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Richard GreeneEnglish film and television actor
Date of Birth: 25.08.1918
Country:  Great Britain |
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Richard Green: British Actor of Film and Television
Richard Green was an English actor of film and television. Throughout his life, he appeared in over 40 films, but he gained the most fame for his leading role in the popular British television series 'The Adventures of Robin Hood'. Green was known for playing characters such as rogues, scoundrels, and daredevils, although it took some time for him to become accustomed to these types of roles. However, he eventually embraced this typecast and it became the highlight of his career. One of his most iconic roles was the legendary noble outlaw, Robin Hood.
Early Life and Career
Richard Green was born into an Irish-Scottish family in Plymouth, Devon, England. Acting was in Green's blood, as four generations of his ancestors had performed on stage. He spent some time studying in Kensington, London, but at the age of 18, he left his studies to focus on his acting career. Green's first role was as a spear carrier in Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' in 1933. His striking looks also helped him find work in the modeling industry as an additional source of income.
In 1936, Green joined Jevan Brandon's theater company, and in the same year, he landed his first successful role in Terence Rattigan's comedy 'French Without Tears'. His talent caught the attention of Alexander Korda and Darryl F. Zanuck. At the age of 20, Green secured a place at 20th Century Fox, and his first role in the film 'Four Men and a Prayer', directed by John Ford, was a great success. He became particularly popular among women, and after the release of the film, Green received numerous letters from adoring fans. At one point, his popularity even rivaled that of the main star at Fox, Tyrone Power.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1939, Green portrayed Sir Henry Baskerville in the film 'The Hound of the Baskervilles', which is also remembered as the first collaboration between Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, who played Holmes and Watson, respectively. During World War II, Green served in the cavalry and proved himself to be a courageous soldier. He was released from service in 1942, as his acting talents were needed for British propaganda efforts. Green was finally demobilized in December 1944.
Unfortunately, after the war, Green struggled to regain his previous level of popularity, even with the relative success of the 1947 film 'Forever Amber'. After a series of less successful roles, mostly as rascals, troublemakers, and scoundrels, Green decided to focus on stage and television projects and stepped away from film. A difficult divorce from Patricia Medina, whom he was married to from 1941 to 1951, left Green financially bankrupt. However, his role in the television series 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' saved his career and resolved his financial troubles. The success of the series made Green a star once again.
In the 1950s, Green began a romance with Nancy Oakes, an heiress to the Sir Harry Oakes fortune. After the conclusion of the television series, Green purchased an estate in Ireland, where he settled with his new wife, Beatriz Summers, a Brazilian woman. He rarely returned to acting, devoting his time to various hobbies. In 1980, Green divorced for the second time. In 1982, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery, but he never fully recovered. Richard Green passed away on June 1, 1985.
