Richard Farnsworth
  • Richard Farnsworth
  • Richard Farnsworth
  • Richard Farnsworth
Who's Dated Who feature on Richard Farnsworth including awards, trivia, quotes, pictures, biography, photos, videos, pics, news, commentary, vital stats, fans and facts.
 

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Richard Farnsworth Biography
American stuntman who, after more than thirty years in the business, moved into acting and became an acclaimed and respected character actor. A native of Los Angeles, Farnsworth grew up around horses and as a teenager was offered an opportunity to ride in films. He appeared in horse-racing scenes and cavalry charges Anonymously, first as a general equestrian and later as a stuntman. His riding and stunting skills gained him regular work doubling stars ranging from Roy Rogers to Gary Cooper, and he often doubled the bad guy as well. Although like most stuntmen, he was occasionally given a line or two of dialogue, it was not until Farnsworth was over fifty that his natural talent for acting and his ease and warmth before the camera became apparent. When he won an Academy Award nomination for his role in Comes a Horseman (1978), it came as a surprise to many in the industry that this "newcomer" had been around since the Thirties. Farnsworth followed his Oscar nomination with a number of finely wrought performances, including The Grey Fox (1982) and The Natural (1984). In 1999, he came out of semi-retirement for a tour-de-force portrayal in The Straight Story (1999).

Biography Credit: www.imdb.com/name/nm0002070/bio
 

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Trivia
  • During the telecast of the 73rd Annual Academy Awards of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Richard Farnsworth was honoured by being included in the always touching and memorable segment that pays tribute to those in the industry who have passed away over the course of the previous year. [25 March 2001]
    (imdb.com)
  • Was originally attached to play the lead in Gompy (2009). His sudden passing stopped all development on the film.
    (imdb.com)
  • Engaged to Jewely Van Valin at the time of his death.
    (imdb.com)
  • Shortly before his death, when asked by film critic Roger Ebert what he was most proud of in regards to his acting career, he replied that it was the fact that in over 60 movies he never says one cuss word.
    ((IMDB))
  • One son and one daughter, Diamond Farnsworth and Missy.
    ((IMDB))
  • Doubled for Kirk Douglas, Henry Fonda, Montgomery Clift, Steve McQueen and Roy Rogers.
    ((IMDB))
  • Is the oldest ever person to receive a Best Actor Oscar Nomination (79 at the time).
    ((IMDB))
  • Inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1997.
    ((IMDB))
  • Billy Crystal singled out Farnsworth at the 72nd Academy Awards telling everyone it was "great to see him, and his nomination was a great story."
    ((IMDB))
  • Died of self-inflicted gunshot wound. Had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
    ((IMDB))
  • Known for a dislike of four letter words, he was embarrassed by the language in The Getaway (1994).
    ((IMDB))
  • Co-founder of Stuntmen`s Association in 1961
    ((IMDB))
  • Was a stunt man for 40 years before becoming an actor.
    ((IMDB))
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