Biography for
Richard Basehart More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

31 August 1914, Zanesville, Ohio, USA

Date of Death

17 September 1984, Los Angeles, California, USA (multiple strokes)

Birth Name

John Richard Basehart

Height

5' 9" (1.75 m)

Mini Biography

Richard Basehart came to Hollywood in 1947, after beginning an acting career on Broadway. He made his mark in the gritty film-noir classic He Walked by Night (1948), among others, and proved his versatility in several international productions, most notably in Federico Fellini's poignant masterpiece La strada (1954).

IMDb Mini Biography By:

Spouse

Diana Lotery	(1962 - 17 September 1984) (his death) 2 children
Valentina Cortese	(24 March 1951 - 1960) (divorced) 1 child
Stephanie Klein	(14 January 1940 - 28 July 1950) (her death)

Trivia

Was occasionally mentioned during the host segments on "Mystery Science Theater 3000" (1988) as the object of Gypsy's obsession.

In the televised play "Hallmark Hall of Fame: Valley Forge (#25.2)" (1975), Basehart played George Washington, and his arch-enemy General Howe was played by actor Harry Andrews. Andrews had previously played Stubb, the first mate, in the film version of Moby Dick (1956), in which Basehart had played Ishmael.

In the television version of The Paradine Case (1962) (TV), Basehart played the same role that Gregory Peck had played in the film version. Peck and Basehart had both appeared in the film Moby Dick (1956).

Died of a series of strokes shortly completing narration for the closing ceremonies of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

He and his wife Diana were the founders of the organization, Actors and Others for Animals, in 1971. They had been driving on a freeway and were appalled when someone threw a cat onto the freeway from a vehicle in front of them. It was too late for that animal, but they vowed to make things different in the future for others.

Was understandably distraught when his second wife (Italian actress Valentina Cortese) left him and moved back to Italy with their young son. Close friend Warren Stevens, concerned for Basehart's well-being, got him an apartment adjoining his own. For months Basehart had a standing phone call in to Italy, but Valentina never answered it. When Basehart finally filed for divorce Stevens was on hand to serve as his witness.

During the filming of Fourteen Hours (1951), Basehart's wife Stephanie was taken ill with what proved to be a brain tumor, and died very suddenly. Devastated, he finished work on the film and left the United States, going to Italy where he met Valentina Cortese.

On asking Federico Fellini as to why Fellini wanted him for the role of the Fool in La strada (1954), Fellini answered: "Because if you did what you did in Fourteen Hours (1951), you can do anything.".

When he heard that that director Bretaigne Windust wanted an authentic Scotsman for the lead role in The Hasty Heart, Basehart managed to effect a very convincing burr and won the part. For his portrayal of Cpl. MacLachlan, Basehart also went on to win the 1945 New York Critic's Award as the most promising actor of the year.

Basehart's last work as an actor was doing the voice-over for the closing ceremonies of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. The day after finishing the recording he suffered the first of a series of fatal strokes.

Best remembered by the public for his starring role as Admiral Nelson in "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" (1964).

Father of Make-Up Artist Gayla Basehart.

Father of Jackie Basehart.

Personal Quotes

"Nothing irritates me more than actors who take all the money and then complain about how terribly limited TV is. That kind of talk only reflects on them."

"I couldn't be a straight leading man. You've got to be bigger and prettier than I am."

[When asked how 'Hamlet' compared with 'Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea'] "With Shakespeare, there's more character than an actor can ever plumb. But there's no greater challenge than making something out of nothing."

Salary

The House on Telegraph Hill (1951)

$1,750 a week

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