Born in Los Angeles at the Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, now the Scientology Center. His mother was an incurable stage mom and frustrated actress who had him appearing in films at six months of age. His spoken lines at the time were “wah” and other baby sounds. In spite of other roles over the years, there was no further dialogue. Richard spent nearly a decade as a birthday clown; graduated from UCLA; served in the Army; attended UC Berkeley Law School; and practiced criminal law, prosecution and defense for over 50 years. He and his wife, Claire, have a daughter, Nicole Whitaker, a cinematographer whose husband, Jimi, is the same. They have two boys, Miles and Xander. He is proud to be appearing at The Wallis as he approaches 80. Mom would be proud as well.

WATCH HIS STORIES BELOW:

I AM FROM

CLOWNING AROUND