Werner Paul Raetzmann, born to a German-born father and Wisconsin-born mother, was one of seven children. He and one brother decided to change their last name to Richmond, and he grew up in Reedsburg, Wisconsin. As a young man, Richmond developed exceptional horse riding skills, which would later earn him roles in western movies. He had striking blue-gray eyes, brown hair, chiseled features, and maintained an enviable physique.
In 1910, a Chicago census listed his occupation as a traveling salesman of musical merchandise. Richmond later moved to New York City, where he became a pioneer of American cinema, making his first films in 1912. By 1917, he was a regular at the New Jersey studios of Maurice Tourneur. When the film industry shifted to southern California, Richmond and his wife moved to rural Toluca Lake with their only son.
As a screen actor, Richmond was not bound by a contract, allowing him to work with every major and minor studio. He appeared in numerous films, including short subjects and serials, such as 'Flash Gordon' and many westerns. For 34 years, he maintained a steady career as a screen actor, working alongside notable co-stars like Carole Lombard, Pearl White, Mary Astor, Ben Lyon, Theda Bara, Dorothy Gish, Richard Barthelmess, Richard Dix, Hoot Gibson, Tex Ritter, ZaSu Pitts, Spencer Tracy, William Haines, Jason Robards, Sr., Frank Morgan, Gene Autry, John Wayne, William Boyd, Pola Negri, and Gabby Hayes.
Throughout his career, Richmond portrayed various characters, including lawyers, judges, fathers, henchmen, and district attorneys. He worked under the direction of renowned filmmakers like John Ford, Karl Freund, King Vidor, W. S. Van Dyke, William A. Seiter, Lloyd Bacon, Ralph Ince, Albert S. Rogell, Raoul Walsh, Cecil B. DeMille, and Harry Beaumont.
In his fourth decade of acting, Richmond suffered partial facial paralysis after a nasty fall from a horse. However, he diligently pursued physiotherapy and eventually overcame his injury, returning to work in the Hollywood studios.
