An Iowa native, Richard returned to the Des Moines area a year ago after a 28–year absence. He directed and played the role of Teach in the Mews production of "American Buffalo" this past fall and was Frank James in Cindy Mercati’s "The Totally True, Completely Fictional Story of the Mother of Jesse James," which he also performed for the Iowa Fringe Festival.
Richard began his professional career at Charlie’s Showplace 32 years ago, where he met Tom Milligan. During its first years, he performed in Charlie productions of "Barefoot in the Park," "Private Lives," "The Moon is Blue," "The Rainmaker," "Any Wednesday," and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way" to the Forum. B.C. (Before Charlie’s), he was in the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of "The Andersonville Trial," directed by Ted Kehoe.
A graduate of Simpson College and the University of San Diego, California (MFA – Theater), Richard continued his career in New York and in numerous LORT theaters across the country. Favorite roles include: Sidney ("Absurd Person Singular"), Gayev ("The Cherry Orchard"), Bill Coles ("Other People’s Money"), Honeyman ("A Walk in the Woods"), Bensinger ("The Front Page"), Speed ("Two Gentlemen of Verona"). A member of the Actors’ Space in New York, Richard directed the New York premiere of "Shooting Stars" there. He now teaches ESL adult education at DMACC – Urban Campus.