Richard Long

Born: December 17, 1927, Chicago, Illinois
Died: December 21, 1974 (age 47), Los Angeles, California

Richard Long was an American actor best known for his leading roles in several ABC television series, including The Big Valley (with Barbara Stanwyck) and Nanny and the Professor (with Juliet Mills). He also appeared as "Gentleman Jack Darby" in Maverick, including the oft-discussed "Shady Deal at Sunny Acres" episode. 

Long played private detective Rex Randolph as a lead in both Bourbon Street Beat (1959-1960) with Andrew Duggan and in 77 Sunset Strip (both ABC Warner Brothers programs), with Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Roger Smith, and Edd Byrnes. Long replaced Smith on 77 Sunset Strip when Smith left the series because of health problems.

What do you know about Richard Long? Try this quick quiz.

1. In 1944, his family relocated to Los Angeles, California. What high school did Long attend his senior year?

2. In 1946, Long was hence cast in his first film, Tomorrow Is Forever as The role had been unfilled for months, and producers selected Long who most closely matched the credentials required. Who did he play?

3. During the Korean War, who did he serve with?

4. Early in his career, Long appeared in several films as a juvenile lead, including four of the nine Ma and Pa Kettle pictures. What character did he play in the Ma and Pa Kettle films?

5. He moved into leading man status in B movies such as House on Haunted Hill (1959). What character did he play in the movie?

6. In 1965, Long began his role as attorney Jarrod Barkley, oldest son to rancher Victoria Barkley (Barbara Stanwyck). How old was Long when he took the role?

7. In 1953, Long had costarred with Stanwyck. What was the film?

8. What was Long's cause of death?

9. Where is Richard Long buried?

Answers

1. Hollywood High School

2. He played Drew, the son of Claudette Colbert and George Brent.

3. U.S. Army

4. Tom Kettle

5. Lance Schroeder

6. 38 years-old

7. All I Desire

8. He had heart problems throughout his adult life and had suffered a heart attack in the latter 1950s. As a boy, he had suffered pneumonia, which apparently weakened his heart. He was also a heavy smoker and drinker. Long died at Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles.

9. Cremated, ashes were scattered at sea.

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