American stuntman who, after more than thirty years in the business, moved into acting and became an acclaimed and respected character actor. A native of Los Angeles, Farnsworth grew up around horses and as a teenager was offered an opportunity to ride in films. He appeared in horse-racing scenes and cavalry charges Anonymously, first as a general equestrian and later as a stuntman. His riding and stunting skills gained him regular work doubling stars ranging from Roy Rogers to Gary Cooper, and he often doubled the bad guy as well. Although like most stuntmen, he was occasionally given a line or two of dialogue, it was not until Farnsworth was over fifty that his natural talent for acting and his ease and warmth before the camera became apparent. When he won an Academy Award nomination for his role in Comes a Horseman, it came as a surprise to many in the industry that this "newcomer" had been around since the Thirties. Farnsworth followed his Oscar nomination with a number of finely wrought performances, including The Grey Fox and The Natural. In 1999, he came out of semi-retirement for a tour-de-force portrayal in The Straight Story.


Was a stunt man for 40 years before becoming an actor. Known for a dislike of four letter words, he was embarrassed by the language in The Getaway (1994). During the telecast of the 73rd Annual Academy Awards of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Richard Farnsworth was honoured by being included in the always touching and memorable segment that pays tribute to those in the industry who have passed away over the course of the previous year. [25 March 2001] Inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1997. Doubled for Kirk Douglas, Henry Fonda, Montgomery Clift, Steve McQueen and Roy Rogers. One son and one daughter, Diamond Farnsworth and Missy. Was originally attached to play the lead in Gompy (2009). His sudden passing stopped all development on the film.