Who was Richard Crenna?

Richard Donald Crenna was an American actor and television director, born on November 30, 1926, in Los Angeles, California, and active in the entertainment industry from 1937 until his death in 2003. He was known for a wide range of roles across radio, television, and film.

When and where was Richard Crenna born?

Richard Crenna was born on November 30, 1926, in Los Angeles, California, in the United States. Los Angeles is a major city in California, known as a global center for entertainment.

When and where did Richard Crenna pass away?

Richard Crenna died on January 17, 2003, at the age of 76, in Los Angeles, California, which was also his birthplace. His death occurred in the same city where he was born and where much of the American entertainment industry is centered.

What was Richard Crenna's educational background?

Richard Crenna attended Virgil Junior High School and Belmont Senior High School in Los Angeles, graduating in 1944. After his military service, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from the University of Southern California (USC) and was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

What were Richard Crenna's primary occupations during his career?

Richard Crenna's primary occupations included actor, director, and producer. These roles allowed him to contribute to the entertainment industry in various capacities, both in front of and behind the camera.

What was Richard Crenna's military service history?

Richard Crenna served in the United States Army during World War II, entering service in February 1945 and serving until August 1946. He achieved the rank of Corporal and participated in World War II.

What military awards did Richard Crenna receive for his service?

Richard Crenna received several military awards for his service, including the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal, the European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. These medals recognize his participation and service in different theaters and aspects of World War II.

Who were Richard Crenna's spouses and how many children did he have?

Richard Crenna was married twice: first to Joan Grisham from 1950 to 1955 (divorced), and then to Penni Sweeney starting in 1959. He had three children, one of whom was named Richard Anthony Crenna.

What was Richard Crenna's first acting role on radio?

Richard Crenna's first acting role on radio was in 1937 on the show Boy Scout Jamboree, where he played 'the kid who did everything wrong.' This marked the beginning of his extensive career in radio, television, and film.

Which radio comedy series featured Richard Crenna as Walter Denton?

Richard Crenna originated the role of the geeky high school student Walter Denton on the radio comedy series Our Miss Brooks, co-starring with Eve Arden and Gale Gordon, starting in 1948. This role became one of his early signature characters.

How did Richard Crenna's role as Walter Denton transition from radio to television?

Richard Crenna continued his role as Walter Denton when the radio series Our Miss Brooks moved to television in 1952. He remained with the television show until its cancellation in 1957, demonstrating his adaptability across different media.

What notable guest appearances did Richard Crenna make in early television?

In early television, Richard Crenna guest-starred in the I Love Lucy episode 'The Young Fans' with Janet Waldo, and in the 1955–56 anthology series Frontier in the lead role of 'The Ten Days of John Leslie.' He also appeared on The Millionaire in 'The Ralph McKnight Story' and on Father Knows Best as Woody in 'The Promising Young Man'.

What was Richard Crenna's role in The Real McCoys, and what additional responsibilities did he take on?

After Our Miss Brooks was canceled in 1957, Richard Crenna joined the cast of the comedy series The Real McCoys as Luke McCoy, co-starring with Walter Brennan. During the show's six-year run (1957–1963), Crenna also became one of its four directors.

What television shows did Richard Crenna direct in the 1960s and 1970s?

Credited as Dick Crenna, he directed eight episodes of The Andy Griffith Show during its 1963-1964 season, including 'Opie the Birdman,' 'The Sermon for Today,' and 'Citizen's Arrest.' He also directed 'Henhouse,' a 1977 episode of Lou Grant.

For which television series was Richard Crenna nominated for Emmy and Golden Globe Awards in the 1960s?

Richard Crenna was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievements in Entertainment and for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series in 1965, and a Golden Globe Award for Best TV Star – Male in 1965, all for his portrayal of California state senator James Slattery in the series Slattery's People (1964–1965).

What significant film role did Richard Crenna have alongside Steve McQueen in 1966?

In 1966, Richard Crenna played Captain Collins, an ill-fated captain of an American gunboat in 1920s China, alongside Steve McQueen in the film The Sand Pebbles. This role showcased his versatility in dramatic film.

Which Western dramas did Richard Crenna appear in during the 1970s?

During the 1970s, Richard Crenna acted in several Western dramas, including The Deserter, Catlow, The Man Called Noon, and Breakheart Pass. These films contributed to his diverse acting portfolio.

What was Richard Crenna's role in Jean-Pierre Melville's final film?

Richard Crenna made a notable performance as Simon in Jean-Pierre Melville's final film, Un Flic, in 1972. This role was part of his international film work.

What role did Richard Crenna play in the 1978 miniseries Centennial?

In the 1978 miniseries Centennial, based on James A. Michener's novel, Richard Crenna played Colonel Frank Skimmerhorn, a deranged religious fanatic who ordered the 1864 massacre of Colorado American Indians. This was a significant dramatic role in a historical miniseries.

What award did Richard Crenna win for his performance in The Rape of Richard Beck?

Richard Crenna won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his performance in the title role of the 1985 film The Rape of Richard Beck. He also received a Golden Globe Award nomination for this role.

What was Richard Crenna's most famous role in the Rambo film series?

Richard Crenna's most famous role was Colonel Samuel Richard 'Sam' Trautman, John Rambo's ex-commanding officer, in the first three Rambo films (1982–1988). He was hired for this role after Kirk Douglas left the production.

Did Richard Crenna ever parody his Colonel Trautman character?

Yes, Richard Crenna spoofed his Colonel Samuel R. 'Sam' Trautman character in the 1993 film Hot Shots! Part Deux. This comedic take on his iconic role demonstrated his ability to embrace humor.

What character did Richard Crenna portray in a series of made-for-television films from 1988 to 1994?

Richard Crenna starred as NYPD lieutenant of detectives Frank Janek in a series of seven popular made-for-television films, beginning in 1988 and concluding in 1994. The character of Janek originated from a series of novels by William Bayer.

Who did Richard Crenna portray in the 2001 Showtime film The Day Reagan Was Shot?

In the 2001 Showtime film The Day Reagan Was Shot, a fictionalized account of the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan in 1981, Richard Crenna played the role of US President Ronald Reagan. This was a significant portrayal of a historical figure.

What recognition did Richard Crenna receive on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

Richard Crenna was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6714 Hollywood Boulevard. This star is a public monument recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry.

What were the causes of Richard Crenna's death?

Richard Crenna died of heart failure at age 76 on January 17, 2003. At the time of his death, he was also suffering from pancreatic cancer, which contributed to his declining health.

In which film did Richard Crenna have an uncredited bit part in 1950?

In 1950, Richard Crenna had an uncredited bit part in the film Let's Dance. This was one of his earliest film appearances.

What role did Richard Crenna play in the 1956 film adaptation of Our Miss Brooks?

In the 1956 film Our Miss Brooks, Richard Crenna reprised his role as Walter Denton. This brought his popular radio and television character to the big screen.

Which 1967 film featured Richard Crenna as Mike Talman?

Richard Crenna played the character Mike Talman in the 1967 film Wait Until Dark. This thriller film showcased his dramatic acting abilities.

What was Richard Crenna's role in the 1969 film Marooned?

In the 1969 film Marooned, Richard Crenna played Jim Pruett. This science fiction drama depicted astronauts stranded in space.

What voice role did Richard Crenna have in the 1973 film Jonathan Livingston Seagull?

Richard Crenna provided the voice for the character Father in the 1973 film Jonathan Livingston Seagull. This animated film was based on the popular novella.

Who did Richard Crenna play in the 1981 film Body Heat?

In Lawrence Kasdan's 1981 film Body Heat, Richard Crenna played Edmund Walker, Kathleen Turner's doomed husband. This neo-noir crime film was critically acclaimed.

For which film was Richard Crenna nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor?

Richard Crenna was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for his role as Phil Brody in the 1984 film The Flamingo Kid. This nomination recognized his performance in the coming-of-age comedy-drama.

What character did Richard Crenna portray in the 1989 film Leviathan?

In the 1989 film Leviathan, Richard Crenna played Dr. Glen 'Doc' Thompson. This science fiction horror film was set underwater.

In which 1995 film did Richard Crenna play Patrick Tyson?

Richard Crenna played Patrick Tyson in the 1995 film Sabrina. This romantic comedy was a remake of a classic film.

What role did Richard Crenna have in the 1998 film Wrongfully Accused?

