Who Is Richard Todd? Age, Biography and Wiki
Richard Todd was born on June 11, 1919, in Dublin, Ireland, and passed away on December 3, 2009. He was a prominent British actor known for his captivating performances in both film and theatre. With a career that spanned over six decades, Todd became widely recognized for his roles in classics such as "The Dam Busters" and "The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men." As of 2025, he would have been 106 years old, a testament to his enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 11, 1919 |
| Age | 90 Years |
| Birth Place | Dublin, Ireland |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Ireland |
| Date of death | 3 December, 2009 |
| Died Place | Grantham, Lincolnshire, England |
Popularity
Richard Todd's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Richard Todd did not frequently disclose his exact measurements during his lifetime. However, it is reported that he stood approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and maintained a well-built physique that was characteristic of leading men in the mid-20th century. His physical presence on screen was complemented by his impeccable acting skills.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Richard Todd was married to actress Catherine "Kay" Todd in 1948 until his passing in 2009. The couple had three children together. Throughout his life, Todd was known to have a close-knit family, and his relationships were largely private, focusing on his craft and family life.
His father, Andrew William Palethorpe-Todd, was an Irish physician and an international Irish rugby player who gained three caps for his country. Richard spent a few of his childhood years in India, where his father, an officer in the British Army, served as a physician. Later his family moved to Devon, and Todd attended Shrewsbury School.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2009, Richard Todd's net worth was estimated to be between $5 million to $10 million. This wealth was accumulated through his extensive film career, stage performances, and television appearances. His earnings primarily derived from acting, but he was also involved in various business endeavors.
Career, Business and Investments
Richard Todd's career began in the late 1930s, and he gained fame during World War II when he appeared in films that showcased his bravery and leadership qualities. His breakthrough role came with "The Dam Busters" in 1955, solidifying his status as a leading actor. Throughout his career, he worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and received numerous accolades, including a BAFTA award.
Beyond acting, Todd was an astute businessman. He invested in real estate and was involved in several theatrical productions, which contributed significantly to his income. His legacy in cinema continues to be honored through retrospectives of his work and the influence he had on generations of actors.
Todd's career received a boost when 20th Century-Fox signed him to a non-exclusive contract and cast him as the United States Senate Chaplain Peter Marshall in the film version of Catherine Marshall's best selling biography A Man Called Peter (1955), which was a popular success.
Social Network
While Richard Todd was not part of the modern social media landscape, his legacy lives on through fan pages and tribute sites that honor his work. Today, fans and admirers continue to share memories and insights about his performances on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Todd was now much in demand. He was lent to Constellation Films to appear in the thriller The Interrupted Journey (1949). Alfred Hitchcock then used him in Stage Fright (1950), opposite Marlene Dietrich and Jane Wyman – Hitchcock's first British film since 1939.
Associated British put him in the drama Portrait of Clare (1950), which did not perform well at the box office. Neither did Flesh and Blood (1951) for London Films, in which Todd had a dual role. Director King Vidor offered Todd a lead in Lightning Strikes Twice (1951), for Warners.
Far more popular was The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952), in which Todd played the title role for Walt Disney Productions.
Education
Todd received a classical education in drama and theatre arts at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. His training honed his skills and helped him develop the powerful presence that captivated audiences worldwide. This foundation laid the groundwork for a successful career in acting that earned him recognition and respect in the industry.
Todd enlisted soon after the outbreak of the Second World War, entering the Royal Military College, Sandhurst in late 1939. On 29 January 1941, he was one of 26 cadets injured when 'D' Block of New College was hit by a German bomb in an attack by the Luftwaffe.
In his memoirs, he describes seeing the bomb pass through the ceiling in front of him before he was blown out of the building by its blast, landing on a grass bank and suffering lacerations; five cadets were killed in the incident. Todd passed out (completed the course) in the spring of 1941.
On the day he received his commission, he tried to join several friends at the Café de Paris in London, but could not get a table booked for the evening. That evening, the venue was destroyed in an air raid and 15 newly commissioned subalterns were killed.
