Richard Vernon, a dignified and aristocratic-looking individual, was born to English parents in Kenya. He received his education at Reading and Leighton Park Schools, and his early acting career began near the end of his wartime service with the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. During his service, he produced, directed, and starred in a production of George Bernard Shaw's 'Heartbreak House' for the Combined Services Club, while being stationed in Singapore and Hong Kong.
After being demobilized, Richard completed his training at the Central School of Speech and Drama. He then embarked on a successful theatrical career in West End productions, ranging from 'Peter Pan' to Noël Coward's 'Hay Fever'. He also appeared in several prestigious motion pictures, including Village of the Damned, The Yellow Rolls-Royce, and Goldfinger, during the 1960s.
Richard's true calling, however, was in television, where he evolved into a consummate scene-stealer. His balding appearance, dignified bearing, and stiff-upper-lip demeanor made him an ideal casting choice for typically British military or aristocratic types, or stuffy senior public servants. One of his early starring roles was as The Man in Room 17, a barrister and ex-war correspondent who investigates cases deemed too difficult for the local authorities.
Richard's natural propensity for period drama led to successful runs in several popular series, including Upstairs, Downstairs and The Duchess of Duke Street. He excelled in playing old rogues, slightly dishevelled eccentrics, and befuddled characters, often delivering humorous lines in a deadpan and matter-of-fact manner. One of his most memorable roles was as Lord Bartlesham in the Ripping Yarns episode 'Roger of the Raj', and he also played the iconic role of galactic fjord builder Slartibartfast in The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Throughout his career, Richard Vernon was a unique and likeable character actor who brought his craft to life until two years before his passing due to Parkinson's Disease. He was married to Benedicta Leigh (née Hoskyns) from 1955 until 1990.