In the 1998 film Wrongfully Accused, Richard Crenna played Lieutenant Fergus Falls. This film was a parody of The Fugitive.

In which television series did Richard Crenna appear for 94 episodes between 1952 and 1955?

Richard Crenna appeared in 94 episodes of the television series Our Miss Brooks between 1952 and 1955, playing the character Walter Denton. This was an early and significant television role for him.

What was Richard Crenna's role in the 1957 television episode 'The U.S.S. Pampanito Story' of The Silent Service?

In the 1957 episode 'The U.S.S. Pampanito Story' of The Silent Service, Richard Crenna played Lieutenant Commander L. L. 'Jeff' Davis. This role was part of an anthology series focused on submarine warfare.

How many episodes of The Real McCoys did Richard Crenna star in?

Richard Crenna starred as Luke McCoy in 225 episodes of The Real McCoys, which ran from 1957 to 1963. This was a long-running and popular role for him on television.

What was Richard Crenna's role in the 1971 television film Thief?

In the 1971 television film Thief, Richard Crenna played Neal Wilkinson. This was one of several TV movies he starred in during the 1970s.

Who did Richard Crenna portray in the 1973 television film Double Indemnity?

Richard Crenna portrayed Walter Neff in the 1973 television film Double Indemnity. This was a remake of the classic film noir.

What character did Richard Crenna play in the 1977 television film The War Between the Tates?

In the 1977 television film The War Between the Tates, Richard Crenna played Professor Brian Tate. This film explored marital conflict.

What role did Richard Crenna have in the 1979 television film Mayflower: The Pilgrims' Adventure?

In the 1979 television film Mayflower: The Pilgrims' Adventure, Richard Crenna played William Brewster. This historical drama depicted the journey of the Pilgrims.

What was Richard Crenna's role in the 1982–1983 television series It Takes Two?

Richard Crenna played Dr. Sam Quinn in 22 episodes of the television series It Takes Two, which aired from 1982 to 1983. This was a sitcom role for him in the early 1980s.

Who did Richard Crenna play in the 1986 television miniseries On Wings of Eagles?

In the 1986 television miniseries On Wings of Eagles, Richard Crenna played H. Ross Perot. This miniseries was based on a true story of a rescue mission.

What was Richard Crenna's role in the 1991 television film And the Sea Will Tell?

In the 1991 television film And the Sea Will Tell, Richard Crenna played Vincent Bugliosi. This film was based on a true crime story.

How many episodes of Judging Amy did Richard Crenna appear in?

Richard Crenna appeared in 13 episodes of the television series Judging Amy between 2000 and 2003, playing the character Jared Duff. This was one of his final television roles.

What was Richard Crenna's role in the 2003 television film Out of the Ashes?

In the 2003 television film Out of the Ashes, Richard Crenna played Jake Smith. This was one of his last acting credits.

In which video game did Richard Crenna's character likeness appear posthumously?

Richard Crenna's character likeness for Colonel Samuel 'Sam' Trautman appeared posthumously and uncredited in the 2014 video game Rambo: The Video Game. This allowed his iconic character to be featured in a new medium.

In which Rambo films did Richard Crenna appear through archival footage after his death?

Richard Crenna appeared as Colonel Samuel R. 'Sam' Trautman through archival footage, uncredited, in the 2008 film Rambo and the 2019 film Rambo: Last Blood. This allowed his character to remain a part of the franchise even after his passing.

Richard Crenna Wiki: Richard Crenna: A Legacy of Versatility in American Entertainment

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Biography

A Distinguished Career

Richard Donald Crenna (1926–2003) was a highly esteemed American actor and television director, whose career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark across various entertainment mediums. Renowned for his versatility, Crenna seamlessly transitioned from comedic roles in early radio and television to dramatic and action-oriented characters in film, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated audience.

Life and Passing

Born on November 30, 1926, in Los Angeles, California, Crenna's life was deeply intertwined with the entertainment industry of his hometown. He passed away on January 17, 2003, at the age of 76, also in Los Angeles. His death was attributed to heart failure, compounded by pancreatic cancer. His passing marked the end of an illustrious career that began in his youth and continued almost until his final days.

