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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