Who Is Ralph Richardson? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on December 19, 1902, Ralph Richardson would be 123 years old in 2025. He was renowned for his outstanding performances in both theater and film, often recognized for his distinctive voice and commanding presence. Richardson's talent shone through various roles, making him one of the leading actors of his time. His career spanned over six decades, earning him numerous accolades and a place in cinema history.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1902 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | |
| Date of death | 10 October, 1983 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Ralph Richardson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ralph Richardson was known for his tall and sturdy frame. Although specific measurements for his height and weight fluctuated over his lifetime, he was approximately 6 feet tall. His physical presence added to his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from aristocrats to common men, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
At the outbreak of war Richardson joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve as a sub-lieutenant pilot. He had taken flying lessons during the 1930s and had logged 200 hours of flying time, but, though a notoriously reckless driver, he admitted to being a timid pilot.
He counted himself lucky to have been accepted, but the Fleet Air Arm was short of pilots. He rose to the rank of lieutenant-commander. His work was mostly routine administration, probably because of "the large number of planes which seemed to fall to pieces under his control", through which he acquired the nickname "Pranger" Richardson.
He served at several bases in the south of England, and in April 1941, at the Royal Naval Air Station, Lee-on-Solent, he was able to welcome Olivier, newly commissioned as a temporary sub-lieutenant. Olivier rapidly eclipsed Richardson's record for pranging.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Ralph Richardson maintained a relatively private personal life. He was married to the actress and writer, Hermione Gingold, who played a significant role in his personal and professional life. Although details about his romantic relationships remain limited, it is known that he nurtured strong connections within the acting community and had close friendships with various notable figures.
In 1907 the family split up; there was no divorce or formal separation, but the two elder boys, Christopher and Ambrose, remained with their father and Lydia left them, taking Ralph with her. The ostensible cause of the couple's separation was a row over Lydia's choice of wallpaper for her husband's study.
According to John Miller's biography, whatever underlying causes there may have been are unknown. An earlier biographer, Garry O'Connor, speculates that Arthur Richardson might have been having an extramarital affair.
There does not seem to have been a religious element, although Arthur was a dedicated Quaker, whose first two sons were brought up in that faith, whereas Lydia was a devout convert to Roman Catholicism, in which she raised Ralph.
Mother and son had a variety of homes, the first of which was a bungalow converted from two railway carriages in Shoreham-by-Sea on the south coast of England.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Ralph Richardson's estimated net worth is difficult to pinpoint, given the time elapsed since his passing in 1983. However, at the height of his career, he was among the highest-paid actors in Britain. His earnings came not only from film roles but also from theater performances, wherein he was highly regarded. His enduring legacy continues to generate income through film royalties and memorabilia, securing his financial legacy.
In 1919, aged sixteen, Richardson took a post as office boy with the Brighton branch of the Liverpool Victoria insurance company. The pay, ten shillings a week, was attractive, but office life was not; he lacked concentration, frequently posting documents to the wrong people as well as engaging in pranks that alarmed his superiors.
His paternal grandmother died and left him £500, which, he later said, transformed his life. He resigned from the office post, just in time to avoid being dismissed, and enrolled at the Brighton School of Art. His studies there convinced him that he lacked creativity, and that his drawing skills were not good enough.
Career, Business and Investments
Richardson's career was marked by outstanding performances in both film and theater. He was a prominent figure in the Royal Shakespeare Company and starred in notable films such as "The Heiress" and "The Dresser." His dedication to acting also led him to establish various theater companies, contributing significantly to the theatrical world. Outside of his acting career, it is speculated that he made prudent investments in the arts and potentially real estate, further enhancing his financial standing.
Sir Ralph David Richardson (19 December 1902 – 10 October 1983) was an English actor who, with John Gielgud and Laurence Olivier, was one of the trinity of male actors who dominated the British stage for much of the 20th century. He worked in films throughout most of his career, and played more than sixty cinema roles.
From an artistic but not theatrical background, Richardson had no thought of a stage career until a production of Hamlet in Brighton inspired him to become an actor. He learned his craft in the 1920s with a touring company and later the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. In 1931 he joined the Old Vic, playing mostly Shakespearean roles.
He led the company the following season, succeeding Gielgud, who had taught him much about stage technique. After he left the company, a series of leading roles took him to stardom in the West End and on Broadway.
Social Network
Although Ralph Richardson did not have the influence of social media in his lifetime, his legacy has been preserved through various online platforms dedicated to classic cinema. Fans and scholars alike celebrate his work on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where discussions about his performances and impact on theater continue to thrive.
In 1930 Richardson, with some misgivings, accepted an invitation to join The Old Vic company. The theatre, in an unfashionable location south of the Thames, had offered inexpensive tickets for opera and drama under its proprietor Lilian Baylis since 1912.
Its profile had been raised considerably by Baylis's producer, Harcourt Williams, who in 1929 persuaded the young West End star John Gielgud to lead the drama company. For the following season Williams wanted Richardson to join, with a view to succeeding Gielgud from 1931 to 1932.
Richardson agreed, though he was not sure of his own suitability for a mainly Shakespearean repertoire, and was not enthusiastic about working with Gielgud: "I found his clothes extravagant, I found his conversation flippant. He was the New Young Man of his time and I didn't like him."
Education
Ralph Richardson's education in the dramatic arts laid the foundation for his illustrious career. He attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), where he honed his craft and gained the skills that would later define his success as an actor. His educational background played a pivotal role in shaping his techniques and understanding of the theatrical world.
As Ralph Richardson's legacy lingers on in 2025, his contributions to acting serve as an inspiration for both aspiring actors and seasoned professionals in the entertainment industry.
The couple had met while both were in Paris, studying with the painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau. Arthur Richardson had been senior art master at Cheltenham Ladies' College from 1893.
