Richard Franklin (actor)

Richard Franklin
Richard Franklin at The Television & Movie Store, Norwich, England, on 17 January 2009 surrounded by several Dr Who artefacts
Born	Richard Kimber Franklin (1936-01-15) 15 January 1936 (age 81) Marylebone, London, England
Occupation	Actor

Not to be confused with Richard Franklin (director), the Australian born film director.

Richard K. Franklin (born 15 January 1936) is an English actor, writer, and director. He has appeared as a regular character in several high-profile British television programmes, including Crossroads, Emmerdale Farm, and most notably in the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who, in which he portrayed Captain Mike Yates of UNIT. Franklin initially played the part from 1971 until 1974, but has returned to the role on a number of occasions both on television and in Doctor Who spin-off media.

Franklin was educated at Westminster School, and studied for an MA Modern History at Christ Church, Oxford. During National Service he was commissioned into the Royal Green Jackets (Rifle Brigade) and was a Captain in Queen Victoria's Rifles. Prior to embarking on an acting career, he spent three years at the advertising agency Hobson and Grey as an Assistant Account Executive, Assistant Producer, and Scriptwriter.

Franklin trained as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (colloquially known as RADA), where he won the Jenny Laird prize.

Immediately after graduating RADA, Franklin spent six years in repertory theatre, beginning at the Century Theatre under the directorship of Heinz Bernard. He then spent two years at Birmingham Rep under Peter Dews, a season at Bristol Old Vic under Val May, before moving to Ipswich where in addition to acting he also held an associate directorship.