Ralph Richardson - Actor Profile

Ralph Richardson

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 19, 1902
Birth Place: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, UK

About Ralph Richardson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Sir Ralph David Richardson (19 December 1902 – 10 October 1983) was an English actor, one of a group of theatrical knights of the mid-20th century who, though more closely associated with the stage, also appeared in several classic films. Richardson first became known for his work on stage in the 1930s. In the 1940s, together with Laurence Olivier, he ran the Old Vic company. He continued on stage and in films into the early 1980s and was especially praised for his comedic roles. In his later years he was celebrated for his theatre work with his old friend John Gielgud. Among his most famous roles were Peer Gynt, Falstaff, John Gabriel Borkman and Hirst in Pinter's No Man's Land. Description above from the Wikipedia article Ralph Richardson, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ralph Richardson 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: Drama

The majority of Ralph Richardson'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 58% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ralph Richardson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Laurence Olivier: a life, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Ralph Richardson Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Ralph Richardson's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ralph Richardson.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1984 Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes The Sixth Earl of Greystoke Average Similar →
1982 Witness for the Prosecution Sir Wilfred Robarts Average Similar →
1982 Laurence Olivier: a life Self Super Hit Similar →
1981 Time Bandits Supreme Being Hit Similar →
1981 Dragonslayer Ulrich Hit Similar →
1978 Watership Down Chief Rabbit (voice) Hit Similar →
1978 No Man's Land Hirst Hit Similar →
1977 The Man in the Iron Mask Colbert de Voliere Average Similar →
1975 Rollerball Librarian Average Similar →
1974 Frankenstein: The True Story Mr. Lacey Hit Similar →
1973 O Lucky Man! Sir James Burgess / Monty Hit Similar →
1972 Alice's Adventures in Wonderland The Caterpillar Average Similar →
1972 Tales from the Crypt The Crypt Keeper Hit Similar →
1972 Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? Mr. Benton Average Similar →
1972 Home Jack Super Hit Similar →
1970 Twelfth Night Sir Toby Belch Average Similar →
1969 Battle of Britain Sir David Kelly - British Minister to Switzerland Hit Similar →
1969 The Bed Sitting Room Lord Fortnum of Alamein Average Similar →
1969 Oh! What a Lovely War Sir Edward Grey Hit Similar →
1968 The Movie Orgy Self (archive footage) Average Similar →
1966 The Wrong Box Joseph Finsbury Hit Similar →
1966 Khartoum William Gladstone Average Similar →
1965 Doctor Zhivago Alexander Gromeko Super Hit Similar →
1965 Chimes at Midnight Narrator (voice) Hit Similar →
1964 Woman of Straw Charles Richmond Average Similar →
1962 Hedda Gabler Judge Brack Hit Similar →
1962 Long Day's Journey Into Night James Tyrone Hit Similar →
1962 The 300 Spartans Themistocles of Athens Average Similar →
1960 Exodus Gen. Sutherland Hit Similar →
1960 Our Man in Havana 'C' Hit Similar →
1956 Smiley Rev. Lambeth Hit Similar →
1955 Richard III Duke of Buckingham Hit Similar →
1952 The Holly and the Ivy Reverend Martin Gregory Hit Similar →
1952 The Sound Barrier John Ridgefield Hit Similar →
1952 Home at Seven David Preston Average Similar →
1950 Eagles of the Fleet Commentary Average Similar →
1949 The Heiress Dr. Austin Sloper Super Hit Similar →
1948 The Fallen Idol Baines Hit Similar →
1948 Anna Karenina Alexei Karenin Average Similar →
1946 School for Secrets Prof. Heatherville Hit Similar →
1943 The Silver Fleet Jaap van Leyden Average Similar →
1939 The Lion Has Wings Wing Commander Richardson Average Similar →
1939 The Four Feathers John Durrance Hit Similar →
1938 The Citadel Dr. Philip Denny Hit Similar →
1938 South Riding Robert Carne Hit Similar →
1936 Things to Come The Boss Hit Similar →
1935 Bulldog Jack Morelle Average Similar →
1934 Java Head William Ammidon Average Similar →
1934 The Return of Bulldog Drummond Major Hugh 'Bulldog' Drummond Average Similar →
1933 Friday the Thirteenth Horace Dawes Average Similar →

Ralph Richardson - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Ralph Richardson?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ralph Richardson is "Laurence Olivier: a life" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Ralph Richardson acted in?

Ralph Richardson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Ralph Richardson?

Other notable films include "Home", "The Heiress", and "Doctor Zhivago".