Education and Heritage

Crenna was the only child of Edith Josephine (née Pollette), a hotel manager, and Domenick Anthony Crenna, a pharmacist. Both of his parents were of Italian descent. He attended Virgil Junior High School and Belmont Senior High School in Los Angeles, graduating in 1944. Following his military service, he pursued higher education at the University of Southern California (USC), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature. During his time at USC, he was also an active member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

Early Career

Radio Beginnings

Richard Crenna's journey into acting commenced in the golden age of radio. His first role, in 1937, was on "Boy Scout Jamboree," where he frequently appeared in various parts until 1948. This early exposure provided a foundational understanding of performance and character development. The following year, he secured the role of Walter "Bronco" Thompson on "The Great Gildersleeve," a character he portrayed until 1954, further solidifying his presence in the radio landscape.

The Iconic Walter Denton

A pivotal role in Crenna's early career was that of the "geeky" Walter Denton in the radio comedy "Our Miss Brooks," which premiered in 1948. Starring alongside Eve Arden and Gale Gordon, Crenna's portrayal of the earnest high school student garnered significant attention. His success in this role was such that he continued to play Walter Denton when "Our Miss Brooks" transitioned to television in 1952, remaining with the series until its conclusion in 1957.

Diverse Radio Appearances

Beyond his regular roles, Crenna made numerous guest appearances on other popular radio programs. He was featured as a delivery boy in an episode of "My Favorite Husband" titled "Liz Cooks Dinner for 12." He also appeared as Oogie Pringle on "A Date With Judy" and as a teenager on "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show" in the episode "Watching the Neighbor's Daughter." These diverse roles showcased his early talent and adaptability across different comedic and dramatic contexts.

Television Era

Transition to the Small Screen

Crenna's transition from radio to television was marked by his continued role as Walter Denton in "Our Miss Brooks," which aired on television from 1952 to 1957. This period allowed him to adapt his performance for a visual medium, maintaining the character's charm and appeal. His early television career also included guest appearances on iconic shows such as "I Love Lucy" (in the episode "The Young Fans" with Janet Waldo) and the anthology series "Frontier" (in "The Ten Days of John Leslie"). He also appeared on "The Millionaire" and "Father Knows Best."

The Real McCoys

Following the cancellation of "Our Miss Brooks," Crenna secured another significant role as Luke McCoy in the popular comedy series "The Real McCoys" (1957–1963). Co-starring with Walter Brennan, who played Grandpa Amos McCoy, Crenna's portrayal of Luke became a beloved character. Demonstrating his burgeoning talents beyond acting, Crenna also took on directorial duties for four episodes of the series, showcasing his versatility behind the camera.

Directorial Ventures

Crenna's directorial skills were further honed in the 1960s and 1970s. Credited as Dick Crenna, he directed eight episodes of "The Andy Griffith Show" during its 1963-1964 season, including notable episodes such as "Opie the Birdman" and "The Sermon for Today." He also directed "Henhouse," a 1977 episode of the acclaimed drama series "Lou Grant." These experiences highlighted his comprehensive understanding of television production.

Dramatic Roles & Miniseries

The 1960s and 1970s saw Crenna take on more dramatic roles in television. He portrayed California state senator James Slattery in "Slattery's People" (1964–1965), a performance that earned him two Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Globe nomination. In 1976, he returned to weekly network television in the political satire sitcom "All's Fair," co-starring Bernadette Peters. His powerful portrayal of Colonel Frank Skimmerhorn in the 1978 miniseries "Centennial," based on James A. Michener's novel, further cemented his reputation as a serious dramatic actor.

Cinematic Impact

Versatility on the Big Screen

Richard Crenna's film career was marked by a remarkable range, allowing him to inhabit diverse characters across genres. From romantic comedies to intense dramas and action thrillers, his presence was consistently compelling. Notable early film roles included "Made in Paris" (1966), where he played Herb Stone, and his powerful performance as Captain Collins alongside Steve McQueen in "The Sand Pebbles" (1966), set in 1920s China.

Space and Westerns

Crenna's filmography in the late 1960s and 1970s showcased his adaptability. He starred as Jim Pruett in the space drama "Marooned" (1969), depicting the perilous journey of astronauts. He also made significant contributions to the Western genre, appearing in films such as "The Deserter" (1971) as Major Wade Brown, "Catlow" (1971) as Marshal Ben Cowan, "The Man Called Noon" (1973) in the title role, and "Breakheart Pass" (1975) as Governor Richard Fairchild. His performance in Jean-Pierre Melville's final film, "Un Flic" (1972), further demonstrated his international appeal.

