MINE FROM THE ACTORS STUDIO IN N.Y. WE HAD FUN AND A LOT OF LAUGHS."<ref name="maartenbouw_nielsen">{{cite web |url=https://maartenbouw.blogspot.com/2011/01/interview-with-peter-mark-richman.html#:~:text=NAKED%20GUN%20WAS%20AN%20OPPORTUNITY,A%20LOT%20OF%20LAUGHS. |title=Interview with... Peter Mark Richman |website=Maarten Bouw Blog |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> Regarding Nielsen's character, Richman added: "HE WAS A DEAR GUY (HE RECENTLY PASSED AWAY) AND I WILL MISS HIM. HE HAD A WICKED SENSE OF HUMOR, BUT WAS REALLY A VERY SERIOUS ACTOR."<ref name="maartenbouw_nielsen2">{{cite web |url=https://maartenbouw.blogspot.com/2011/01/interview-with-peter-mark-richman.html#:~:text=HE%20WAS%20A%20DEAR%20GUY,A%20VERY%20SERIOUS%20ACTOR. |title=Interview with... Peter Mark Richman |website=Maarten Bouw Blog |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
One of Richman's most memorable death scenes occurred in a film where he added an improvised line. He recalled: "In one scene, I was shot in the stomach and slid down a board against a building. I added a line, 'I never knew it hurts so much.' And then I died. And [filmmaker] | One of Richman's most memorable death scenes occurred in a film where he added an improvised line. He recalled: "In one scene, I was shot in the stomach and slid down a board against a building. I added a line, 'I never knew it hurts so much.' And then I died. And [filmmaker] John Frankenheimer said, 'Keep it!' That wasn't in the script. That was me!"<ref name="foxnews_death">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=In%20one%20scene%2C%20I%20was,That%20was%20me! |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
His last film credits were ''Mysteria'' and ''After the Wizard'', both released in 2011.<ref name="santabarbara_films">{{cite web |url=https://pierin26santabarbara.blogspot.com/2011/06/exclusive-and-inusual-interview-with.html#:~:text=I%20also%20look%20forward%20to,I%20have%20no%20idea. |title=AN EXCLUSIVE AND UNUSUAL INTERVIEW WITH PETER MARK RICHMAN (C.C. CAPWELL #1) |website=Santa Barbara Blog |date=June 2011 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | His last film credits were ''Mysteria'' and ''After the Wizard'', both released in 2011.<ref name="santabarbara_films">{{cite web |url=https://pierin26santabarbara.blogspot.com/2011/06/exclusive-and-inusual-interview-with.html#:~:text=I%20also%20look%20forward%20to,I%20have%20no%20idea. |title=AN EXCLUSIVE AND UNUSUAL INTERVIEW WITH PETER MARK RICHMAN (C.C. CAPWELL #1) |website=Santa Barbara Blog |date=June 2011 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
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===Television Career=== | ===Television Career=== | ||
Richman worked extensively in early | Richman worked extensively in early live television, which he found challenging but valuable. He explained: "Acting in live tv was sometimes hair-raising, but terrific experience and training for improving your talent. Film is much easier and not as much pressure."<ref name="santabarbara_livetv">{{cite web |url=https://pierin26santabarbara.blogspot.com/2011/06/exclusive-and-inusual-interview-with.html#:~:text=Acting%20in%20live%20tv%20was,not%20as%20much%20pressure. |title=AN EXCLUSIVE AND UNUSUAL INTERVIEW WITH PETER MARK RICHMAN (C.C. CAPWELL #1) |website=Santa Barbara Blog |date=June 2011 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
For most of his early career, Richman was billed as "Mark Richman," but in 1971 he changed his professional name to Peter Mark Richman due to his spiritual beliefs in | For most of his early career, Richman was billed as "Mark Richman," but in 1971 he changed his professional name to Peter Mark Richman due to his spiritual beliefs in Subud, an Eastern spiritualist philosophy. Explaining the name change, he stated: "I came to believe that Mark wasn't right for me. I took the name Peter - it means a great deal to me, it means, I like to think, that I am a good person."<ref name="meriden_morning_record">{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jgJIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=uv8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=1535,8237335&dq=mark-richman&hl=en |title=He Added Peter to Make His Mark |author=Dick Kleiner |date=October 30, 1971 |work=The Meriden Morning Record TV News |page=ONE-A |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
