• Richard Beymer is an 80-year-old multi-talented actor, painter, sculptor, novelist, cinematographer, director, editor, writer, soundtrack creator, producer and filmmaker
• He is best known for portraying Benjamin Horne in the TV series “Twin Peaks”
• He was an active participant in the “Freedom Summer” civil rights movement in 1964
• He is a published writer, having released his semi-autobiographical novel “Impostor: Or Whatever Happened to Richard Beymer?” in 2007
• Richard Beymer’s estimated net worth is close to $18 million
Known for movies
West Side Story (1961)
as Tony
The Longest Day (1962)
as Pvt. Dutch Schultz
Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
as Benjamin Horne
The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)
as Peter Van Daan
Who is Richard Beymer from “Twin Peaks”?
Born George Richard Beymer, Jr. under the sign of Pisces on the 20th of February 1938, in Avoca, Iowa USA, Richard Beymer is a multi-talented 80-year-old Caucasian actor, painter, sculptor, novelist, cinematographer, director, editor, writer, soundtrack creator, producer and filmmaker. He is perhaps best known for portraying the real-estate mogul Benjamin Horne in David Lynch’s legendary TV series “Twin Peaks,” and has had a number of other roles in a variety of films and TV shows throughout his acting career in the often lucrative entertainment business since 1949, and now numbering more than 70.
Early Life and Education
Richard was born to a printer father named George Richard Beymer, and a mother named Eunice (nee Goss). His family moved to Hollywood, Los Angeles, California only two-and-a-half years after his birth, so that is where he grew up. There is a lack of information regarding interests and hobbies Richard had in his early youth, but there is the fact that he was included in the acting empire of Hollywood while he was still attending North Hollywood High School, and since he was already a full-fledged actor by the time he matriculated, he never actually attended college.
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Career
Beymer’s acting career started when he was only 11 years old, making an appearance in the children’s show entitled “Sandy Dreams,” although uncredited, and thus his formal movie debut was in Vittorio De Sica’s “Stazione Termini” in 1953, followed by two more minor roles that year, including on TV. For the following three years he would remain largely inactive, until in 1957 he had a total of five roles, the most significant of which was as Rab Silsbee in “Johnny Tremain”, then eight more roles between 1958 and 1960, only one of which was in a film. In 1961 came his most important role, in the film version of “West Side Story” as Tony. In between the said year and 1990, he would continue with innumerable guest appearances in a succession of TV series’, while in 1975 and 1984 he had multi-episode roles in the TV shows “Insight” and ‘Paper Dolls” respectively. In 1990 he landed the part of Benjamin Horne in “Twin Peaks”, where he remained for all 30 episodes of the show, concurrently appearing in six episodes of “Murder, She Wrote” through 1996. His streak lessened in activity from that point, and stopped in 2008, until finally in 2017 when he returned to “Twin Peaks”, this time the modern version.
Love Life
As for Richard’s romantic involvements, there have been a few that have surfaced in the media, thanks to the fact that he was never reserved when asked about the love segment of his life in interviews. It’s known that he dated actress Tuesday Weld from 1960 to 1961, then another actress, Dolores Hart in 1962. Their relationship ended when, while he was filming “Barabbas” in Italy, he was smitten by a US girl attending high school in Vicenza, who was an extra on set. They later moved to California, and he inspired her to pursue an acting career, and they eventually became engaged – the girl’s name was Sharon Tate, however, their engagement was broken after a year. Nothing is known about his love life after this point, while Sharon married director Roman Polanski, but was murdered by the Manson family in 1969.
The Biggest Self-Critic
Although most would claim that his part in “West Side Story” is the role of his life, Richard thinks otherwise. He actually hates his performance there, and that came as a surprise to everyone during the premiere. He and his crew were in London, seeing their film on the big screen for the first time, after which they were supposed to be introduced to Queen Elizabeth II herself, however, Richard didn’t care much for that, and apparently left mid-premiere because he couldn’t stand to watch his own performance.
