Richard Lane was an American actor known for The Big Wheel, Meet Boston Blackie, and Take Me Out to the Ball Game. He was active in film and television from the 1930s until his passing in the early 1980s.
Personal and Family Life
Richard Lane was born on May 28, 1899, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. He began his career in show business as a song-and-dance performer in vaudeville before moving into acting. After serving as an emcee for the USO during World War II, he joined Paramount Pictures, where he became well-known.
Career
Lane is best recognized for his role in numerous films and television shows during the 1940s-60s, including a recurring part as Inspector Farraday in the Boston Blackie series. He also gained fame as an announcer for local roller derby and racing events, famously exclaiming “Whooooaaaah Nellie!” during broadcasts. His dynamic presence made him a beloved figure in Los Angeles entertainment.
Death and Legacy
Richard Lane passed away on September 5, 1982, in Newport Beach, California. He is remembered for his significant contributions to film and television, especially in the genres of comedy and sports announcing. His improvisation skills in wrestling commentary left a lasting impact, as many of the phrases he coined are still used today.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Brother Orchid | 1940-06-07 | Mugsy O’Day |
| Charlie Chan in Honolulu | 1938-12-30 | Joe Arnold |
| The Return of the Whistler | 1948-03-18 | Gaylord Traynor |
| Take Me Out to the Ball Game | 1949-03-09 | Michael Gihuly |
| Arabian Nights | 1942-12-25 | Corporal |
| The Jackie Robinson Story | 1950-05-16 | Hopper |
| Two O’Clock Courage | 1945-04-13 | Al Haley |
| A-Haunting We Will Go | 1942-08-07 | Phillips |
| The Admiral Was a Lady | 1950-08-04 | Marty Gruber |
| City of Chance | 1940-01-13 | Marty Connors |
| The Shaggy D.A. | 1976-12-17 | Roller Rink Announcer |
| Alias Boston Blackie | 1942-04-02 | Inspector Farraday |
| A Close Call for Boston Blackie | 1946-01-24 | Inspector Farraday |
| Time to Kill | 1942-12-24 | Lt. Breeze |
| After Midnight with Boston Blackie | 1943-03-18 | Inspector Farraday |
| Boston Blackie’s Rendezvous | 1945-07-05 | Inspector Farraday |
| Boston Blackie Booked on Suspicion | 1945-05-10 | Insp. John Farraday |
| Boston Blackie and the Law | 1946-12-12 | Inspector Farraday |
| Boston Blackie Goes Hollywood | 1942-11-05 | Inspector Farraday |
| Boston Blackie’s Chinese Venture | 1949-03-02 | Inspector William R. Farraday |
| Confessions of Boston Blackie | 1941-12-08 | Inspector John Farraday |
| Meet Boston Blackie | 1941-02-20 | Inspector Faraday |
| One Mysterious Night | 1944-10-21 | Inspector Farraday |
| Trapped by Boston Blackie | 1948-05-13 | Insp. William R. Farraday |
| The Bullfighters | 1945-05-01 | ‘Hot Shot’ Coleman |
| Time Out for Rhythm | 1941-06-05 | Mike Armstrong |