بیوگرافی
An actor credited with 307 films and TV episodes can't have delivered 307 memorable performances. This was true for Richard (aka Dick) Alexander, one of many character actors Hollywood frequently cast without truly showcasing their talents. It's unfortunate, because between 1926 and 1931, Alexander seemed poised for a promising career with supporting roles alongside Olga Baclanova (Lou's sweetheart in Josef von Sternberg's The Docks of New York, 1928), Bebe Daniels (Gonzales in Rio Rita, 1929), and even the legendary Greta Garbo (the general's aide in The Mysterious Lady, 1928). He also appeared as a German soldier in Lewis Milestone's antiwar classic All Quiet on the Western Front (1930). Sadly, this period marked the peak of his career—with only a few exceptions like Destination Unknown (1933) and The Scarlet Empress (1934). After 1931, Alexander was relegated to minor roles in major films (a warrior in The Crusades, 1935; a farmer in The Story of Louis Pasteur, 1936; a man with a pike in Marie Antoinette, 1938) or supporting roles in numerous mediocre westerns. His tall stature, strong build, and square jaw ironically hindered his career. Casting directors, showing little imagination, typecast him after his solid performance as a henchman in The Lone Star Ranger (1930), leading to forty henchman roles among his 300-plus credits. When not cast as the villain, he was often labeled as a strong, big, burly, or tough guy. While he always delivered solid performances, Alexander had initially demonstrated diverse acting abilities and surely preferred not to repeat the same character type endlessly. Playing Prince Barin, Buster Crabbe’s loyal ally in the Flash Gordon serial (1936), likely offered a refreshing change. Regardless, Alexander continued portraying tough, burly roles until retiring at age 72. Late in his career, he became an active Screen Actors Guild member, advocating for Hollywood extras. Richard Alexander passed away in 1989, largely forgotten despite his 307 screen appearances. He was 86.
