Who Is Richard Widmark? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Richard Widmark was born on December 26, 1914, and passed away on March 24, 2008. Even beyond his lifetime, his influence as an American actor and producer is profoundly felt in Hollywood. With a career spanning over six decades, Widmark was known for his versatile acting skills, capturing audiences with his roles in classic films like "Kiss of Death," "Judgment at Nuremberg," and "The Alamo." His ability to embody complex characters made him a legendary figure in the cinematic world.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 26, 1914 |
| Age | 93 Years |
| Birth Place | Sunrise Township, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 24 March, 2008 |
| Died Place | Roxbury, Connecticut, U.S. |
Popularity
Richard Widmark's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Richard Widmark stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. While his exact weight fluctuated throughout his life depending on his roles, he was known for maintaining a fit stature befitting an actor during his prime. His charismatic presence on screen was enhanced by his classic Hollywood good looks, which contributed to his remarkable career in the film industry.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Widmark was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to actress Jean Hazelton, which lasted from 1942 until their divorce in 1948. He later married theatrical producer and director, Anne Burns, in 1950, and they remained together until his death in 2008. Widmark often kept his personal life out of the limelight, but he shared a close-knit bond with his family, including children from his marriages. As of 2025, any new relationships or developments in his family dynamics are historical reflections, highlighting his legacy in the film industry rather than active relationship statuses.
His father, a traveling salesman, was of Swedish descent, and his mother was of English and Scottish ancestry. Widmark grew up in Princeton, Illinois, and lived in Henry, Illinois, for a short time, moving frequently because of his father's work.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in speech at Lake Forest College in 1936, both studying acting and teaching it there after graduating. The Army turned him down during World War II because of a perforated ear drum.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2008, Richard Widmark had an estimated net worth of around $10 million. This wealth was accrued through his prolific acting career, numerous film roles, and occasional voice work in documentaries. His contributions to both film and television significantly raised his profile and income over the years. His influence, however, continues posthumously, with re-releases of his classic films keeping his legacy alive and adding to the discussion regarding his earnings and status.
Career, Business, and Investments
Widmark's career was not just defined by his on-screen performances; he demonstrated considerable acumen in business matters as well. Beyond acting, he produced several films and even tried his hand at television. His most notable works included critically acclaimed films in various genres, from drama to crime thrillers. Widmark's strategic investments in real estate allowed him to maintain financial stability throughout his life, showcasing his foresight both in terms of career decisions and financial planning.
He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as the villainous Tommy Udo in his debut film, Kiss of Death (1947), for which he also won the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer.
Early in his career, Widmark was typecast in similar villainous or anti-hero roles in films noir, but he later branched out into more heroic leading and supporting roles in Westerns, mainstream dramas, and horror films among others.
Social Network
While Richard Widmark passed away in 2008, his legacy lives on through his classic films and the continued admiration from fans worldwide. He remains a topic of discussion on various social media platforms and film forums, where classic cinema enthusiasts share their love for his work. Film histories, retrospectives, and discussions keep his spirit alive in contemporary culture, providing platforms for fans to connect over cherished memories of his performances.
In an interview with Michael Shelden in 2002, Widmark complained that "movie-making has lost a lot of its magic". He thought it had become "mostly a mechanical process...All they want to do is move the camera around like it was on a rollercoaster. A great director like John Ford knew how to handle it. Ford didn't move the camera, he moved the people".
Education
Widmark attended Lake Forest College in Illinois but did not complete his degree. Instead, he shifted his focus toward acting, which quickly proved to be his true calling. His early experiences in radio and theatre honed his skills, setting the stage for a successful transition to film. Richard Widmark's educational journey may have been cut short, but it ultimately led him to become one of the most respected figures in the entertainment industry.
