Richard Harrison, Sword & Sandal Legend Who Had an 'A' Life in 'B' Movies, Dies at 90
He starred in more than 100 B-movies and helped Soviet actor Oleg Vidov defect during the Cold War, his longtime friend said.
- Richard Harrison, the American actor who found fame overseas as a star of sword-and-sandal films and spaghetti Westerns, died Friday in Los Angeles, producer and longtime friend Joan Borsten reported.
- After small roles in Hollywood, Harrison moved to Italy in the 1960s, becoming an instant leading man in the mold of muscleman Steve Reeves with The Invincible Gladiator.
- Harrison starred in more than 100 B-movies throughout his career, famously recommending Clint Eastwood for the role in A Fistful of Dollars that launched Eastwood's career.
- During the Cold War, Harrison helped Soviet actor Oleg Vidov, known as the "Russian Robert Redford," defect at Rome, and often hosted parties ending with "pasta at midnight," Borsten said.
- Returning to Los Angeles, Harrison built "Villa Francesca" in Malibu with his wife, Francesca, though the home was lost in the Palisades Fire last year; he is survived by three of his four children.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Richard Harrison died a natural death in Los Angeles. His career led him from Hollywood to Italy and to a decision with consequences for Clint Eastwood.
Richard Harrison made more than 100 films. But the actor is also known for a decision that changed Clint Eastwood's career.
From peplum with gladiators to direct ninjas to VHS, Harrison first lived the history of low-budget cinema.
Cedarnews.net. . International Writing, Sep 24 (EFE).- The actor Richard Harrison, popular for his participation in films of the genre known as "spaguetti western". Cedarnews . .
Because he once rejects the leading role in "For a handful of dollars", Clint Eastwood takes the part instead - and becomes a world star. But even without this engagement, Richard Harrison becomes a Western icon. Now he has died.
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