By the early 1960s, Richman starred in his own | By the early 1960s, Richman starred in his own NBC series, ''Cain's Hundred'' (1961-1962). The role of Nicholas "Nick" Cain, a former syndicate lawyer who joins an FBI task force, established Richman as a television actor.<ref name="imdb_pmr" /> | ||
Richman appeared in numerous notable television series throughout his career. He appeared in '' | Richman appeared in numerous notable television series throughout his career. He appeared in ''The Twilight Zone'' episode "The Fear," about which he said of creator Rod Serling: "He was a gentleman and so easy to work with and so talented. That is why episodes of The Twilight Zone have lasted all these years to present day!"<ref name="ringside_serling">{{cite web |url=https://ringsidereport.com/?p=77539#:~:text=He%20was%20a%20gentleman%20and,to%20present%20day! |title=Peter Mark Richman Talks About Acting, Old Hollywood, Boxing, The Twilight Zone & More… |author=Brad Berkwitt |website=Ringside Report |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
He also appeared in '' | He also appeared in ''Star Trek: The Next Generation's'' episode "The Neutral Zone" as Ralph Offenhouse, a cryogenically frozen financier. Richman recalled: "It was certainly different from anything I've done up to that point. I was encased in a tomb preserved and they woke me up. I said, 'I want to see my lawyer.' *laugh* I had fun on that set, that's for sure. I'm always happy to hear when people remember me from my time there."<ref name="foxnews_startrek">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=It%20was%20certainly%20different%20from,from%20my%20time%20there. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
In 1971, Richman worked with | In 1971, Richman worked with Bruce Lee. He recalled: "Oh, he was tough steel wire! I thought he was going to break any minute. He taught me Kung Fu, but I boxed in the old-fashioned way. I was honestly shocked when he passed away. He was just such a tough wire. But he was wonderful to work with."<ref name="foxnews_brucelee">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=Oh%2C%20he%20was%20tough%20steel,was%20wonderful%20to%20work%20with. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
====Recurring Roles==== | ====Recurring Roles==== | ||
Richman held several recurring roles throughout his television career. From 1978 to 1979, he played Reverend Luther Snow, the father of | Richman held several recurring roles throughout his television career. From 1978 to 1979, he played Reverend Luther Snow, the father of Suzanne Somers's character Chrissy Snow, on the popular sitcom ''Three's Company''. Regarding how he got the role, Richman explained: "That was easy. I had a manager and she brought me in to meet the producers. I was hired just like that! I was hired for a guest star role. I was [Suzanne Somers'] father in the show. But she was contemplating the contract at the time. She wanted $150,000 per show. That finished me off and that finished her off. But I wasn't too surprised she was fired. But she seemed surprised."<ref name="foxnews_threescompany">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=That%20was%20easy,she%20seemed%20surprised. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> In another interview, he noted: "DOING THREE'S COMPANY WAS A JOY. NICE PEOPLE," but added: "I WAS BEING THOUGHT ABOUT FOR A CONTINUAL ROLE, BUT MY DAUGHTER ACTED UP FOR MORE MONEY AND THEY FIRED HER!"<ref name="maartenbouw_threescompany">{{cite web |url=https://maartenbouw.blogspot.com/2011/01/interview-with-peter-mark-richman.html#:~:text=DOING%20THREE%E2%80%99S%20COMPANY%20WAS%20A,AND%20THEY%20FIRED%20HER! |title=Interview with... Peter Mark Richman |website=Maarten Bouw Blog |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
