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. Co-founder of Stuntmen's Association in 1961 Known for a dislike of four letter words, he was embarrassed by the language in The Getaway. Died of self-inflicted gunshot wound. Had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. 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] Billy Crystal singled out Farnsworth at the 72nd Academy Awards telling everyone it was "great to see him, and his nomination was a great story." Inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1997. Is the oldest ever person to recieve a Best Actor Oscar Nomination (80 at the time). Doubled for Kirk Douglas, Henry Fonda, Montgomery Clift, Steve McQueen and Roy Rogers. Engaged to Jewely Van Valin at the time of his death. One son and one daughter, Diamond Farnsworth and Missy. Shortly before his death, when asked by film critic Roger Ebert what he was most proud of in regards to his acting career, he replied that it was the fact that in over 60 movies he never says one cuss word. The last person who appeared in 1939's "Gone With The Wind" (as a stuntman) to be nominated for an Academy Award... as Best Actor in "The Straight Story" (1999) - 60 years later.