Richard Fraser (actor)
Richard Fraser was a Scottish film, television, and stage actor. He is perhaps best known for his role in the 1945 film The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Early life
After graduating from Sedbergh School as Richard Mackie Simpson, Richard's mother divorced and his name was shortened to Richard Mackie. After attending Cambridge University, Richard Mackie studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Having spent time as a London stage actor, Richard emigrated to the US and in New York married Louise Christine Sheldon, the couple then moved to Hollywood before the Second World War. Discovering that there was already a Richard Mackie acting in the US he adopted the stage name Richard Fraser. He then signed a contract with 20th Century Fox and appeared in numerous films.
Career
His American film career reached its peak with his performance as James Vane, the vengeful brother of Sibyl Vane in the film The Picture of Dorian Gray. Richard retired from acting in 1949, returning to Britain in 1961 with his then-wife, US actress Ann Gillis, spending his most of his last decade working for the BBC in export sales.
Selected filmography
The Ghost Goes West as Son of MacLaggen Man Hunt as Navigator A Yank in the R.A.F. as ThorndykeHow Green Was My Valley as Davy MorganJoan of Paris as GeoffreyEagle Squadron as Lt. JefferysBusses Roar as Dick RemickDesperate Journey as Squadron Leader ClarkThe Gorilla Man as Lieutenant Walter SibleyTruck Busters as LimeyEdge of Darkness as Pastor AalesenThumbs Up as Douglas HeathHoly Matrimony as John Leek Ladies Courageous as Col. Andy BrennanThe Picture of Dorian Gray as James VaneThe Fatal Witness as Inspector William 'Bill' TrentScotland Yard Investigator as Inspector CartwrightShadow of Terror as Jim, aka Howard NortonWhite Pongo as Geoffrey BishopThe Tiger Woman as Stephen MasonThe Undercover Woman as Gregory VixonBedlam as HannayBlonde for a Day as Dillingham 'Dilly' SmithCloak and Dagger as British Submarine Skipper The Private Affairs of Bel Ami as Philippe de CantelBlackmail as Antoine le BlancThe Lone Wolf in London as David WoolertonRaw Deal as FieldsRogues' Regiment as RycroftThe Cobra Strikes as Michael KentAlaska Patrol as Operative Farrell The Red Danube as Transport Pilot