Richard Talmadge - Actor Profile

Richard Talmadge

Acting
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
36Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 3, 1892
Birth Place: Munich, German Empire [now Germany]

About Richard Talmadge

From Wikipedia Richard Talmadge (Sylvester Alphonse Metz, Camburg, Germany, December 3, 1892 – January 25, 1981) was a German-born American actor, stuntman and film director. Alberta Vaughn and Richard Talmadge share a cigar in The Live Wire (1935) When he arrived in Hollywood in 1910, he began his career as a stuntman for Douglas Fairbanks, before becoming an actor himself. His films include American Manners, Dancing Dynamite, Speed Madness, and the Pirate Treasure series. He was the lead in The Cavalier (1928), film released by Tiffany Pictures with only a music and sound effects soundtrack. He never got rid of his German accent, so with the advent of the talkies, he started working behind the cameras - as assistant director, stunt coordinator and director. His later work included How the West Was Won, The Greatest Story Ever Told and Casino Royale. He was also the stepfather of legendary polo player Sue Sally Hale.

Richard Talmadge Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Richard Talmadge reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 36 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Richard Talmadge's work falls within the Action genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 6% of Richard Talmadge's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Live Wire, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Richard Talmadge Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Richard Talmadge's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Richard Talmadge has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1948 Black Eagle Mort Average Similar →
1943 Hitler's Madman - Flop Similar →
1943 Redhead from Manhattan Fisherman Flop Similar →
1942 Lucky Legs Sam Flop Similar →
1936 The Speed Reporter Dick Lawrence Flop Similar →
1936 Step on It Larry Evans Flop Similar →
1935 Never Too Late Det. Dick Manning Flop Similar →
1935 The Live Wire 2nd Mate Dick Nelson Super Hit Similar →
1935 Now or Never Dick Rainey / Norman Gray Flop Similar →
1935 The Fighting Pilot Hal Foster Average Similar →
1934 Pirate Treasure Dick Moreland Flop Similar →
1933 On Your Guard The Frisco Kid Average Similar →
1932 Speed Madness Bob Stuart Flop Similar →
1932 Get That Girl Dick Bartlett Flop Similar →
1931 Yankee Don Dick Carsey Flop Similar →
1928 The Cavalier El Caballero Flop Similar →
1926 The Better Man Lord Hugh Wainwright Flop Similar →
1926 The Broadway Gallant Monty Barnes Flop Similar →
1926 The Night Patrol Tom Collins Flop Similar →
1926 The Blue Streak Richard Manley Flop Similar →
1925 The Prince of Pep Dr. James Leland Flop Similar →
1925 The Isle of Hope Robert MacKay Flop Similar →
1925 The Mysterious Stranger Paul Lesage Flop Similar →
1925 The Fighting Demon John Drake Flop Similar →
1925 Tearing Through Richard Jones Flop Similar →
1925 Youth and Adventure Reggie Dillingham Flop Similar →
1924 Laughing at Danger Alan Remington Average Similar →
1924 American Manners Roy Thomas Flop Similar →
1924 In Fast Company Perry Whitman Jr. Flop Similar →
1924 On Time Harry Willis Flop Similar →
1923 Let's Go Barry Macklin Hit Similar →
1923 Danger Ahead Bruce Randall Flop Similar →
1923 Thru the Flames Dan Merrill Flop Similar →
1923 Speed King Jimmy Martin / King Charles Flop Similar →
1922 Watch Him Step Dick Underwood Flop Similar →
1914 Ethel's Roof Party - Flop Similar →

Richard Talmadge - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Richard Talmadge?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Richard Talmadge is "The Live Wire" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has Richard Talmadge acted in?

Richard Talmadge has been featured in at least 36 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Richard Talmadge?

Other notable films include "Let's Go", "Laughing at Danger", and "On Your Guard".

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