Biography

Born in Chicago in 1926, Richardson trained for the stage at the Goodman Theatre there. After serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he moved to New York and worked in off-Broadway productions. In the 1950s, he worked on television drama programs. In the 1960s, he moved to Minneapolis where he was one of the founders of the Guthrie Theater. In addition to being a popular character actor, he was also a popular voice for television commercials and had more than 100 ads to his credit.
- IMDb mini biography by: pdoreilly

Born in Chicago, he served in the Army Air Corps in World War II, , where he was able to consume the works of Shakespeare and Coward.Studied prelaw at Loyola University before moving into Chicago's Goodman Theater School. By age 24, performed in Off Broadway production of "Summer and Smoke" with Geraldine Page. Also appeared in numerous live TV productions with "Studio One" and "Playhouse 90;" in all over 250 appearances. Helped found Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, and worked there with Zoe Caldwell, Jessica Tandy and her husband Hume Cronyn.In 1973 nominated for a Tony for his role in "Vivat! Vivat Regina!" Wsa a favorite character actor of movie director Sidney Lumet, and of producers of TV commercials as well, who hired him to perform at least 100 spots. His frequent stage roles requiring an English accent had many convinced for years that he was, in fact, a British actor.
- IMDb mini biography by: mwprods@mindspring.com

Frequently cast in Sidney Lumet' films.

Daughter Rachel; son Jonathan

Was nominated for Broadway's 1972 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Dramatic) for "Vivat! Vivat Rgina!."

He studied drama at HB Studio in Greenwich Village in New York City.

Worked with both John Huston and Sidney Lumet.

He appeared in five films directed by Sidney Lumet: Network (1976), Prince of the City (1981), Daniel (1983), Q&A (1990) and A Stranger Among Us (1992).