Richard Bakalyan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Bakalyan
|
|
|---|---|
Bakalyan in Pressure Point (1962)
|
|
| Born | January 29, 1931 Watertown, Massachusetts, U.S.
|
| Died | February 27, 2015 (aged 84) Elmira, New York, U.S.
|
| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills |
| Other names | Dick Bakalyan |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1954–2008 |
| Spouse(s) |
Elizabeth Lee "Betty" Baumann
(m. 1952; |
Richard Bakalyan (born January 29, 1931 – died February 27, 2015) was an American actor. He was known for playing tough guys and sometimes funny characters in movies and TV shows. He started his acting career playing young rebels in his early films.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Richard Bakalyan was born on January 29, 1931, in Watertown, Massachusetts. His father, William, was from Armenia, and his mother, Elsie, was Canadian from Nova Scotia. Richard had two brothers. His father passed away when Richard was only 8 years old.
Growing up in a tough area, Richard learned boxing to protect himself. He later joined the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War. After four years, he was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant.
Acting Career Highlights
Richard Bakalyan had a long career in Hollywood. He often played characters who were a bit rough around the edges, like tough guys or outlaws.
Film Roles
Early in his career, Richard was often cast as young troublemakers. For example, he appeared in films like The Delinquents (1957) and The Bonnie Parker Story (1958). A funny story happened while filming The Cool and the Crazy (1958). Richard and another actor, Dick Jones, were dressed in their movie costumes. The police thought they were real gang members and arrested them! It took a few hours for the film crew to explain everything and get them released.
As he got older, Richard started playing more comedic roles, especially in Disney films. He appeared in movies like Never a Dull Moment (1968) and The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969). He also lent his voice to 'Dinky' the finch bird in the animated movie The Fox and the Hound (1981).
Richard also worked with famous actors like Frank Sinatra and Jack Nicholson. He was in several of Frank Sinatra's movies, including Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964) and Von Ryan's Express (1965). He became lifelong friends with the Sinatra family. He also played Detective Loach in the well-known 1974 film Chinatown.
Television Appearances
Richard Bakalyan was also a familiar face on television. He appeared in many popular shows from the 1950s to the 2000s. Some of his early TV roles were in The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp and The Untouchables.
Later, he guest-starred in a wide variety of shows. These included Batman, Mannix, Kojak, The Bionic Woman, and Charlie's Angels. He also appeared in Emergency! as a fire truck mechanic. His very last acting role was in the comedy series My Name Is Earl in 2008.
Richard was also a regular on two TV shows hosted by his close friend, singer and actor Bobby Darin: Dean Martin Presents: The Bobby Darin Amusement Company (1972) and The Bobby Darin Show (1973).
Personal Life
Richard Bakalyan was married to Elizabeth Baumann from 1952 until she passed away in 1967. He was known as a very busy character actor, meaning he played many different types of roles.
Death
Richard Bakalyan passed away suddenly from a stroke on February 27, 2015. He was 84 years old at the time of his death.
Images for kids
-
Richard Bakalyan in Pressure Point (1962)
-
Bakalyan and Peter Brown in Lawman (1961)
