Richard Ward
ActingAbout Richard Ward
Richard Ward, (March 15, 1915 – July 1, 1979) was a gravel-voiced African American actor on the stage, television, and in films, from 1949 until his death. Though best known through his TV appearances late in life, both in sitcoms and police procedurals, Ward also had an extensive film resume and a distinguished stage career, one of the highlights of the latter being his portrayal of Willy Loman in the 1972 production of Death of a Salesman, staged in Baltimore's Center Stage (the first African American production of Arthur Miller's signature opus, produced with the playwright's blessing); Ward's own favorite among his theatrical vehicles was Ceremonies in Dark Old Men.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Richard Ward reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 20 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Richard Ward's filmography leans towards the Drama 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 35% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Richard Ward remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Nothing But a Man, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Richard Ward Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Richard Ward's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Richard Ward.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | All Men's Dead | Heinrich Maksimov | Flop | Similar → |
| 1980 | Brubaker | Abraham Cook | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Jerk | Father | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Police Story: No Margin for Error | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1977 | Freeman | Ned | Flop | Similar → |
| 1977 | Contract on Cherry Street | Jack Kittens | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | Family Enforcer | Gunsmith | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | Mandingo | Agamemnon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Starsky & Hutch | Captain Dobey | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | For Pete's Sake | Bernie | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Sty of the Blind Pig | Blind Jordan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1973 | Cops and Robbers | Paul Jones | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | Across 110th Street | Doc Johnson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Brother John | Frank | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Learning Tree | Booker Savage | Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Barefoot in Athens | Satyros | Average | Similar → |
| 1964 | Nothing But a Man | Mill Hand | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Black Like Me | Burt Wilson | Average | Similar → |
| 1963 | The Cool World | Street speaker | Flop | Similar → |
| 1956 | Carib Gold | Lechock | Flop | Similar → |
Richard Ward - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Richard Ward?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Richard Ward is "Nothing But a Man" with a rating of 7.4/10.
How many movies has Richard Ward acted in?
Richard Ward has been featured in at least 20 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Richard Ward?
Other notable films include "Brubaker", "The Jerk", and "Starsky & Hutch".