Person Biography:
Richard Stapley, also known as Richard Wyler, was a renowned actor and writer who enjoyed great success on both sides of the Atlantic. Born on June 20, 1923, in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, England, he was a descendant of Sir Richard Stapley, who signed the death warrant of King Charles I.
Stapley began his career on stage, making his debut at the Theatre Royal, Brighton at the age of 15. He went on to play juvenile leads at several regional theaters before being spotted by Laurence Olivier, who offered him a contract to appear in two leading roles at London's Old Vic.
However, Stapley's career was interrupted by World War II, during which he enlisted in the Royal Air Force and learned to fly solo. After the war, he wrote his first novel, "I'll Wear It On My Head," which was published in England. He then sailed to America, armed with letters of introduction to Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne.
In America, Stapley landed a lead role in a Broadway play, "Darling, Darling, Darling," and was soon spotted by a talent scout. He went on to co-star in several films, including "The Three Musketeers" with Lana Turner and Gene Kelly, and "Little Women" with June Allyson, Janet Leigh, Margaret O'Brien, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Stapley also appeared in several cult classic films, including "The Strange Door" with Boris Karloff, and "D-Day The Sixth of June" with Robert Taylor. Between films, he was a frequent guest on TV dramatic shows and returned to Broadway in two plays, "Second Threshold" and "Jane" with Edna Best and John Loder.
In the 1970s, Stapley teamed up with composer Dickson Hughes to write a musical revue, "About Time," and three songs for the film "The Restless Breed." They were then commissioned by Gloria Swanson to write a musical version of "Sunset Boulevard," but production plans fell through.
Disheartened by the experience, Stapley returned to England and was offered the starring role in a new TV series, "The Man From Interpol," with the new screen name of "Richard Wyler." The show was a huge success, but Stapley found himself type-cast in the role. He took a break from acting and began competing in motorcycle racing, competing with champions such as Mike Hailwood and Jim Redman.
Stapley eventually returned to films, starring in a series of European action films, including "The Barbarians" with Jack Palance. He also continued to write, publishing a collection of short stories and completing his memoirs, "To Slip and Fall in L.A."
