Richard Talmadge


Richard Talmadge also known as Sylvester Metzetti, Ricardo Metzetti, or Sylvester Ricardo Metzetti, was a German-born American actor, stuntman and film director.

Early life

Born in Germany in 1892, Talmadge arrived in Hollywood in 1910 and began his career as a stuntman before becoming an actor himself. He began starring in silent action pictures in 1921, and began producing his own vehicles in 1923. His last silent feature, The Poor Millionaire, was the very last silent production filmed in Hollywood.

Career

Richard Talmadge spoke fluent English, but with a German accent that became obvious when talkies arrived. Still acting as his own producer, he began starring in lower-budgeted features. His accent didn't matter much in these pictures, which had Talmadge in almost constant motion, doing spectacular stunts throughout the films. During the Depression he gave up his production company and signed with a major studio, Universal Pictures, where he starred in the 12-chapter serial Pirate Treasure. Independent producers Bernard B. Ray and Harry S. Webb then signed Talmadge for a series of action features, with titles emphasizing Talmadge's breakneck speed: Never Too Late, Step on It, The Live Wire, etc. These were his last starring efforts.
Talmadge then began working behind the cameras as assistant director, stunt coordinator, and director. His later work included How the West Was Won, The Greatest Story Ever Told and Casino Royale.

Personal life

He was the stepfather of American polo pioneer Sue Sally Hale. His brothers, Otto and Victor Metzetti, both had success as stunt performers, and were members of the vaudeville troupe the Flying Metzettis, who were the first to perform the quadruple back somersault in 1917, at Barnum and Bailey's, with Richard as voltiguer. The family was close, with brothers Otto, Victor, and Leon working on the Richard Talmadge productions of the 1930s.

Death

Talmadge died of cancer at the age of 88 on 25 January 1981, in Carmel, California. He is interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery, his grave marked with the name "Richard Metzetti Talmadge".

Selected filmography