From 1981 to 1984, he portrayed Andrew Laird, the attorney for the Carrington family, on the soap opera '' | From 1981 to 1984, he portrayed Andrew Laird, the attorney for the Carrington family, on the soap opera ''Dynasty''. About this role, Richman said: "Dynasty was a wonderful continuing series for me and I enjoyed doing it."<ref name="santabarbara_dynasty">{{cite web |url=https://pierin26santabarbara.blogspot.com/2011/06/exclusive-and-inusual-interview-with.html#:~:text=Dynasty%20was%20a%20wonderful%20continuing%20series%20for%20me%20and%20I%20enjoyed%20doing%20it. |title=AN EXCLUSIVE AND UNUSUAL INTERVIEW WITH PETER MARK RICHMAN (C.C. CAPWELL #1) |website=Santa Barbara Blog |date=June 2011 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
In 1984, Richman originated the role of C.C. Capwell on the soap opera '' | In 1984, Richman originated the role of C.C. Capwell on the soap opera ''Santa Barbara''. However, his time on the show was brief and unhappy. He left ''Dynasty'' for this role, explaining: "Santa Barbara came up and I left Dynasty to do SB. In a sense it was a mistake because I hated doing a soap every day and couldn't wait to get out of it. The scripts were lousy."<ref name="santabarbara_ccleave">{{cite web |url=https://pierin26santabarbara.blogspot.com/2011/06/exclusive-and-inusual-interview-with.html#:~:text=Santa%20Barbara%20came%20up%20and,scripts%20were%20lousy. |title=AN EXCLUSIVE AND UNUSUAL INTERVIEW WITH PETER MARK RICHMAN (C.C. CAPWELL #1) |website=Santa Barbara Blog |date=June 2011 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> He elaborated: "I am not a soap opera actor. I did not have to audition. They wanted me so I did it. Of course they paid me well."<ref name="santabarbara_soap">{{cite web |url=https://pierin26santabarbara.blogspot.com/2011/06/exclusive-and-inusual-interview-with.html#:~:text=I%20am%20not%20a%20soap,they%20paid%20me%20well. |title=AN EXCLUSIVE AND UNUSUAL INTERVIEW WITH PETER MARK RICHMAN (C.C. CAPWELL #1) |website=Santa Barbara Blog |date=June 2011 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> On the difficulties of soap opera work, he stated: "In a soap opera the scripts don't have much depth and are rather silly. You are lucky to have learned your lines by the time you shoot. I think there were 4 or 5 CC Capwell after I left. I performed about 30 or 35 hour shows…It was enough!"<ref name="santabarbara_scripts">{{cite web |url=https://pierin26santabarbara.blogspot.com/2011/06/exclusive-and-inusual-interview-with.html#:~:text=In%20a%20soap%20opera%20the,It%20was%20enough! |title=AN EXCLUSIVE AND UNUSUAL INTERVIEW WITH PETER MARK RICHMAN (C.C. CAPWELL #1) |website=Santa Barbara Blog |date=June 2011 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
During his time on ''Santa Barbara'', Richman worked with | During his time on ''Santa Barbara'', Richman worked with Robin Wright, who played his daughter Kelly Capwell. He recalled: "Robin Wright played my daughter and was just lovely. I thought at the time that she would be a big star, so beautiful and sweet and extremely gifted. I was right! She is still sweet and beautiful and extremely gifted."<ref name="santabarbara_wright">{{cite web |url=https://pierin26santabarbara.blogspot.com/2011/06/exclusive-and-inusual-interview-with.html#:~:text=Robin%20Wright%20played%20my%20daughter,sweet%20and%20beautiful%20and%20extremely%20gifted. |title=AN EXCLUSIVE AND UNUSUAL INTERVIEW WITH PETER MARK RICHMAN (C.C. CAPWELL #1) |website=Santa Barbara Blog |date=June 2011 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
From 1993 to 1994, he had a recurring role as Lawrence Carson on '' | From 1993 to 1994, he had a recurring role as Lawrence Carson on ''Beverly Hills, 90210'', though he noted: "BEVERLY HILLS 90210 WAS JUST A JOB AND A RECURRING ROLE. NOTHING TOO THRILLING THAT I REMEMBER."<ref name="maartenbouw_90210">{{cite web |url=https://maartenbouw.blogspot.com/2011/01/interview-with-peter-mark-richman.html#:~:text=BEVERLY%20HILLS%2090210%20WAS%20JUST,TOO%20THRILLING%20THAT%20I%20REMEMBER. |title=Interview with... Peter Mark Richman |website=Maarten Bouw Blog |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
====Voice Work==== | ====Voice Work==== | ||
Richman moved into | Richman moved into voice acting later in his career, voicing The Phantom in the animated series ''Defenders of the Earth'' (1986), among other roles. He explained his affinity for voice work: "AS A YOUNG MAN I WAS IN RADIO PLAYING DIFFERENT VOICES WAY BEFORE I EVER DREAMED OF COMING TO HOLLYWOOD. SO VOICE-OVER WORK INTRIGUES ME. I DO ENJOY IT IMMENSELY."<ref name="maartenbouw_voice">{{cite web |url=https://maartenbouw.blogspot.com/2011/01/interview-with-peter-mark-richman.html#:~:text=AS%20A%20YOUNG%20MAN%20I,ENJOY%20IT%20IMMENSELY. |title=Interview with... Peter Mark Richman |website=Maarten Bouw Blog |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
