Richard Lynch

Biography

Richard Lynch: A Character Actor with a Commanding Presence

Richard Hugh Lynch (February 12, 1940 – June 19, 2012) was an American actor renowned for his compelling portrayals of villains and complex characters in film and television. With over 160 credits spanning four decades, Lynch became a staple in genre cinema and episodic television, particularly in science fiction and action roles.

Early Life and Career

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Lynch served in the United States Marine Corps from 1958 to 1961. After his military service, he honed his craft at The Actors Studio and HB Studio in New York City. Lynch's film debut came in 1973 with Scarecrow, a gritty road drama that earned the Grand Prix at Cannes. His performance in this film launched his career in Hollywood.

Notable Film Roles

Lynch's filmography includes a diverse array of roles:

The Seven-Ups (1973): A gritty crime thriller where Lynch played the antagonist.

The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982): Portrayed the villainous King Cromwell, a role that earned him a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Invasion U.S.A. (1985): Played a Soviet operative in this action-packed film.

Little Nikita (1988): Appeared as a KGB agent in this espionage thriller.

Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge (1991): Took on the role of Major Kraus in this cult horror film.Wikipedia

Halloween (2007): Made a cameo as Principal Chambers in Rob Zombie's remake of the classic slasher film.

Television Appearances

Lynch's television career was equally prolific, with notable roles in:

Battlestar Galactica (1978): Played Wolfe in the original series.

Galactica 1980 (1980): Portrayed Commander Xaviar in the sequel series.

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1993): Appeared as mercenary Arctus Baran in the episode "Gambit."

Starsky & Hutch, T.J. Hooker, The A-Team, Charmed, and Murder, She Wrote: Featured in various episodes, often as antagonists.

Personal Life and Legacy

Lynch was married twice—first to Béatrix Lynch, with whom he had a son, Christopher, who tragically passed away in 2005. He later married Lily Lynch. Lynch was also a musician, proficient in playing the saxophone, guitar, piano, and flute. He held Irish citizenship through his parents and frequently visited Ireland. 

Richard Lynch passed away on June 19, 2012, at the age of 72 from a heart attack. His contributions to film and television, particularly in genre roles, have left an indelible mark on the industry.