Colonel Trautman and Beyond

The 1980s brought Crenna his most iconic role: Colonel Samuel R. "Sam" Trautman, John Rambo's former commanding officer, in "First Blood" (1982). This role, which he reprised in "Rambo: First Blood Part II" (1985) and "Rambo III" (1988), cemented his status as a recognizable action film figure. His portrayal received wide critical praise, and he even spoofed the character in "Hot Shots! Part Deux" (1993). Beyond action, he delivered a nuanced performance as Edmund Walker in Lawrence Kasdan's neo-noir "Body Heat" (1981) and earned a Golden Globe nomination for "The Flamingo Kid" (1984).

Later Film & TV Roles

In the later stages of his career, Crenna continued to take on diverse roles. He starred as Dr. Glen "Doc" Thompson in the sci-fi horror film "Leviathan" (1989) and appeared in "Sabrina" (1995) as Patrick Tyson. On television, he played NYPD Lieutenant Frank Janek in a series of seven popular made-for-television films from 1988 to 1994, a role that originated from William Bayer's novels. He also notably portrayed U.S. President Ronald Reagan in the 2001 Showtime film "The Day Reagan Was Shot" and had a recurring role as Jared Duff in "Judging Amy" from 2000 to 2003. His voice was also featured as the Father in "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" (1973).

Comprehensive Filmography

A detailed listing of Richard Crenna's extensive film appearances throughout his career.

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1950	Let's Dance	Bit Part	Uncredited
1951	Starlift	Movie Theater Usher	Uncredited
1952	Red Skies of Montana	Noxon	Uncredited
1952	The Pride of St. Louis	Paul Dean
1952	It Grows on Trees	Ralph Bowen
1956	Over-Exposed	Russell Bassett
1956	Our Miss Brooks	Walter Denton
1965	John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!	John Goldfarb
1966	Made in Paris	Herb Stone
1966	The Sand Pebbles	Captain Collins
1967	Wait Until Dark	Mike Talman
1968	Star!	Richard Aldrich
1969	Midas Run	Mike Warden
1969	Marooned	Jim Pruett
1971	Doctors' Wives	Dr. Peter Brennan
1971	The Deserter	Major Wade Brown
1971	Red Sky at Morning	Frank Arnold
1971	Catlow	Marshal Ben Cowan
1972	Un flic	Simon
1973	The Man Called Noon	Noon
1973	Jonathan Livingston Seagull	Father (voice)
1975	Breakheart Pass	Governor Richard Fairchild
1978	Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell	Mike Barry
1978	The Evil	C.J. Arnold
1979	Stone Cold Dead	Sergeant Boyd
1979	Wild Horse Hank	Pace Bradford
1980	Death Ship	Trevor Marshall
1980	Joshua's World	Dr. Joshua Torrance
1981	Body Heat	Edmund Walker
1982	First Blood	Colonel Samuel R. "Sam" Trautman
1983	Table for Five	Mitchell
1984	The Flamingo Kid	Phil Brody	Nominated—Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture
1985	Rambo: First Blood Part II	Colonel Samuel R. "Sam" Trautman
1985	Summer Rental	Al Pellet
1988	Rambo III	Colonel Samuel R. "Sam" Trautman
1989	Leviathan	Dr. Glen "Doc" Thompson
1993	Hot Shots! Part Deux	Colonel Denton Walters
1995	A Pyromaniac's Love Story	Tom Lumpke	Uncredited
1995	Jade	Governor Lew Edwards
1995	Sabrina	Patrick Tyson
1998	Wrongfully Accused	Lieutenant Fergus Falls
	Legendary Lighthouses	Narrator
2008	Rambo	Colonel Samuel R. "Sam" Trautman	Archival footage; uncredited
2019	Rambo: Last Blood	Colonel Samuel R. "Sam" Trautman	Archival footage; uncredited

Extensive Television Work

Richard Crenna's television career was equally prolific, encompassing a wide array of roles from sitcoms to dramatic miniseries and made-for-television films.