====''Galactica 1980''==== | ====''Galactica 1980''==== | ||
In 1980, Richman appeared as Colonel Briggs in the two-part '' | In 1980, Richman appeared as Colonel Briggs in the two-part ''Galactica 1980'' episode "The Night the Cylons Landed."<ref name="galactica1980_cast" /> As a military official investigating a crashed spacecraft, Briggs represented the Earth authorities' response to the Cylon threat. The episode aired during a period when many observatories were tracking objects in space following the July 1979 re-entry and crash of the Skylab space station, which was repeatedly referenced in the storyline.<ref name="bennett_review">{{cite web |url=https://christopherlbennett.wordpress.com/2011/02/01/galactica-1980-thoughts-eps-7-9/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20Night%20the%20Cylons%20Landed,They%20may%20have%20gotten%20it%20right%20here%20because%20it%20wasn%E2%80%99t%20long%20after%20the%20July%201979%20re%2Dentry%20and%20crash%20of%20the%20Skylab%20space%20station%2C%20which%20is%20repeatedly%20referenced%20in%20the%20episode. |title=GALACTICA 1980 thoughts — Eps. 7-9 |author=Christopher L. Bennett |date=February 1, 2011 |website=Written Worlds |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
==Other Artistic Pursuits== | ==Other Artistic Pursuits== | ||
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Richman was an accomplished painter from an early age. At age 91, he remarked: "I paint! I've been painting since I was 9 years old. I'm 91 now. Gosh, I can't believe I'm 91. But I'm still doing it! *laughs*."<ref name="foxnews_painting">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=I%20paint!%20I%E2%80%99ve%20been%20painting,still%20doing%20it!%20*laughs*. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | Richman was an accomplished painter from an early age. At age 91, he remarked: "I paint! I've been painting since I was 9 years old. I'm 91 now. Gosh, I can't believe I'm 91. But I'm still doing it! *laughs*."<ref name="foxnews_painting">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=I%20paint!%20I%E2%80%99ve%20been%20painting,still%20doing%20it!%20*laughs*. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
Describing himself as a " | Describing himself as a "figurative expressionist," Richman held seventeen critically acclaimed one-man exhibitions on the West Coast and in New York, as well as two museum exhibitions, including one at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento.<ref name="jewishjournal_painting">{{cite web |url=https://jewishjournal.com/culture/125486/#:~:text=The%20cordial%20Richman%20is%20also,Crocker%20Art%20Museum%20in%20Sacramento. |title=Peter Mark Richman: Actor, painter, writer explores love |website=Jewish Journal |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> The walls of his Woodland Hills home were adorned with his figurative expressionist portraits, many spotlighting his five children.<ref name="jewishjournal_home">{{cite web |url=https://jewishjournal.com/culture/125486/#:~:text=The%20cordial%20Richman%20is%20also,spotlighting%20his%20five%20children. |title=Peter Mark Richman: Actor, painter, writer explores love |website=Jewish Journal |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
On how his various artistic pursuits complemented each other, Richman stated: "I' | On how his various artistic pursuits complemented each other, Richman stated: "I'VE ALWAYS HAD THE DESIRE TO BE OTHER PEOPLE. TO LIVE OUT MY FANTASIES. ACTING HAS DONE THAT FOR ME. AND I AM AN ACTOR , WRITER AND PAINTER...SO MY TALENTS ALL COMPLIMENT EACH OTHER -- THE CREATIVE PURSUIT."<ref name="maartenbouw_talents">{{cite web |url=https://maartenbouw.blogspot.com/2011/01/interview-with-peter-mark-richman.html#:~:text=I%E2%80%99VE%20ALWAYS%20HAD%20THE%20DESIRE,THE%20CREATIVE%20PURSUIT. |title=Interview with... Peter Mark Richman |website=Maarten Bouw Blog |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> Regarding how he filled time between acting jobs, Richman explained: "Time in between. However, I try to fill that time with my painting and my writing."<ref name="bookpleasures_filling">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=Time%20in%20between.%20However%2C%20I,painting%20and%20my%20writing. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
