Richard Eastham American stage, film and television actor and baritone singer. Date of Birth: 22.06.1916 Country: USA

Biography of Richard Eastham

Richard Eastham was an American actor and baritone singer in theater, film, and television. Born in Opelousas, Louisiana, he studied at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Even during his time as a student, Eastham performed in the local St. Louis Grand Opera.

During World War II, Eastham served in the military and was stationed in Paris for a period of time. After leaving the army, he returned to his acting career and became an apprentice at the American Theatre Wing in New York, working under the renowned opera singer Ezio Pinza.

Eastham had the opportunity to try his hand at musicals as well. He played the role of plantation owner Emile DeBecque in the production of "South Pacific," alongside Mary Martin and Janet Blair. He also appeared on Broadway, working with Ethel Merman in the musical "Call Me Madam." It was in this production that he made his film debut in the 20th Century Fox musical "There's No Business Like Show Business," although he did not sing in the film.

While Eastham had potential as a singer, his wife convinced him to focus on his acting career. He went on to play many successful roles in film, including "Man on Fire" with Bing Crosby in 1957 and "Toby Tyler" with Kevin Corcoran in 1960. He also appeared in Disney films such as "That Darn Cat!" in 1965 and "My Wife, You Don't!" and "Murderers' Row" in 1966.

On television, Eastham began his career in 1948. He appeared in numerous crime dramas and westerns, with one of his most memorable roles being in the popular CBS series "Perry Mason." He also appeared in shows such as "Men of Annapolis" in 1957 and "The Aquanauts" in 1960.

In the early 1970s, Eastham appeared in the ABC legal drama "Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law" and later had roles in "Kojak" and "Wonder Woman." He also appeared in the popular CBS family drama "The Waltons" in the late 1970s and early 1980s, playing Judge Thomas Parrish and Wesley Northridge.

Eastham's final role was in the cult series "Dallas" in 1991, where he portrayed Frank Hillson. He was married to Betty Jean in 1942 until her death in 2002, and they did not have any children. Eastham passed away in 2005 from Alzheimer's disease at the age of 89.