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).
Richard Deacon Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Richard Deacon reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Richard Deacon's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 68% of Richard Deacon's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains About