Richard Bennett was an American actor best known for The Magnificent Ambersons, Arrowsmith, and Damaged Goods. Born on May 21, 1870, in Deer Creek, Indiana, he had a long career in both theatre and film until his death on October 22, 1944.
Personal and Family Life
Richard Bennett was married three times, first to Grena Heller, then to Adrienne Morrison, with whom he had three daughters, including notable actresses Joan and Constance Bennett. His last marriage was to Aimee Raisch Hastings. Bennett had a diverse early career, including working as a tailor’s assistant and even a professional boxer before fully committing to acting.
Career Highlights
Bennett started his acting career on stage in 1891 and became a prominent figure in Broadway productions until 1935. He appeared in several films, including significant roles in John Ford’s Arrowsmith and Orson Welles’ The Magnificent Ambersons. Known as a debonair matinée idol, he occasionally served as a technical advisor for adaptations of his stage plays into silent films.
Death and Legacy
Richard Bennett passed away from a heart attack on October 22, 1944, in Los Angeles, California. His contributions to both stage and film have left a lasting legacy, and he is remembered especially for his impact on the careers of his daughters in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Magnificent Ambersons | 1942-07-10 | Major Amberson |
| Journey into Fear | 1943-01-07 | Ship’s Captain |
| Five and Ten | 1931-06-13 | John Rarick |
| If I Had a Million | 1932-11-18 | John Glidden |
| Bought! | 1931-08-22 | David Meyer |
| Madame Racketeer | 1932-07-23 | Elmer Hicks |
| Strange Justice | 1932-10-07 | Kearney |
| Arrowsmith | 1931-12-07 | Gustav Sondelius |
| Nana | 1934-02-01 | Gaston Greiner |
| The Eternal City | 1923-12-17 | Bruno |
| This Reckless Age | 1932-01-09 | Donald Ingals |
| Damaged Goods | 1914-08-31 | |
| The Home Towners | 1928-11-03 | Vic Arnold |
| 18 Minutes | 1935-04-07 | Korn |
| The End of the Road | 1919-02-16 | Doctor |
| Youth for Sale | 1924-04-01 | Montgomery Breck |
| The Gilded Youth | 1917-01-01 | John Slocum |
| Big Executive | 1933-10-19 | Commodore Richardson |
| The Valley of Decision | 1916-12-04 | Arnold Gray |
| Lying Wives | 1925-06-13 | |
| The Pirates of Blood River | 1962-05-09 | Seymour (uncredited) |