Civil Rights Advocate
Beymer paused his acting career at some point in 1964, going to Mississippi as a volunteer in the civil rights movement in the summer that was later titled “Freedom Summer” – the goal of the event was to provide African-Americans with voting rights in the said state. Richard at that point brought a Bolex camera along and shot a significant amount of footage, which he would later edit into the documentary film entitled “A Regular Bouquet: Mississippi Summer,” later borrowed for many other documentaries on the same subject, such as “Freedom Summer” and “Eyes on the Prize.”
Meditation Aficionado
Richard has quite a few documentaries behind his name today, one of the most unique from 2014 entitled “It’s a Beautiful World”, in which he goes on a journey to India with his long-time colleague and “Twin Peaks” mastermind David Lynch, as the two explore the origins of transcendental meditation.
Published Writer
In 2007, Richard self-published his first literary work, a semi-autobiographical tale about an actor’s difficulties in life, finding oneself in the world, entitled “Impostor: Or Whatever Happened to Richard Beymer?.” Although he only speaks of an acting career here, he has had numerous successes in various other artistic professions.
What is Richard Beymer’s Net Worth?
Have you ever wondered how rich Richard Beymer is, as of mid-2018? According to various authoritative sources, it has been estimated that the current total of Richard’s accumulated wealth is close to $18 million; his current income remains undisclosed. This figure has been largely aided by his numerous successes in the acting industry, while the greatest contribution is likely from his long-term screen presence in “Twin Peaks.” As his career continues, the said amount may be expected to increase.
Posted by Richard Beymer on Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Body Measurements
Concerning the physical attributes of the actor, it is reputed by various sources that his height stands at a tall 6ft 2ins (1.88m), but all other measurements are unknown. His hair is dark brown and his eyes are blue, while his body shape is generally described as regular.
Social Media Presence
Due to the major influence of social networks, it is nowadays a regular thing for active actors to nourish a close and active relationship with their fans, for the sake of increasing the popularity of the titles they’re working on, and thus their own net worth. However, it looks like Richard doesn’t at all care for this celebrity trend, as his presence on the main social media networks is practically non-existent. Any Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts are nowhere to be found, but there are a few fan pages on the said networks dedicated to him, but none are maintained and/or interacted with by Richard himself.
General Info
| Full Name | Richard Beymer |
| Height | 1.88 m |
| Profession | Actor, Cinematographer, Novelist, Sculptor, Visual Artist |
| Education | North Hollywood High School |
| Nationality | American |
Family
| Parents | George Richard Beymer, Eunice Beymer |
Accomplishments
| Awards | Golden Globe Award for Best New Star of the Year – Actor |
| Nominations | Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy |
| Movies | West Side Story, The Longest Day, The Diary of Anne Frank, Hemingway’s Adventures of a Young Man, Johnny Tremain, Terminal Station, My Girl 2, Bachelor Flat, Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out!, The Stripper, High Time, Foxfire, Danger Island, A Face to Die For, Five Finger Exercise, So … |
| TV Shows | Twin Peaks, Paper Dolls |
Social profile links
Quotes
| # | Quote |
|---|---|