===Writing=== | ===Writing=== | ||
Richman's writing career began during his early television work. He recalled: "Back when he was performing in live television in the late 1950s, he said, 'I was reading over a script with | Richman's writing career began during his early television work. He recalled: "Back when he was performing in live television in the late 1950s, he said, 'I was reading over a script with Paddy Chayefsky, and I said, 'Paddy, this line isn't good for me.' He asked me what I would say, and when I told him, he said, 'That's good, kid; let's keep it.' So I found that I had a facility for dialogue, and I started writing stories and plays.'"<ref name="jewishjournal_writing">{{cite web |url=https://jewishjournal.com/culture/125486/#:~:text=Back%20when%20he%20was%20performing,writing%20stories%20and%20plays. |title=Peter Mark Richman: Actor, painter, writer explores love |website=Jewish Journal |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
Richman authored several stage plays, most notably ''A Medal for Murray'', a comedy about elderly romance that ran for two years in | Richman authored several stage plays, most notably ''A Medal for Murray'', a comedy about elderly romance that ran for two years in Israel at Tel Aviv's Beit Lessin Theatre. The play revolves around Madeline Feldman, a bitter, depressed widow in a New Jersey retirement home who finds new life through romance with an upbeat fellow resident named Manny, while complications arise from her son Murray's disapproval. Reviews were glowing, with Ha'aretz calling it a "cultural event," and another reviewer remarking that the production "convinces us that life is sweet and happiness is within reach."<ref name="jewishjournal_murray">{{cite web |url=https://jewishjournal.com/culture/125486/#:~:text=But%20now%2C%20at%2086,happiness%20is%20within%20reach. |title=Peter Mark Richman: Actor, painter, writer explores love |website=Jewish Journal |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
Richman began writing the play as a one-act and was encouraged by his friend | Richman began writing the play as a one-act and was encouraged by his friend Jack Klugman to expand it. He explained: "I've always had an affinity for older people," and noted that his writing method involved sitting down and talking to people, then letting "the creative process sets in."<ref name="jewishjournal_method">{{cite web |url=https://jewishjournal.com/culture/125486/#:~:text=He%20began%20writing%20%E2%80%9CA%20Medal,the%20creative%20process%20sets%20in |title=Peter Mark Richman: Actor, painter, writer explores love |website=Jewish Journal |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
His one-man show, ''4 Faces'', played to good reviews at | His one-man show, ''4 Faces'', played to good reviews at Chapman University's Waltmar Theatre in Orange and at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles in the mid-1990s. Richman earned a Drama-Logue Award for his portrayal of four characters grappling with their relationship with God, including a former S.S. officer and a concentration camp survivor.<ref name="jewishjournal_4faces">{{cite web |url=https://jewishjournal.com/culture/125486/#:~:text=In%20the%20mid%2D1990s%2C%20Richman%E2%80%99s,concentration%20camp%20survivor. |title=Peter Mark Richman: Actor, painter, writer explores love |website=Jewish Journal |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> When asked about his proudest acting performance, Richman stated: "I did '4 Faces' on stage before it was a film. It is not released yet."<ref name="ringside_4faces">{{cite web |url=https://ringsidereport.com/?p=77539#:~:text=I%20did%20%E2%80%9C4%20Faces%E2%80%9D%20on,is%20not%20released%20yet. |title=Peter Mark Richman Talks About Acting, Old Hollywood, Boxing, The Twilight Zone & More… |author=Brad Berkwitt |website=Ringside Report |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
