Richard Farnsworth
ActingAbout Richard Farnsworth
Richard William Farnsworth (September 1, 1920 – October 6, 2000) was an American actor and stuntman. He is best known for his performances in Comes a Horseman (1978), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor; The Grey Fox (1982), for which he received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama; Anne of Green Gables (1985); Misery (1990); and The Straight Story (1999), for which he received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Richard Farnsworth reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Western
The majority of Richard Farnsworth's filmography leans towards the Western genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 42% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Richard Farnsworth remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Louis L'Amour's The Cherokee Trail, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Richard Farnsworth Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Richard Farnsworth's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Richard Farnsworth.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | The Straight Story | Alvin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Lassie | Len Collins | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | The Getaway | Slim | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Highway to Hell | Sam | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Havana | Professor | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Misery | Buster | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Two Jakes | Earl Rawley | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Desperado: The Outlaw Wars | Sheriff Campbell | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Good Old Boy | Percy | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | Anne of Green Gables | Matthew Cuthbert | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Wild Horses | Chuck Reese | Flop | Similar → |
| 1985 | Into the Night | Jack Caper | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Natural | Red Blow | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Independence Day | Evan | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Grey Fox | Bill Miner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | The Legend of the Lone Ranger | Wild Bill Hickok | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | Louis L'Amour's The Cherokee Trail | Ridge Fenton | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Ruckus | Sheriff Jethro Pough | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Resurrection | Esco | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Tom Horn | John Coble | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Comes a Horseman | Dodger | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | Another Man, Another Chance | Stagecoach Driver | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox | Stagecoach driver | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Apple Dumpling Gang | Mover | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Blazing Saddles | Sheriff (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Papillon | Manhunter (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean | Outlaw | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | Ulzana's Raid | Trooper | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Pocket Money | Man (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1972 | The Cowboys | Henry Williams | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Skin Game | Man in Saloon fight (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | Monte Walsh | Cowboy | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Good Guys and the Bad Guys | Workman (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | Sam Whiskey | Pete the Guard (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | The Stalking Moon | Man (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | Texas Across the River | Medicine Man | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | Duel at Diablo | Wagon Driver #1 (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | Spartacus | Salt Mine Slave / Gladiator / Slave General (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Tin Star | Posse Member (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Ten Commandments | Chariot Driver (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | A Lawless Street | Townsman (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Violent Men | Anchor Rider (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Wild One | Man (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Flame and the Arrow | Outlaw (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | Mighty Joe Young | Cowboy (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Red River | Dunston Rider (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | This Is the Army | Soldier (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Gone with the Wind | Soldier (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Gunga Din | (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1938 | The Adventures of Marco Polo | Mongol Warrior (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
Richard Farnsworth - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Richard Farnsworth?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Richard Farnsworth is "Louis L'Amour's The Cherokee Trail" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Richard Farnsworth acted in?
Richard Farnsworth has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Richard Farnsworth?
Other notable films include "Desperado: The Outlaw Wars", "Anne of Green Gables", and "Gone with the Wind".