Richard Fraser (actor)
| Richard Fraser | |
|---|---|
 from the trailer for The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) | |
| Born |
Richard Mackie Simpson March 15, 1913 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died |
January 19, 1972 (aged 58) London, England |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1941–1949 |
| Spouse(s) |
Louise Christine Sheldon (1938-1944) (divorced) 1 child Ann Gillis (1952-1970) (divorced) 1 child |
Richard Fraser (15 March 1913 – 19 January 1972) was a Scottish actor.
Early life
After graduating from Sedbergh School as Richard Mackie Simpson, Richard's mother divorced and his name was shortened to Richard Mackie. After attending Cambridge University, Richard Mackie studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Having Spent time as a London stage actor, Richard emigrated to the USA and in New York married Louise Christine Sheldon, the couple then moved to Hollywood before the Second World War. Discovering that there was already a Richard Mackie acting in the US he adopted the stage name Richard Fraser.[1] He then signed a contract with 20th Century Fox and appeared in numerous films.[2]
Career
His American film career reached its peak with his performance as James Vane, the vengeful brother of Sibyl Vane in the film The Picture of Dorian Gray. Richard retired from acting in 1949, returning to Britain in 1961 with his then-wife, US actress Ann Gillis, spending his most of his last decade working for the BBC in export sales.[2]
Private life
Richard married Louise Christine Sheldon in 1938 and had a daughter by her, they divorced in 1944.[1] Richard then married actress Ann Gillis in 1952, and had a son by her.[3] After retiring from acting in 1949 Richard and Ann lived in Britain in the 1960s, Richard as a businessman, as Ann continued her acting career. The two divorced in 1970, two years prior to Richard's death due to cancer.[4]
Filmography
- The Ghost Goes West (1935) .... Son of MacLaggen (uncredited)
- Man Hunt (1941) .... Navigator (uncredited)
- A Yank in the R.A.F. (1941) .... Thorndyke
- How Green Was My Valley (1941) .... Davy Morgan
- Joan of Paris (1942) .... Geoffrey
- Eagle Squadron (1942) .... Lt. Jefferys
- Busses Roar (1942) .... Dick Remick
- Desperate Journey (1942) .... Squadron Leader Clark
- The Gorilla Man (1943) .... Lieutenant Walter Sibley
- Truck Busters (1943) .... Limey
- Edge of Darkness (1943) .... Pastor Aalesen
- Thumbs Up (1943) .... Douglas Heath
- Holy Matrimony (1943) .... John Leek (uncredited)
- Ladies Courageous (1944) .... Col. Andy Brennan
- The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) .... James Vane
- The Fatal Witness (1945) .... Inspector William 'Bill' Trent
- Scotland Yard Investigator (1945) .... Inspector Cartwright
- Shadow of Terror (1945) .... Jim, aka Howard Norton
- White Pongo (1945) .... Geoffrey Bishop
- The Tiger Woman (1945) .... Stephen Mason
- The Undercover Woman (1946) .... Gregory Vixon
- Bedlam (1946) .... Hannay
- Blonde for a Day (1946) .... Dillingham 'Dilly' Smith
- Cloak and Dagger (1946) .... British Submarine Skipper (uncredited)
- The Private Affairs of Bel Ami (1947) .... Philippe de Cantel
- Blackmail (1947) .... Antoine le Blanc
- The Lone Wolf in London (1947) .... David Woolerton
- The Cobra Strikes (1948) .... Michael Kent
- Rogues' Regiment (1948) .... Rycroft
- Alaska Patrol (1949) .... Operative Farrell (as Dick Fraser)
- The Red Danube (1949) .... Transport Pilot (uncredited)
References
- 1 2 Family history facts added by Gordon Fraser
- 1 2 http://www.answers.com/topic/richard-fraser
- ↑ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0319268/bio
- ↑ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0292219/bio