| 1 | [on his attitude towards Natalie Wood on the set of West Side Story (1961) and at a later date]: “I think there was a residue of animosity toward Natalie because of that test for Rebel [Without a Cause], and it contributed to our situation. But a few years later we caught sight of each other at a nightclub on Sunset Strip. Natalie waved, came over to my table, and we talked for a few moments. She was incredibly sweet, left me thinking what a lovely person she was, and I felt genuinely attracted to her.” |
| 2 | [on seeing West Side Story (1961) for the first time]: “I was sort of caught up in my own web of illusion.” |
Facts
| # | Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | In 1964, Beymer traveled to Mississippi to volunteer in the civil rights movement (that summer was later dubbed “Freedom Summer”). Beymer took a Bolex camera with him; he later edited his footage into a documentary titled “A Regular Bouquet: Mississippi Summer.” Beymer’s footage has also been edited into many other documentaries on the civil rights era, including Eyes on the Prize and Freedom Summer. |
| 2 | Currently resides in Iowa [October 2008] |
| 3 | In West Side Story (1961) his singing was dubbed by Jimmy Bryant. |
| 4 | He hated his performance in West Side Story (1961) and left the London premiere half way through the film’s screening, before he could be presented to Queen Elizabeth II. |
| 5 | While in Italy filming Barabbas (1961) in 1961, Richard Beymer became captivated by a beautiful high school girl who had been doing extra work in the movie. The following year when he was back in California and the girl too had moved back to the United States, the two renewed communication and he encouraged her to pursue a career in film, which she did. They saw quite a lot of each other for over a year, and remained on friendly terms thereafter. The girl’s name was Sharon Tate. |
| 6 | He has played the love interest of both Natalie Wood and her sister Lana Wood in 2 separate films: Tony opposite Natalie’s Maria in West Side Story (1961), and Dean opposite Lana’s Karen in Scream Free! (1969) (aka Free Grass). |
| 7 | February 1977 – One time roommate of Andy Kaufman, he originated on stage at the Improv at 2:30 am the “has-been corner” bit Kaufman used in his TV specials. |
| 8 | Is probably best remembered for playing Tony in West Side Story (1961). |
Pictures
Movies
Actor
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five Finger Exercise | 1962 | Philip Harrington | |
| Bachelor Flat | 1961 | Mike Pulaski | |
| West Side Story | 1961 | Tony | |
| High Time | 1960 | Bob Bannerman | |
| Playhouse 90 | 1959 | TV Series | LeRoy Cadman |
| The Diary of Anne Frank | 1959 | Peter Van Daan | |
| Schlitz Playhouse | 1959 | TV Series | |
| Jane Wyman Presents The Fireside Theatre | 1958 | TV Series | Mark |
| Sky King | 1958 | TV Series | Joe Belden |
| Whirlybirds | 1958 | TV Series | John Thompson |
| Navy Log | 1958 | TV Series | Ennis Thompson |
| Make Room for Daddy | 1956-1957 | TV Series | Freddie Baxter / The Boyfriend |
| Zane Grey Theater | 1957 | TV Series | Shep Jolland |
| 26 Men | 1957 | TV Series | Tod Devers |
| Johnny Tremain | 1957 | Rab Silsbee (as Dick Beymer) | |
| The Gray Ghost | 1957 | TV Series | Luke Burnette |
| Cavalcade of America | 1954 | TV Series | |
| So Big | 1953 | Roelf, Age 12-16 | |
| Indiscretion of an American Wife | 1953 | Paul Stevens (as Dick Beymer) | |
| Fourteen Hours | 1951 | uncredited | |
| Sandy Dreams | 1949 | TV Series | |
| Twin Peaks | 2017 | TV Series | Benjamin Horne |
| Sadie’s Waltz | 2008 | Short | Garvus |
| Family Law | 2001 | TV Series | Richard Collins |
| Home the Horror Story | 2000 | Bob Parkinson | |
| Profiler | 1999 | TV Series | Martin Fizer |
| Playing Patti | 1998 | ||
| Vengeance Unlimited | 1998 | TV Series | Douglas Bradford |
| Elvis Meets Nixon | 1997 | TV Movie | Bob Haldeman |
| The X-Files | 1996 | TV Series | Dr. Jack Franklin |
| Foxfire | 1996 | Mr. Parks | |
| Flipper | 1996 | TV Series | Andrew Cantrell |
| The Little Death | 1996 | Prosecutor | |
| A Face to Die For | 1996 | TV Movie | Dr. Matthew Sheridan |
