Richard Cromwell Actor - Life And Times
Have you ever wondered about the faces from Hollywood's earlier days, the ones who helped shape what we see on screen now? It's interesting, really, to think about those who were there when talking pictures were just getting started. One such person, a rather intriguing figure from that time, was an actor known as Richard Cromwell. He had a way of being on screen that caught people's attention, and his story, well, it's a bit more than just acting.
This individual, Richard Cromwell, had a life that touched upon some truly memorable moments in cinema history, you know, appearing alongside some very big names. He was, in some respects, right there at the beginning of an exciting new era for movies. His path through the entertainment world had its ups and downs, as many do, but he certainly left his mark, even if it wasn't always the most obvious one.
We're going to take a closer look at who this Richard Cromwell actor was, from his beginnings to his moments in the spotlight, and even a little bit about his personal connections. It's a chance to, like, get a feel for the kind of person he was and the career he built. His story, you see, offers a little window into a different time in Hollywood, a time when things were, arguably, quite different from today.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Richard Cromwell Actor
- Who Was the Richard Cromwell Actor?
- Personal Details and Bio Data
- What Were the Early Career Steps for Richard Cromwell Actor?
- Career Highlights for Richard Cromwell Actor
- What About Richard Cromwell Actor's Personal Life?
- Beyond the Screen for Richard Cromwell Actor
- The Legacy of Richard Cromwell Actor
Biography of Richard Cromwell Actor
The person we know as Richard Cromwell was born with a different name entirely, you know, Leroy Melvin Radabaugh. This was his original identity before he stepped into the public eye and took on the stage name that became familiar. His family and close friends, apparently, had a more personal way of referring to him, calling him "Roy." He also, you know, signed autographs as "Dick Cromwell," which is a bit of a fun fact about how he presented himself to fans. So, this individual had a few different names he went by, depending on the situation, which is kind of interesting when you think about it.
He was, in a way, a person who had a look that seemed just right for the movies of his time. With his rather smooth, almost youthful appearance, he really did seem to have what it took to become a big name in Hollywood. This was especially true when movies were just starting to include sound, a time when the industry was, in some respects, finding its feet. It's almost as if his appearance was perfectly suited for that particular moment in cinema history, helping him to get noticed when things were still very new.
Who Was the Richard Cromwell Actor?
Richard Cromwell was an American actor who, you know, found success in the Hollywood system. He had a career that saw him appear in many films, working alongside some truly well-known performers of his era. His time in the movies, you see, spanned several years, allowing him to be a part of the changing landscape of film as it grew. He was, basically, a working actor who made a name for himself during a really important period for motion pictures, which is pretty neat when you consider it.
His work on screen brought him into contact with some of the biggest stars of the day, including the likes of Bette Davis, Henry Fonda, and Gary Cooper. These were, in fact, some of the most prominent names in cinema at that time, so being able to share the screen with them really says something about his standing. He was, to be honest, someone who got to experience the golden age of Hollywood firsthand, making connections and building a body of work that's still remembered by some today.
Personal Details and Bio Data
Real Name | Leroy Melvin Radabaugh |
Known As | Richard Cromwell, Roy, Dick Cromwell |
Date of Birth | Not specified in text |
Date of Passing | October 11, 1960 |
Age at Passing | 50 years old |
Cause of Passing | Liver cancer (battled for several years) |
Notable Career Period | Primarily 1930s-1940s |
Spouse | Angela Lansbury (1945-1946) |
Other Talents | Painter |
Hollywood Recognition | Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame |
What Were the Early Career Steps for Richard Cromwell Actor?
Richard Cromwell, the actor, began his journey in films right at the start of the 1930s. This was, you know, a very formative period for the movie industry, as it was transitioning from silent films to those with sound. His very first big role was in the 1930 remake of a film called 'Tol'able David,' which was, apparently, a good way to get his foot in the door. It allowed him to show what he could do on screen when talking pictures were still quite new and exciting for audiences.
Following that initial opportunity, he continued to secure parts in other films that helped establish his presence in Hollywood. For instance, he appeared in 'Maker of Men' in 1931, and also in a movie called 'Emma,' which further built up his acting resume. These early roles were, in a way, foundational for his career, giving him the experience and visibility needed to move forward in a competitive field. He was, basically, someone who started working steadily right from the get-go, which is a good sign for any aspiring performer.
His early work showed that he had a certain charm and presence that resonated with audiences and filmmakers alike. He was, in fact, quite active during a time when many actors were still figuring out how to adjust their performances for the microphone. So, his ability to land these roles early on suggests he adapted well to the new demands of the talking film era, which is, you know, a testament to his natural talent and adaptability.
Career Highlights for Richard Cromwell Actor
The career of Richard Cromwell, the actor, really reached a high point with his work in a film called 'Jezebel.' This movie, released in 1938, was a significant one, and he shared the screen with some truly iconic figures, Bette Davis and Henry Fonda. His performance in this particular picture was, in some respects, a standout, showcasing his abilities alongside such powerful talents. It's almost as if this role allowed him to shine in a way that truly captured the attention of moviegoers and critics alike.
