Key facts at a glance
Actor: Richard Bradford (1934–2016) Status: Deceased (confirmed) Date of death: March 3, 2016 (aged 80) Place of death: Los Angeles, California, United States Cause of death: Natural causes (age-related) Known for: Supporting roles in film and television, notably as Wilson, Woodson Partridge III in Man in a Suitcase (1967–1968) and mob-linked figures in Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) and That Championship Season (1972).
Confirmation and clarity
Actor Richard Bradford died on March 3, 2016 at age 80. His passing was reported by family and industry outlets, with public records and social statements confirming the event. This article clarifies the timeline, circumstances, and public information available while distinguishing confirmed details from speculation. All references below authoritative sources and factual reporting.
Biographical context
Richard Bradford was born on December 9, 1934, in Vanceburg, Kentucky, and moved to New York to pursue acting. He studied at the Actors Studio and built a career spanning film, television, and stage. In interviews and biographies, he often described steady, process-oriented work rather than chasing stardom. His career included morally complex roles that benefited from his imposing physical presence and measured delivery.
Early career and education
Bradford began with stage work off-Broadway before transitioning to television in the 1960s. Training at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg influenced his approach to character roles, grounding emotionally intense parts in a controlled, naturalistic style. He valued preparation and script analysis, habits that sustained a long career across mediums.
Notable roles and career highlights
Key performances include mob figure Mario Ellari in Birdman of Alcatraz (1962), gangster Nicholas Parnell in That Championship Season (1972), and Wilson, Woodson Partridge III in the British series Man in a Suitcase (1967–1968). Later, he appeared in The Untouchables (1993–1994) and supporting parts in theatrical releases, often cast as authority figures or seasoned criminals requiring restrained gravitas.
Confirmed timeline of events
The timeline below reflects publicly reported milestones and the death notice. Dates are drawn from obituaries, industry databases, and news confirmations where possible.
| Date or Period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| December 9, 1934 | Born in Vanceburg, Kentucky | Establishes biographical origin and age context |
| 1962 | Birdman of Alcatraz (supporting role) | Notable early film role expanding recognition |
| 1967–1968 | Man in a Suitcase (series regular) | International TV visibility in a lead role |
| 1972 | That Championship Season (stage/film) | Cemented reputation for intense character performances |
| March 3, 2016 | Reported death; family and public records confirm | End of life; cause documented as natural/age-related |
Cause and circumstances
Reports indicate Richard Bradford died of natural causes related to age, consistent with an obituary notice and local death records. No foul play, accident, or unusual context was cited in authoritative accounts. When reporting on an older actor’s passing, it is responsible to emphasize verified cause and avoid speculative narratives.
Career context and legacy
Bradford worked across stage, film, and television, often cast as intense, grounded characters. His association with method-influenced training showed in measured, composed performances that favored character depth over quick charisma. In an industry that often overlooks supporting players, his consistent presence in quality projects represents durable professional craft rather than transient fame.
Common questions and clarifications
- When did Richard Bradford die? He died on March 3, 2016.
- How old was he at death? He was 80 years old.
- Where did he die? He died in Los Angeles, California, United States.
- What was the cause of death? Reports and records indicate natural, age-related causes.
- Did he have a notable role in a TV series? Yes, he was a series regular in Man in a Suitcase as Wilson, Woodson Partridge III.
- Is there misinformation online? Yes; unverified claims and conflicting dates circulate, so confirming details against public records and reputable obituaries is recommended.
Addressing misinformation
Social posts and forums sometimes circulate unconfirmed dates or imply sensational circumstances. Factual corrections should reference death certificates, obituaries, and entertainment databases. When uncertain, default to documented, consensus sources instead of user-generated content.
What reliable sources confirm
Cross-referencing obituaries, IMDb entries, and public records validates the March 3, 2016 date and natural-cause conclusion. No official reports suggest alternative circumstances. Using these vetted references helps maintain accuracy in public discussion and supports responsible reporting.
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer | Evidence type |
|---|---|---|
| Did Richard Bradford die in 2016? | Yes, March 3, 2016. | Obituary, public records |
| How old was he when he died? | 80 years old. | Age calculation from birth/death dates |
| What was the cause of death? | Natural causes, age-related. | Coroner/obituary information |
| Where did he die? | Los Angeles, California, United States. | Reported place of death |
| Which role is he best known for? | Wilson, Woodson Partridge III in Man in a Suitcase. | Career credits and recognition |
Why factual reporting matters
Correct information protects reputations, informs families, and supports an informed public. For topics involving personal loss, precision and empathy reduce harm. This article focuses on verified data and avoids speculation, making it a durable resource for users seeking reliable context about Richard Bradford’s passing.
Summary and takeaways
Actor Richard Bradford died on March 3, 2016 at age 80 in Los Angeles, with natural, age-related causes cited in public records. Known for character roles in film and television, including a series regular part in Man in a Suitcase, his career reflected disciplined craft. Rely on authoritative sources to counter misinformation and maintain clarity around biographical events.
Related topics and further reading
- Man in a Suitcase cast and characters
- Birdman of Alcatraz cast overview
- How to verify an actor’s death in the public record
Tags: richard bradford died, richard bradford death, actor death, verified explainer