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1952	I Love Lucy	Arthur Morton	episode: "The Young Fans"
1952–1955	Our Miss Brooks	Walter Denton	94 episodes
1955	The Millionaire	Ralph McKnight	episode: "The Ralph McKnight Story"
1956	Frontier	John Leslie	episode: "The 10 Days of John Leslie"
1956	Medic	Donny	episode: "Don't Count the Stars"
1956	Father Knows Best	Elwood Seastrom	episode: "The Promising Young Man"
1956–1958	Matinee Theatre	Sergeant James	3 episodes
1957	The Silent Service	Lieutenant Commander L. L. "Jeff" Davis	episode: "The U.S.S. Pampanito Story"
1957	Cheyenne	"Curley" Galway	episode: "Hard Bargain"
1957–1963	The Real McCoys	Luke McCoy	225 episodes; nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (1959)
1960	The Deputy	Andy Willis	episode: "A Time to Sow"
1963	Kraft Suspense Theatre	Edward Smalley	episode: "The Long, Lost Life of Edward Smalley"
1964–1965	Slattery's People	James Slattery	36 episodes; nominated—Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama (1965); nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievements in Entertainment (1965); nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (1966)
1971	Thief	Neal Wilkinson	television film
1971–1972	Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In	Guest Performer	3 episodes
1972	Footsteps	Paddy O'Connor	television film
1973	Double Indemnity	Walter Neff	television film
1974	Nightmare	Howard Faloon	television film
1974	Shootout in a One-Dog Town	Zack Wells	television film
1974	Double Solitaire		television film
1974	Honky Tonk	"Candy" Johnson	television film
1975	A Girl Named Sooner	R.J. "Mac" McHenry	television film
1976–1977	All's Fair	Richard C. Barrington	24 episodes
1977	The War Between the Tates	Professor Brian Tate	television film
1978	Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell	Mike Barry	television film
1978	First, You Cry	David Towers	television film
1978	A Fire in the Sky	Jason Voight	television film
1978–1979	Centennial	Colonel Frank Skimmerhorn	television miniseries
1979	Mayflower: The Pilgrims' Adventure	William Brewster	television film
1979	Better Late Than Never	The Director	television film
1980	Fugitive Family	Brian Roberts / Matthews	television film
1981	The Ordeal of Bill Carney	Mason Rose	television film
1981	Daniel Boone	voice
1981	Look at Us	Host
1982	The Day the Bubble Burst	Jesse Livermore	television film
1982–1983	It Takes Two	Dr. Sam Quinn	22 episodes
1984	Squaring the Circle	The Narrator	television film
1984	London and Davis in New York	John Greyson	television film
1984	Passions	Richard Kennerly	television film
1985	The Rape of Richard Beck	Richard Beck	television film; Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie; nominated—Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film
1985	Doubletake	Frank Janek	television miniseries
1986	A Case of Deadly Force	Lawrence O'Donnell Sr.	television film
1986	On Wings of Eagles	H. Ross Perot	television miniseries
1986	The High Price of Passion	Bill Douglas	television film
1987	Police Story: The Freeway Killings	Deputy Chief Bob Devers	television film
1987	Kids Like These	Bob Goodman	television film
1987	Plaza Suite	Roy Hubley	television film
1988	Internal Affairs	Frank Janek	television film
1989	The Case of the Hillside Stranglers	Sergeant Bob Grogan	television film
1989	Stuck with Each Other	Bert Medwick	television film
1990	Murder in Black and White	Frank Janek	television film
1990	Montana	Hoyce Guthrie	television film
1990	Last Flight Out	Dan Hood	television film
1990	Murder Times Seven	Frank Janek	television film
1991	And the Sea Will Tell	Vincent Bugliosi	television film
1991–1992	Pros and Cons	Mitch O'Hannon	12 episodes
1992	Intruders	Dr. Neil Chase	television miniseries
1992	Terror on Track 9	Detective Frank Janek	television film
1993	A Place to Be Loved	George Russ	television film
1994	The Forget-Me-Not Murders	Frank Janek	television film
1994	Jonathan Stone: Threat of Innocence	Jonathan Stone	television film
1994	Janek: The Silent Betrayal	Lieutenant Frank Janek	television film
1995	In the Name of Love: A Texas Tragedy	Lucas Constable Sr.	television film
1995–1998	JAG	Lieutenant Harmon Rabb Sr.	4 episodes
1996	Race Against Time: The Search for Sarah	John Porter	television film
1996	Nova	Narrator	Episode: B-29: Frozen in Time
1996	Texas Graces	Virgil Grace	television film
1997	20,000 Leagues Under the Sea	Professor Aronnax	television film
1997	Deep Family Secrets	Clay Chadway	television film
1997	Heart Full of Rain	Arliss Dockett	television film
1997	Cold Case	Host
1999	To Serve and Protect	Howard Carr	television film
1999	The Man Who Makes Things Happen: David L. Wolper	Narrator
1999	Chicago Hope	Dr. Martin Rockwell	episode: "Teacher's Pet"
2000	Murder, She Wrote: A Story to Die For	Warren Pierce	television film
2000	By Dawn's Early Light	Ben Maxwell	television film
2000–2003	Judging Amy	Jared Duff	13 episodes
2001	The Day Reagan Was Shot	Ronald Reagan	television film
2003	Out of the Ashes	Jake Smith	television film

