Richard Deacon
ActingAbout Richard Deacon
Richard Lewis Deacon (May 14, 1922 – August 8, 1984) was an American actor, best known for playing supporting roles in television shows on The Dick Van Dyke Show (as milksop producer Mel Cooley) and Leave It to Beaver (as Lumpy's self-aggrandizing father Fred Rutherford). He also had minor roles in films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) and Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds (1963).
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Richard Deacon reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Richard Deacon's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 46% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Richard Deacon remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Birds, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Richard Deacon Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Richard Deacon's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Richard Deacon.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Bad Manners | Ticket Salesman | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | No Man's Valley | Panda (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Gossip Columnist | Director | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Steve Martin: Comedy Is Not Pretty | King of Cey What | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Piranha | Earl Lyon | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | Arsenic and Old Lace | Mr. Witherspoon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Lady in Cement | Arnie Sherwin | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band | Charlie Wrenn | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | Blackbeard's Ghost | Dean Wheaton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | The King's Pirate | Swaine | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | The Gnome-Mobile | Ralph Yarby | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | Lt. Robin Crusoe U.S.N. | Survival Manual Narrator | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | That Darn Cat! | Drive-in-Manager | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Dear Heart | Mr. Cruikshank | Average | Similar → |
| 1964 | The Patsy | Sy Devore | Average | Similar → |
| 1963 | Who's Minding the Store? | Tie Salesman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | The Birds | Mitch's City Neighbor | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Critic's Choice | Harvey Rittenhouse | Average | Similar → |
| 1962 | That Touch of Mink | Mr. Miller | Average | Similar → |
| 1961 | Lover Come Back | Dr. Melnick | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | All in a Night's Work | Fur Salesman (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | North to Alaska | Angus - Hotel Desk Clerk (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | A Summer Place | Pawnbroker (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | -30- | Chapman | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Young Philadelphians | George Archibald | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker | Sheriff | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Last Hurrah | Graves (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | The High Cost of Loving | Obstetrician (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Decision at Sundown | Reverend Zaron | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | My Man Godfrey | Farnsworth | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Designing Woman | Larry Musso (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Spirit of St. Louis | Charles Levine - President, Columbia Aircraft Co. (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Spring Reunion | Sidney (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Solid Gold Cadillac | Williams (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Proud Ones | Barber (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Kettles in the Ozarks | Big Trout | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | Invasion of the Body Snatchers | Emergency Room Doctor | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Invasion of the Body Snatchers | Dr. Harvey Bassett (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Good Morning, Miss Dove | Mr. Spivvy (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | My Sister Eileen | Baker's Receptionist (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Lay That Rifle Down | Glover Speckleton | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | This Island Earth | Spacecraft Pilot | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy | Semu | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | Blackboard Jungle | Mr. Stanley (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Cry Vengeance | Bartender at The Cameo Room | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Désirée | Etienne Clary | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Private Hell 36 | Mr. Mace (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Shield for Murder | The Professor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Them! | Bald Reporter at L.A. News Conference | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Invaders from Mars | MP | Average | Similar → |
Richard Deacon - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Richard Deacon?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Richard Deacon is "The Birds" with a rating of 7.5/10.
How many movies has Richard Deacon acted in?
Richard Deacon has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Richard Deacon?
Other notable films include "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", "The Gossip Columnist", and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers".