University of Wyoming
Richard Benedict, (born Joseph Sciurba) aka Riccardo Benedetto, came to the United States from his native Sicily when he was 7. He was a prizefighter until he entered the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a movie actor in Hollywood from 1944, often cast as an amiable second lead, though he was sometimes cast as a persuasive heavy. He played the entombed prospector in Billy Wilder's "The Big Carnival" (1951 aka "Ace in the Hole"). His filmography includes 52 films dating from 1944 to 1961. In the 1960s, Richard Benedict began to direct, working on network television series, such as "Hawaiian Eye" and "Charlie's Angels". His directing filmography includes 32 titles, dating from 1965 to 1979. He died in 1984.
The Richard Benedict collection contains a single item, a scrapbook with clippings and photographs from Benedict's acting and directing career, dating from 1935 to 1971. It begins with his first role on stage in 1935 and 1938-1939 summer stock theater roles. The scrapbook contains shots and clippings from movies such as: "Shark God", "Streets of San Francisco", "See My Lawyer" (1944-1945), "Crossfire", and "Berlin Express" both from 1947, and many others. Also included are shots and clippings from Benedict's television directing career in the 1960s, such as, "Get Smart" and "Hoodlums on Wheels".
There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.
The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
There are no known other archival collections created by Richard Benedict at the date of processing.
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.