Richman also wrote and published novels and short-story collections, including ''Hollander's Deal'' and ''The Rebirth of Ira Masters''.<ref name="deadline_obit" /> | Richman also wrote and published novels and short-story collections, including ''Hollander's Deal'' and ''The Rebirth of Ira Masters''.<ref name="deadline_obit" /> | ||
In 2016, Richman published his | In 2016, Richman published his autobiography, ''I Saw A Molten White Light: An Autobiography of My Artistic and Spiritual Journey''. Explaining his motivation, he stated: "I already had a published novel and a published book of short stories. I had also written many plays, one of which, 'A Medal For Murray' had been translated into Hebrew and had a two year run in Israel. The one form that was missing was an autobiography, and I knew it was time to write mine."<ref name="bookpleasures_autobiography">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=I%20already%20had%20a%20published,time%20to%20write%20mine. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
Regarding the book's title, Richman explained: "The title of my book comes from an incident that happened to me when I was five years old. My mother took me to visit a friend in | Regarding the book's title, Richman explained: "The title of my book comes from an incident that happened to me when I was five years old. My mother took me to visit a friend in Bucks County, PA. We were sitting on the porch and to my right there was an archway and suddenly I saw a molten white light which lasted a minute or two above the archway and I was frozen with wonder. When it went away, I asked everyone on the porch, 'Did anybody see that?' No one had seen it. I never forgot this incident and I feel it was the beginning of my spiritual journey."<ref name="bookpleasures_title">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=The%20title%20of%20my%20book,my%20spiritual%20journey. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
On his goals for the autobiography, Richman stated: "I wanted my children, family and friends to have an understanding of my life as an actor, painter, producer, and writer. I hope that all my readers will enjoy learning about my childhood, my career in New York and Los Angeles and my devotion to my very dear family. I'm grateful that I could remember so many important details so that I could bring the book to life."<ref name="bookpleasures_goals">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=I%20wanted%20my%20children%2C%20family,the%20book%20to%20life. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | On his goals for the autobiography, Richman stated: "I wanted my children, family and friends to have an understanding of my life as an actor, painter, producer, and writer. I hope that all my readers will enjoy learning about my childhood, my career in New York and Los Angeles and my devotion to my very dear family. I'm grateful that I could remember so many important details so that I could bring the book to life."<ref name="bookpleasures_goals">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=I%20wanted%20my%20children%2C%20family,the%20book%20to%20life. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
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==Humanitarian Work== | ==Humanitarian Work== | ||
Richman served as a longtime board member for several charities and sat on the board of trustees of the | Richman served as a longtime board member for several charities and sat on the board of trustees of the Motion Picture and Television Fund.<ref name="jewishjournal_board">{{cite web |url=https://jewishjournal.com/culture/125486/#:~:text=And%20he%E2%80%99s%20spoken%20with%20residents,more%20than%20three%20decades. |title=Peter Mark Richman: Actor, painter, writer explores love |website=Jewish Journal |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> In 1990, the Motion Picture and Television Fund awarded him the Silver Medallion for outstanding humanitarian achievement. He was also honored that same year with the Sybil Brand Humanitarian Award from the Jeffrey Foundation.<ref name="deadline_obit" /> | ||
==Personal Life== | ==Personal Life== | ||
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Richman married actress Helen Landess in 1953 at the Grove Theatre summer stock company where they met. He recalled their meeting: "My wife, Helen, and I have many things in common. We met during my first season of summer stock in Nuangola where she was leading lady and I was leading man. We did fourteen plays in one summer and were married the following May."<ref name="bookpleasures_helen">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=My%20wife%2C%20Helen%2C%20and%20I,were%20married%20the%20following%20May. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> They remained married for 67 years until his death.<ref name="deadline_obit" /> When asked how he managed to stay married for so long, especially in Hollywood, Richman responded: "Simply? I love her. We have a good, solid marriage."<ref name="foxnews_marriage">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=Simply%3F%20I%20love%20her.%20We%20have%20a%20good%2C%20solid%20marriage. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> He elaborated: "We love each other very much and have five wonderful children and six grandchildren. We are grateful to God for our many years together."<ref name="bookpleasures_family">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=We%20love%20each%20other%20very,many%20years%20together. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | Richman married actress Helen Landess in 1953 at the Grove Theatre summer stock company where they met. He recalled their meeting: "My wife, Helen, and I have many things in common. We met during my first season of summer stock in Nuangola where she was leading lady and I was leading man. We did fourteen plays in one summer and were married the following May."<ref name="bookpleasures_helen">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=My%20wife%2C%20Helen%2C%20and%20I,were%20married%20the%20following%20May. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> They remained married for 67 years until his death.<ref name="deadline_obit" /> When asked how he managed to stay married for so long, especially in Hollywood, Richman responded: "Simply? I love her. We have a good, solid marriage."<ref name="foxnews_marriage">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=Simply%3F%20I%20love%20her.%20We%20have%20a%20good%2C%20solid%20marriage. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> He elaborated: "We love each other very much and have five wonderful children and six grandchildren. We are grateful to God for our many years together."<ref name="bookpleasures_family">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=We%20love%20each%20other%20very,many%20years%20together. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
Together they had five children: Howard Richman, Kelly Lester (and her husband | Together they had five children: Howard Richman, Kelly Lester (and her husband Loren), Lucas Richman (and his wife Debbie), Orien Richman (and his wife Alevé), and Roger Richman.<ref name="deadline_obit" /> They also had six grandchildren: Jenny, Lily, Max, Julia, Oliver, and Danica.<ref name="deadline_obit" /> Speaking about his children's accomplishments, Richman noted: "We have five children and six grandchildren. They're all talented in the arts. My son Lucas is the conductor of Bangor Symphony in Maine. He's traveled all over the world. My daughter is also doing a musical in Bangor. My other son Orien just produced a movie titled 'So B. It.' My firstborn Howard recently celebrated his 60th birthday. He's a piano teacher. I attended a party for him the other night and all his students were there. My wife and I have plenty of reasons to be proud and happy."<ref name="foxnews_children">{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/threes-company-actor-peter-mark-richman-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-with-suzanne-somers-sophia-loren#:~:text=We%20have%20five%20children%20and,to%20be%20proud%20and%20happy. |title='Three's Company' actor Peter Mark Richman reveals what it was like working with Suzanne Somers, Sophia Loren |website=Fox News |date=2018 |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
