Richard Gaines
| Richard Gaines | |
|---|---|
| Born |
July 23, 1904 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Died | July 20, 1975 (aged 70) North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | (secured) 1929-1962 |
| Spouse(s) | Brenda Marshall (1936-1940, divorced) |
| Children | Virginia Holden (born 1937) |
Richard Houston Gaines (July 23, 1904 - July 20, 1975) was an American actor. He made over 75 film and television appearances between 1940 and 1962.
Richard Houston Gaines appeared in five Broadway productions between 1929 and 1942. He served as Raymond Massey's replacement as Abraham Lincoln in the original production of Robert E. Sherwood's Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1938-1939).
In Hollywood, Gaines frequently played professional or officious types in supporting roles. He was often seen in authoritarian roles as a lawyer, doctor, supervisor or father. Gaines made his film debut in the historical drama The Howards of Virginia with Cary Grant. One of his best-known roles was as Jean Arthur's stuffy suitor C. J. Pendergast in The More the Merrier (1943), directed by George Stevens. He also appeared in Billy Wilder's film classic Double Indemnity (1944), playing the insurance boss of Fred MacMurray and Edward G. Robinson. In Cecil B. DeMille's Unconquered (1947), Gaines portrayed the historical role of George Washington. He worked frequently on television during the 1950s. Between 1958 and 1961, he had a recurring role as the Judge in 14 episodes of Perry Mason.
Richard Gaines married actress Brenda Marshall in 1936, the couple divorced in 1940. They had one daughter, Virginia (born 1937), who later grew up with Brenda Marshall and her second husband William Holden. He retired from Hollywood business in 1962 after a guest appearance on Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
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