| Murder, She Wrote | 1987-1996 | TV Series | Dirk Mathison / Lou Keramides / Richard Lefko / … |
| The Disappearance of Kevin Johnson | 1996 | Chad Leary | |
| State of Emergency | 1994 | TV Movie | Dr. Ronald Frames |
| My Girl 2 | 1994 | Peter Webb | |
| Under Investigation | 1993 | Video | Dr. Jerry Parsons |
| Star Trek: Deep Space Nine | 1993 | TV Series | Li Nalas |
| The Presence | 1992 | TV Movie | Ben |
| Blackbelt | 1992 | Eddie Deangelo | |
| Twin Peaks | 1990-1991 | TV Series | Benjamin Horne |
| Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out! | 1989 | Video | Dr. Newbury |
| Buck James | 1987-1988 | TV Series | Max |
| The Bronx Zoo | 1988 | TV Series | Mr. Locke |
| Dallas | 1987 | TV Series | Jeff Larkin |
| Moonlighting | 1986 | TV Series | Ray Adamson |
| Generation | 1985 | TV Movie | Allan Breed |
| Paper Dolls | 1984 | TV Series | David Fenton |
| Cross Country | 1983 | Evan Bley | |
| Insight | 1975-1980 | TV Series | God / Josh / Train Conductor |
| The Innerview | 1973 | ||
| Scream Free! | 1969 | Dean | |
| Death Valley Days | 1958-1968 | TV Series | Zeb Fallon / John Owens |
| The Man from U.N.C.L.E. | 1967 | TV Series | Harry Williams |
| Dr. Kildare | 1966 | TV Series | Rev. Jack Elder |
| Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre | 1966 | TV Series | Ralph Belmonte |
| The Virginian | 1965 | TV Series | Frank Colter / Mark Shannon |
| Kraft Suspense Theatre | 1965 | TV Series | Werner Schiff |
| The Stripper | 1963 | Kenny Baird | |
| The Longest Day | 1962 | Pvt. Dutch Schultz | |
| Hemingway’s Adventures of a Young Man | 1962 | Nick Adams |
Cinematographer
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| It’s a Beautiful World | 2014 | Documentary | |
| The Juggler of Notre Dame | 1982 | TV Movie | |
| Insight | 1981 | TV Series 1 episode | |
| The Girl on the Edge of Town | 1981 | TV Movie | |
| The Innerview | 1973 | ||
| A Regular Bouquet: Mississippi Summer | 1964 | Documentary short |
Director
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| It’s a Beautiful World | 2014 | Documentary | |
| The Innerview | 1973 | ||
| A Regular Bouquet: Mississippi Summer | 1964 | Documentary short | |
| Insight | 1960/I | TV Series |
Writer
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Innerview | 1973 | ||
| A Regular Bouquet: Mississippi Summer | 1964 | Documentary short |
Editor
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| It’s a Beautiful World | 2014 | Documentary | |
| The Innerview | 1973 |
Producer
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Innerview | 1973 | producer |
Soundtrack
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Side Story | 1961 | performer: “Something’s Coming” 1957, “Maria” 1957 1957, “Tonight” 1957, “One Hand, One Heart” 1957 – uncredited |
Thanks
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secrets from Another Place: Creating Twin Peaks | 2007 | Video documentary acknowledgment: behind-the-scenes footage and photography provided by |
Self
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Side Memories | 2003 | Video documentary | Himself |
| Here’s Hollywood | 1961-1962 | TV Series | Himself |
Awards
Won Awards
| Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Josef von Sternberg Award | Mannheim-Heidelberg International Filmfestival | The Innerview (1973) |
Nominated Awards
| Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Soap Opera Digest Award | Soap Opera Digest Awards | Outstanding Villain: Prime Time | Twin Peaks (1990) |
| 1962 | Golden Globe | Golden Globes, USA | Best Actor – Comedy or Musical | West Side Story (1961) |
| 1962 | Golden Globe | Golden Globes, USA | Most Promising Newcomer – Male | West Side Story (1961) |
| 1962 | Grammy | Grammy Awards | Album of the Year | West Side Story (1961) |
| 1962 | Golden Laurel | Laurel Awards | Top Male New Personality | 6th place. |
Source: IMDb, Wikipedia