His son | His son Lucas Richman is a Grammy Award-winning conductor and composer who has served as Music Director for the Bangor Symphony Orchestra since 2010 and held the position as Music Director for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra from 2003 to 2015.<ref name="lucas_biography">{{cite web |url=https://lucasrichman.com/biography/#:~:text=GRAMMY%20award%2Dwinning%20conductor%20Lucas,Orchestra%20from%202003%2D2015. |title=Biography |website=Lucas Richman |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> Lucas received a Grammy Award in 2011 in the category of Best Classical Crossover Album for conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Christopher Tin's album ''Calling All Dawns''.<ref name="lucas_grammy">{{cite web |url=https://lucasrichman.com/biography/#:~:text=Mr.%20Richman%20received%20a%20GRAMMY,fusion%20album%2C%20Calling%20All%20Dawns. |title=Biography |website=Lucas Richman |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
Richman's spiritual beliefs in | Richman's spiritual beliefs in Subud played a significant role in his personal and professional life. When asked what question he wished had been asked during an interview, Richman responded: "I would have liked you to ask me 'What has been the affect on your life after being fifty-nine years in the spiritual group called SUBUD?' Subud as taught me to be grateful for all the blessings in my life. I have a loving wife, helpful children, and wonderful grandchildren. My artistic life has been fulfilled as an actor, painter, producer, and writer. All this is by the grace of God."<ref name="bookpleasures_subud">{{cite web |url=https://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/8726/1/In-Conversation-With-Actor-Artist-and-Actor-Peter-Mark-Richman/Page1.html#:~:text=I%20would%20have%20liked%20you,by%20the%20grace%20of%20God. |title=In Conversation With Actor, Artist and Actor Peter Mark Richman |author=Norm Goldman |date=July 6, 2018 |website=Book Pleasures |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
When asked about his personal motto, Richman stated: "God guides my life."<ref name="ringside_motto">{{cite web |url=https://ringsidereport.com/?p=77539#:~:text=%E2%80%9CGod%20guides%20my%20life.%E2%80%9D |title=Peter Mark Richman Talks About Acting, Old Hollywood, Boxing, The Twilight Zone & More… |author=Brad Berkwitt |website=Ringside Report |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | When asked about his personal motto, Richman stated: "God guides my life."<ref name="ringside_motto">{{cite web |url=https://ringsidereport.com/?p=77539#:~:text=%E2%80%9CGod%20guides%20my%20life.%E2%80%9D |title=Peter Mark Richman Talks About Acting, Old Hollywood, Boxing, The Twilight Zone & More… |author=Brad Berkwitt |website=Ringside Report |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> | ||
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==Death== | ==Death== | ||
Peter Mark Richman died of natural causes at his home in | Peter Mark Richman died of natural causes at his home in Woodland Hills, California, on January 14, 2021, at the age of 93.<ref name="variety_obit">{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/peter-mark-richman-dead-beverly-hills-90210-1234885944/#:~:text=Peter%20Mark%20Richman%2C%20who%20made,Hills%2C%20Calif.%20He%20was%2093. |title=Peter Mark Richman Dead: Actor Appeared on 'Beverly Hills 90210' |author=Pat Saperstein |date=January 15, 2021 |website=Variety |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> He is interred at Mount Sinai Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles County, California.<ref name="findagrave_pmr">{{cite web |url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/221615601/peter-mark-richman#:~:text=citing%20Mount%20Sinai%20Memorial%20Park |title=Peter Mark Richman (1927-2021) |website=Find a Grave |access-date=2025-11-09}}</ref> Memorial contributions in his honor were suggested to be made to the Motion Picture Television Fund.<ref name="deadline_obit" /> | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
* {{imdb name|id=0725052|name=Peter Mark Richman}} | * {{imdb name|id=0725052|name=Peter Mark Richman}}{{Ext-ma|article=Peter Mark Richman}}{{Ext-wikipedia|Peter Mark Richman}} | ||
* [http://www.petermarkrichman.com Official website] | * [http://www.petermarkrichman.com Official website] | ||
* [https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/peter-mark-richman Peter Mark Richman] at the Television Academy | * [https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/peter-mark-richman Peter Mark Richman] at the Television Academy | ||