Richard Whorf
Biography
Richard Whorf was an American actor, author, director, and designer born on June 4, 1906, in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to parents Harry and Sarah Lee Whorf. His older brother was the linguist Benjamin Lee Whorf. He began his acting career as a teenager on the Boston stage and later moved to Broadway at age 21, with early work including a production of Taming of the Shrew at the Globe Theatre in New York City. He subsequently relocated to Hollywood, working as a movie contract player during the 1930s and 1940s before transitioning to directing in 1944. His acting credits included the films Blues in the Night and Christmas Holiday. Richard Whorf passed away on December 14, 1966.
Career overview
Richard Whorf was born on June 4, 1906, in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to parents Harry and Sarah Lee Whorf. His older brother was the American linguist Benjamin Lee Whorf. Whorf began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor, starting on the Boston stage as a teenager before moving to Broadway at the age of 21. Among his early theatrical work was a production of The Taming of the Shrew at the Globe Theatre in New York City.
He eventually relocated to Hollywood, where he worked as a contract player in movies during the 1930s and 1940s. His acting film credits included appearances in Blues in the Night in 1941 and Christmas Holiday in 1944. Transitioning behind the camera, Whorf began his work as a director in 1944. Throughout his career, he functioned as an actor, author, writer, director, designer, and film producer.
In addition to his film work, his known credits and associations include television and media projects such as Law of the Plainsman, Johnny Staccato, and The Ann Sothern Show. Whorf passed away on December 14, 1966, at the age of 60.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
51 titles- The Wild Wild West (1965) Director
- Branded (1965) Director
- Mona McCluskey (1965) Director
- Mickey (1964) Director
- Petticoat Junction (1963) Director
- Vacation Playhouse (1963) Director
- The Beverly Hillbillies (1962) Director
- Father of the Bride (1961) Director
- My Three Sons (1960) Director
- Outlaws (1960) Director
- The Barbara Stanwyck Show (1960) Director
- Tate (1960) Director
- Rawhide (1959) Director
- Law of the Plainsman (1959) Director
- Johnny Staccato (1959) Director
- The Rifleman (1958)
- The Ann Sothern Show (1958) Director
- Perry Mason (1957) Director
- Wagon Train (1957) Director
- Have Gun, Will Travel (1957) Director
- Richard Diamond, Private Detective (1957) Director
- Bombers B-52 (1957) Producer
- Shoot-Out At Medicine Bend (1957) Producer
- The Burning Hills (1956) Producer
- Gunsmoke (1955) Director
- Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) Director
- Four Star Playhouse (1952) as Poet
- Schlitz Playhouse of Stars (1951) Director
- The Groom Wore Spurs (1951) Director
- Chain Lightning (1950) as Carl Troxell
- Champagne for Caesar (1950) Director
- Luxury Liner (1948) Director
- It Happened in Brooklyn (1947) Director
- Love from a Stranger (1947) Director
- Till the Clouds Roll By (1946) Director
- The Hidden Eye (1945) Director
- The Sailor Takes a Wife (1945) Director
- Blonde Fever (1944) as Chef (uncredited)
- Blonde Fever (1944) Director
- The Impostor (1944) as Lt. Varenne
- Christmas Holiday (1944) as Simon Fenimore
- The Cross of Lorraine (1943) as François
- Keeper of the Flame (1943) as Clive Kerndon
- For God and Country (1943) as Arnold Miller
- Assignment in Brittany (1943) as Jean Kerenor
- Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) as Sam Harris
- Breakdowns of 1942 (1942) as Self
- Juke Girl (1942) as Danny Frazier
- March On, America! (1942) Director
- Blues in the Night (1941) as Jigger Pine
- Midnight (1934) as Arthur Weldon
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Richard Whorf best known for?
Richard Whorf is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Willard (2003), Heartburn (1986), Petticoat Junction (1963), The Amazing Spider-Man (2012).
When and where was Richard Whorf born?
Richard Whorf was born on June 4, 1906 in Winthrop, Massachusetts, USA. They passed away on December 14, 1966.
How many credits does Richard Whorf have?
Richard Whorf has accumulated over 51 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1934 to 1965.
What is Richard Whorf's background in cinema and television?
Richard Whorf was an American actor, author, director, and designer born on June 4, 1906, in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to parents Harry and Sarah Lee Whorf. His older brother was the linguist Benjamin Lee Whorf. He began his acting career as a teenager on the Boston stage and later moved to Broadway at age 21, with earl...
Richard Whorf by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Rifleman (1958) — aged about 52
- Four Star Playhouse (1952) as Poet — aged about 46
- Chain Lightning (1950) as Carl Troxell — aged about 44
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