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Richard Bradford Cause of Death: The Man in a Suitcase Star Who Passed Away at 81
Richard Bradford was an American actor who was best known for his leading role in the British TV series Man in a Suitcase (1967-1968), where he played a former CIA agent turned private detective. He also appeared in many films, such as The Chase (1966), The Untouchables (1987), and The Milagro Beanfield War (1988).
A Versatile Actor with a Distinctive Voice
Richard Bradford was born on November 10, 1934, in Tyler, Texas. He was interested in sports and music, but decided to pursue acting after being inspired by Marlon Brando and James Dean. He studied at the Actors Studio in New York, where he worked with directors like Arthur Penn and Elia Kazan. He made his film debut in The Chase, alongside Marlon Brando and Robert Redford.
He moved to London in 1967 to star in Man in a Suitcase, a spy thriller series that made him a household name in the UK. He played McGill, a tough and cynical investigator who traveled the world in search of justice. He was praised for his performance and his distinctive voice, which he attributed to a childhood accident that damaged his vocal cords.
He continued to work in both film and television, often playing authority figures or villains. He worked with directors like Francis Ford Coppola, Brian De Palma, Robert Altman, and Sean Penn. He also had guest roles in shows like Gunsmoke, The Waltons, Murder, She Wrote, and Cagney & Lacey.
A Private Man Who Loved His Family
Richard Bradford was married to actress Eileen Elliott from 1965 to 1984. They had a daughter, Lisa, who is also an actress. He later had a long-term relationship with actress Millie Perkins, who co-starred with him in The Shooting (1966) and Wild in the Streets (1968).
He was a private man who avoided the spotlight and preferred to spend time with his family and friends. He was also an avid reader and a fan of jazz music. He was close to his co-stars from Man in a Suitcase, especially Richard Wyler, who played his friend and former colleague.
A Sad Loss for the Film and TV Industry
Richard Bradford died on March 22, 2016, at the age of 81, in Los Angeles, California. The cause of his death was not disclosed, but it was reported that he had been ill for some time. He was cremated and his ashes were given to his family.
His death was mourned by his fans and colleagues, who remembered him as a talented and versatile actor with a unique voice and presence. He was also praised for his professionalism and his kindness. He left behind a rich legacy of film and TV work that spanned over five decades.