He had another notable collaboration with Henry Fonda in a John Ford film titled 'Young Mr. Lincoln.' This was, obviously, another important project, given the director and the subject matter. Working with a director like John Ford, who was, basically, a master storyteller, was a significant achievement for any actor. So, to be featured in such a film, especially after his work in 'Jezebel,' really highlights a period of strong professional activity for him, you know, a time when he was very much in demand.
These films represent the pinnacle of his acting career, the moments when he was, arguably, at his most visible and successful. He was, to be honest, a part of some really important cinematic works that are still discussed and admired today. His contributions to these movies helped to make them what they are, and that's something that, you know, really speaks to his skill as a performer. It's clear that during this period, he was playing roles that allowed him to make a lasting impression on the silver screen.
Throughout his career, he appeared in a variety of films, showing his range and adaptability. Beyond the major highlights, he also took on roles in other productions, like 'Bungalow 13' in 1948 and 'The Crime.' These roles, while perhaps not as widely known as his earlier, more prominent ones, still formed part of his extensive body of work. He was, essentially, a consistent presence in Hollywood for a good number of years, which is, you know, quite an accomplishment in itself.
What About Richard Cromwell Actor's Personal Life?
Richard Cromwell, the actor, had a personal life that included a brief but well-known marriage to another famous performer, Angela Lansbury. This union happened in 1945, when Angela Lansbury was, apparently, just 19 years old. They decided to, you know, elope and tied the knot in a small civil ceremony, which is a bit different from the big Hollywood weddings we often hear about. It was, in fact, a rather private affair for two public figures.
There was a noticeable age difference between them, with Richard Cromwell being 16 years older than Angela Lansbury at the time of their marriage. Their marriage, however, was quite short-lived, lasting for about a year before they went their separate ways. This happened before Angela Lansbury met her long-time husband, Peter Shaw, which, you know, puts their brief time together in context. So, while it was a short period, it's a part of both their stories that people still talk about.
Their relationship was, in a way, a footnote in Angela Lansbury's much longer and incredibly successful career, but it was a significant personal event for both of them at the time. It just goes to show that even in the lives of public figures, there are, you know, these personal moments that shape who they become. The fact that it was a civil ceremony and lasted only a year, really, gives a glimpse into the nature of their connection during that particular moment in their lives.
Beyond the Screen for Richard Cromwell Actor
While Richard Cromwell is primarily remembered for his acting, he was, apparently, a person with other creative pursuits as well. He wasn't just limited to performing in front of the camera; he also had a talent for painting. This is, in some respects, a common thread among many artists who find expression in multiple forms. It suggests a deeper artistic sensibility beyond just memorizing lines and hitting marks, which is, you know, quite interesting to discover about him.
His interest in painting indicates a side of him that explored visual arts, adding another dimension to his public persona. It's a reminder that people, even those in the spotlight, often have passions and skills that extend beyond what they are most famous for. So, to think of him not just as an actor, but also as someone who picked up a paintbrush, really, gives a more complete picture of the individual he was, which is pretty neat.
Richard Cromwell also has a lasting physical presence in Hollywood, a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is, basically, a significant honor that acknowledges his contributions to the entertainment industry. For those who are interested, it's possible to find the exact location of his star, which is, you know, a tangible way to connect with his legacy. People can also, apparently, read a short biography there, see other stars that are related to his career, and even look at a map of important places from his time in the industry.
The Legacy of Richard Cromwell Actor
The passing of Richard Cromwell, the actor, was, you know, a sad event for the entertainment community. He passed away on October 11, 1960, at what many would consider a rather young age, just 50 years old. His death came after he had been dealing with liver cancer for several years, which, you know, must have been a very difficult struggle for him. It was, essentially, a loss that was felt by those who knew him and by fans of his work.
Even though his life was cut short, his contributions to film remain a part of Hollywood's history. He had, basically, a successful career, participating in a period of great change and growth for movies. His work with major stars and in significant films, like 'Jezebel' and 'Young Mr. Lincoln,' ensures that his name is still, in some respects, remembered when people talk about classic cinema. So, his legacy is tied to the films he made and the era in which he worked, which is quite important.
His story, from his real name of Leroy Melvin Radabaugh to his career highlights and personal connections, paints a picture of a man who was a part of Hollywood's formative years. He was, in a way, a quiet but consistent presence, contributing to the rich tapestry of early talking pictures. His life, though it ended relatively early, was filled with experiences that shaped his place in the history of film, and that's, you know, something worth remembering.
This article has explored the life and career of Richard Cromwell, the actor, starting with his birth name, Leroy Melvin Radabaugh, and his various nicknames like Roy and Dick Cromwell. We've looked at his early beginnings in the 1930s with films such as 'Tol'able David,' 'Maker of Men,' and 'Emma.' The discussion highlighted his career's peak with roles in 'Jezebel' and 'Young Mr. Lincoln,' where he worked alongside notable figures like Bette Davis and Henry Fonda. The article also touched upon his brief marriage to Angela Lansbury, noting the age difference and the duration of their union. Furthermore, it covered his talents beyond acting, specifically his work as a painter, and acknowledged his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Finally, we discussed his passing in 1960 at the age of 50 due to liver cancer, reflecting on his enduring place in cinema history.

Richard Cromwell Actor

Richard Cromwell Actor

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