Accolades

Emmy and Golden Globe Recognition

Richard Crenna's talent was recognized with several prestigious awards and nominations throughout his career. A significant achievement was his Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie in 1985 for his compelling performance in "The Rape of Richard Beck." This role also earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

In recognition of his enduring contributions to the entertainment industry, Richard Crenna was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His star is located at 6714 Hollywood Boulevard, a lasting tribute to his legacy among Hollywood's greats.

Other Nominations

Crenna received multiple nominations across various categories, underscoring his broad appeal and acting prowess:

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (1959) for "The Real McCoys."
Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama (1965) for "Slattery's People."
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievements in Entertainment (1965) for "Slattery's People."
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (1966) for "Slattery's People."
Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture (1984) for "The Flamingo Kid."

Military Service

World War II Veteran

Before embarking on his extensive acting career, Richard Crenna served his country with distinction in the United States Army during World War II. He entered the Army in February 1945 and served until August 1946, contributing to the war effort during a critical period in global history.

Decorations and Rank

During his service, Crenna achieved the rank of Corporal. He was awarded several significant military decorations, recognizing his participation and contributions across various theaters of the war. These awards include:

American Campaign Medal
Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal
European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal

His military service reflects a period of profound national commitment and personal sacrifice, preceding his rise to prominence in entertainment.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Richard Crenna" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about richard_crenna while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

qatar diplomatic crisis

los cabos open

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Richard Crenna Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, biographical analysis, or entertainment industry expertise. Always refer to authoritative sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific inquiries. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Richard Crenna: A Legacy of Versatility

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biography 📜

🌟 A Distinguished Career

📅 Life and Passing

🎓 Education and Heritage

Early Career 🎙️

📻 Radio Beginnings

🤓 The Iconic Walter Denton

🎭 Diverse Radio Appearances

Television Era 📺

🚀 Transition to the Small Screen

👨‍🌾 The Real McCoys

🎬 Directorial Ventures

🏛️ Dramatic Roles & Miniseries

Cinematic Impact 🎥

🌟 Versatility on the Big Screen

🌌 Space and Westerns

💥 Colonel Trautman and Beyond

🎭 Later Film & TV Roles

🎞️ Comprehensive Filmography

📺 Extensive Television Work

Accolades 🏆

🏅 Emmy and Golden Globe Recognition

✨ Hollywood Walk of Fame

📜 Other Nominations

Military Service 🎖️

🌍 World War II Veteran

🏅 Decorations and Rank

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biography

A Distinguished Career

Life and Passing

Education and Heritage

Early Career

Radio Beginnings

The Iconic Walter Denton

Diverse Radio Appearances

Television Era

Transition to the Small Screen

The Real McCoys

Directorial Ventures

Dramatic Roles & Miniseries

Cinematic Impact

Versatility on the Big Screen

Space and Westerns

Colonel Trautman and Beyond

Later Film & TV Roles

Comprehensive Filmography

Extensive Television Work

Accolades

Emmy and Golden Globe Recognition

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Other Nominations

Military Service

World War II Veteran

Decorations and Rank

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice