Richard LaMarr was an American actor who is best known for his roles in early silent films, as well as being a stand-in and stunt double. He had a diverse career spanning over six decades in the entertainment industry, contributing to numerous movies and television shows throughout his life.
Personal and Family Life
Little is known about Richard LaMarr’s personal life and family background, as much of his early career remains undocumented due to lost films. He was born in Italy on November 6, 1895, and immigrated to the United States, where he began his acting career in 1911. LaMarr often found himself in stereotypical roles, suited to his appearance, which included appearances as convicts and gangsters.
Career Highlights
LaMarr had a long and varied career, often seen in the shadows of more famous actors. He served as a stand-in and stunt double for Edward G. Robinson for 25 years due to their similar features. Despite challenges in transitioning to speaking roles because of his noticeable Italian accent, he found work in television westerns like “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke,” and films such as “Rio Bravo” and “The Cheyenne Social Club.” His appearances contributed to the backdrop of many stories, showcasing the versatility of character actors.
Death and Legacy
Richard LaMarr passed away on April 24, 1975, in Los Angeles County, California. Although he may not be a household name today, his contribution to the entertainment industry as a silent film actor and character actor in later years remains significant. LaMarr represents a vital link to the early days of cinema and the evolution of film acting.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance | 1962-04-13 | Townsman (uncredited) |
| Rio Bravo | 1959-03-18 | Minor Role (uncredited) |
| Somebody Up There Likes Me | 1956-07-04 | Fight Spectator (uncredited) |
| Dick Tracy vs. Crime Inc. | 1941-12-27 | Canfield |
| Around the World in Eighty Days | 1956-10-17 | Extra (uncredited) |
| The Fatal Ring | 1917-07-07 | |
| The Death of Me Yet | 1971-10-26 | Restaurant Patron |
| Jack the Giant Killer | 1962-05-18 | Royal Court Member (uncredited) |
| The Tunnel of Love | 1958-11-21 | Waiter (uncredited) |
| Any Wednesday | 1966-10-13 | Waiter (uncredited) |
| Myra Breckinridge | 1970-06-24 | Accident Witness (uncredited) |
| Hell Bound | 1957-10-01 | Bar Patron (uncredited) |
| The Set-Up | 1949-03-29 | Vendor (uncredited) |
| Kid Galahad | 1937-05-29 | (uncredited) |
| Westbound | 1959-04-25 | Townsman (uncredited) |
| Summer and Smoke | 1961-11-16 | Cantina Patron (uncredited) |
| The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band | 1968-04-19 | Townsman (uncredited) |
| Blazing Saddles | 1974-02-07 | Townsman (uncredited) |
| A Star Is Born | 1954-10-01 | Benefit Attendee (uncredited) |
| Gypsy | 1962-11-01 | Audience Member (uncredited) |
| An Affair to Remember | 1957-07-11 | Ship Passenger (uncredited) |
| Valley of the Dolls | 1967-12-27 | Pedestrian (uncredited) |
| Luv | 1967-07-26 | Bar Patron (uncredited) |
| Bachelor in Paradise | 1961-11-01 | Baseball Spectator (uncredited) |
| All My Sons | 1948-05-01 | |
| The Oklahoma Kid | 1939-03-11 | |
| The Cincinnati Kid | 1965-10-15 | Spectator at Cockfight (uncredited) |
| Rio Lobo | 1970-04-01 | Man in Army Post Saloon (uncredited) |
| Support Your Local Gunfighter | 1971-05-26 | Townsman |
| River of No Return | 1954-04-30 | Prospector (uncredited) |
| Gentlemen Prefer Blondes | 1953-07-14 | Porter (uncredited) |
| The Far Country | 1954-02-12 | Townsman (uncredited) |
| Mary Poppins | 1964-12-17 | Gentleman in Bank (uncredited) |
| It’s Always Fair Weather | 1955-08-30 | Bar Patron (uncredited) |
| A Big Hand for the Little Lady | 1966-06-08 | Townsman (uncredited) |
| Gambit | 1966-12-21 | Departing Plane Passenger (uncredited) |
| The Spirit of St. Louis | 1957-04-01 | Crowd Member in France (uncredited) |