Biography

Award-winning executive producer, screenwriter, director and web pioneer, Craig Richards is a veteran of the film and television industry since the late 1970s and is a member/signatory of DGA, WGAW, ASC, AMPTP, PGA, IATSE Local 33 and SAG-AFTRA.

Second-born of eight children whose father Gerald was a career Marine, Craig's family moved to various assignments throughout the United States. After high school and his own stint in the U.S. Marine Corps, Craig began performing in live theatre in 1977 quickly landing lead roles as Detective Mark McPherson in "Laura" by Vera Caspary, Paul Bratter in "Barefoot In The Park" by Neil Simon, "Born Yesterday" by Garson Kanin and "Finishing Touches" by Jean Kerr, among others. Craig also directed the theatrical production of "Heaven Can Wait" by Harry Segall and produced and directed various television commercials for clients in the Palm Springs market. He was honored by his peers with the Inland Theatre League's "Best Supporting Actor" award for his 1978 performance as Bogey in "Play It Again, Sam" written by Woody Allen. Urged by his agent, Craig moved to Los Angeles, California (US) in 1980 where he lived and worked until 2002.

Beginning in the early 1980s, highlights of Mr. Richards' performances include Corky Romano (2001) starring Chris Kattan, Rat Race (2001) directed by Jerry Zucker, The Majestic (2001) directed by Frank Darabont and starring Jim Carrey and The Princess Diaries (2001) directed by Garry Marshall. Craig is also noted for his guest or recurring roles in primetime series television including Murphy Brown (1988), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993), Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993), The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. (1993), Cafe Americain (1993), Sisters (1991), L.A. Law (1986), Picket Fences (1992), Melrose Place (1992), The Jersey (1999) and he starred as Captain Giles Slate in the science-fiction spoof The Micronots! (1993).

Upon relocating from Los Angeles to much slower-paced Bend, Oregon (US), Craig was able to return to his theatre roots, earning critical acclaim for his live performances at Bend's famous 2nd Street Theater stage, including the role of Congressman William Cheyney in the dramatic suspense "Final Reunion" written by Nicholas Montefeltro and directed by Steve Dougherty, and has starred in such roles as Secret Service Agent Parker in "Making the Call," as Sidney Black in the comedy "Light Up The Sky," as shy and awkward Geoffrey in the comedy "Stepping Out," as the charismatic Narrator in "The Rocky Horror Show," as the menacing Jonathan Brewster in "Arsenic and Old Lace" and as the professional male exotic dancer Buddy 'Keno' Walsh in "The Full Monty."

In 2008, Craig co-founded and served as first president of Film Oregon Alliance, an advocacy organization formed to attract more film and television projects with their living-wage jobs to cinematic Central Oregon.

Busier than ever behind the camera, feature projects Craig has produced, written and/or directed include family comedy Hawaiian Vacation, dramatic thriller Open, romantic tragedy Infidel, historic drama Kent State and outrageous comedy Extremely Used Cars: There Is No Hope (2015) written by Mark Donnell, as well as numerous award-winning television commercials and promotional projects. Mr. Richards is attached to produce and direct the film Knocked Down written by Shawn Downey and the pilot episode of upcoming one-hour action/drama Smoke Eaters and is slated to write and direct several of its episodes in the first season.

For TLC's unscripted cable show Buying Naked (2013), Mr. Richards is featured throughout all episodes of season 2. In 2010, Craig starred as The Bartender/Satan in the dark thriller Lurk directed by Nathan Ludwig, as a relentless mob assassin in the multiple-award-winning film Lucky Star (2009) directed by Hans Skjersaa, as the State Trooper in the comedy feature Man Maid (2008) directed by Chris Lusvardi, as Deputy Sheriff Jones in the off-the-rails drug-induced drama Punk Love (2006) directed by Nick Lyon and as T. Griffin Sanders in the award-winning dramatic fantasy Surrender (2003) directed by Tammy Sanderson, among others.

In 2014, Craig Richards relocated his production company 'Dolphin Heart Productions [us]' to sunny Tampa, Florida (US).
- IMDb mini biography by: Anonymous

Known for his imposing presence, he is often cast as some sort of law enforcement such as Secret Service, FBI, state trooper, Sheriff, etc.

During post-production on a film on December 17, 2010, Craig was diagnosed with stage-four nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (throat cancer). He underwent aggressive radiation and chemotherapy, lost nearly half his body weight but managed to survive. The course of treatment having proven successful, Craig remains cancer-free as of Summer 2013 and is committed to regaining his stable health. When able, he says he's eager to return to the gym to gain back his strength and the muscular physique he's been known for.

Born on 5 November 1955, the same date that Doc Brown and Marty McFly go "back to" in Back to the Future (1985).

Is a 1973 graduate of Banning High School in Banning, California (US) near Palm Springs.

Took graphic design courses at Mt. San Jacinto College before beginning work in advertising and marketing design, which he continues to do between acting roles.

A lifetime advocate for health and fitness and often mistaken for a competitive bodybuilder, Craig survived a heart attack November 17, 2008, due to a hereditary condition which often causes high cholesterol and hypertension. He recovered quickly and returned to work producing, directing and acting within a few months.