 |
Richard Paul KileyAmerican stage, film and television actor
Date of Birth: 31.03.1922
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Richard Paul Kiley
Richard Paul Kiley was an American actor of theater, film, and television. He was best known for his work in voice acting, often serving as a narrator in various documentary projects. Many remember him from the 1965 Broadway musical "Man of La Mancha", where Richard played the role of Don Quixote. He was the first to perform and record the most famous song of the production, "The Impossible Dream". He also had a successful role as the Caliph in the 1953 musical "Kismet", where he performed the song "Stranger in Paradise".
Early Life and Education
Kiley was born in Chicago, Illinois and was raised in the Roman Catholic faith. After graduating from high school in 1940, he attended Loyola University in Chicago for one year before transferring to the Barnum Dramatic School. In the late 1940s, he performed in summer theaters in Chicago alongside popular actors such as Alan Furlan.
Career
After a brief stint in the U.S. Navy, Kiley returned to Chicago and pursued his acting career while also working in radio. He later moved to New York City, where he continued his theatrical work. During this time, he collaborated with Richard Rodgers on his first musical, "I Had a Ball", writing both the music and lyrics. He also had leading roles in "Redhead" and "Man of La Mancha". Kiley won two Tony Awards for "Best Actor" during this period.
His most successful production at the time was "Man of La Mancha", where Kiley played two roles - Miguel de Cervantes and his alter ego. This experience was quite unusual for Richard, as he had previously been more accustomed to playing leading roles rather than character roles.
Kiley's work in television earned him several Emmy and Golden Globe awards. He is most remembered for his portrayal of Paddy, the father of Rachel Ward's character, in "The Thorn Birds". From 1994 to 1998, Kiley served as a narrator for the A&E documentary series "Mysteries of the Bible".
Death
Richard Kiley passed away on March 5, 1999, in Warwick, New York. The cause of death was an unknown bone marrow disease. He missed his 77th birthday by only a month.
