Richard Beckinsale Biography: Parents, Movies, TV Shows, Age, Net Worth, Death, Wife, Children, Siblings

Richard Arthur Beckinsale was a British actor. He became a beloved figure in British television during the 1970s.

He was best known for his roles as Lennie Godber in Porridge and Alan Moore in Rising Damp.

Profile

• Full Name: Richard Arthur Beckinsale
• Stage Name: Richard Beckinsale
• Born: July 6, 1947
• Age: Passed away at 31 years old
• Birthplace: Carlton, Nottinghamshire, England
• Nationality: British
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
• Parent: Arthur John Beckinsale (father), Maggie Barlow Beckinsale (mother)
• Siblings: Judy Beckinsale
• Spouse: Judy Loe
• Children: Samantha Beckinsale, Kate Beckinsale
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $500,000

Early Life And Education

Richard Arthur Beckinsale was born on July 6, 1947, in Carlton, Nottinghamshire, England. He was the son of Arthur John Beckinsale and Maggie Barlow Beckinsale. Richard had one sister named Judy Beckinsale.

He grew up in a working-class family and was raised in the Christian faith. Richard was of British ethnicity and English descent.

For his education, he attended local schools in Nottinghamshire before pursuing his passion for acting. Determined to build a career in performance, he gained admission to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. He graduated from RADA in 1968, earning formal training that laid the foundation for his successful acting career.

Career

Richard Beckinsale began his acting career shortly after graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 1968. He first appeared in minor television roles before gaining attention with his breakout performance as Geoffrey in the sitcom The Lovers (1970–1971). His natural charm and comedic timing quickly made him a favorite among audiences.

His career reached new heights when he starred as Lennie Godber, a young and naive inmate, in the classic BBC sitcom Porridge (1974–1977) alongside Ronnie Barker. The role showcased Richard‘s ability to blend humor with sensitivity, earning him widespread acclaim. He reprised this role in the sequel series Going Straight (1978).

At the same time, he also played Alan Moore in Rising Damp (1974–1978), another highly successful sitcom where he worked with Leonard Rossiter. Richard‘s performances were praised for their warmth, likability, and natural delivery, making him one of Britain’s most beloved actors of the 1970s.

Beyond television, he appeared in a few films and stage productions, including Shakespearean plays, showing his versatility as an actor. Sadly, his promising career was cut short by his sudden death in 1979, but his work remains highly regarded in British entertainment history.

Personal Life

Richard Beckinsale was married to Margaret Bradley, and together they had a daughter named Samantha Beckinsale, born on July 23, 1966. After his divorce from Margaret, he entered into a long-term relationship with actress Judy Loe. They had a daughter, Kate Beckinsale, born on July 26, 1973, who would later become an internationally known actress. Richard stood 5 feet 11 inches tall (180 cm).

Filmography

• The Lovers (1970–1971)
• Porridge (1974–1977)
• Rising Damp (1974–1978)
• Going Straight (1978)
• Bloomin’ Marvellous (1974)
• Leonardo (1971)

Net Worth

At the time of his death in 1979, Richard Beckinsale had an estimated net worth of around $500,000. His primary source of income came from his successful career in television and film, particularly from his roles in popular sitcoms such as Porridge and Rising Damp. His charm and comedic talent earned him a significant following, and these shows were both critical and commercial successes, contributing to his earnings.

In addition to his television work, Beckinsale also appeared in various stage productions, which added to his income. Although his career was tragically cut short, his legacy in British television continues to be celebrated, and his name remains synonymous with the golden age of British sitcoms.