Julian Richings, a renowned English actor, was born and raised in Oxford, England, as one of three brothers, all of whom pursued careers in professional theatre. His older brother is a set designer, while his younger brother is a lighting designer. After graduating from the University of Exeter Drama Department in 1977, Julian embarked on an extensive theatre career throughout the UK.
In 1980, he toured internationally in a critically acclaimed adaptation of James Joyce's Ulysses, performing in renowned theatres in New York, Chicago, Toronto, and Grotowski's Teatr Laboritorium in Wroclaw, Poland. This international exposure marked a significant milestone in his career, setting the stage for his future success.
Julian settled in North America in 1984, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Toronto's theatre and film scene. He landed roles in three landmark independent films: The Red Violin, Cube, and Hard Core Logo. The latter, directed by Bruce McDonald in 1996, is ranked among the greatest Canadian films of all time, in which Julian portrayed the iconic character of Bucky Haight, a bitter punk legend.
Julian continued to work closely with Bruce McDonald, reprising his role as Bucky Haight in Hard Core Logo 2 almost fifteen years later. He also collaborated with Special Effects legend Stan Winston on the horror film Wrong Turn (2003),bringing his physical theatre skills to life as the terrifying character of Three Finger. Although he only appeared in the original movie, the franchise went on to produce five subsequent films, cementing Julian's status as a horror icon.
Throughout his career, Julian has worked with numerous indie trailblazers, including Foresight Features and Black Fawn Films, and has appeared in a wide range of films, from horror and genre flicks to blockbusters like X-Men 3, Man of Steel, and Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. In Percy Jackson, he holds the distinction of being the only actor to have appeared in both the movie and the Disney series.
Julian has also made a significant impact on television, with recurring roles in popular shows like Stephen King's Kingdom Hospital, Patriot, and Supernatural, where he played the iconic character of the Grim Reaper. Over the years, he has developed a reputation for his versatility and ability to bring complex characters to life.
As a testament to his dedication to his craft, Julian has spent countless hours in makeup and prosthetics, collaborating with special effects teams worldwide. At the height of his career, his severed head was prominently displayed in half a dozen special effects shops across North America, a testament to his enduring impact on the industry.
Today, Julian remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, always eager to meet fans, share his stories from working in the industry for almost fifty years, and discuss his passion for performing. He is a favourite guest at ComicCons and Fan Conventions, where he regales audiences with tales of his adventures in the world of entertainment.
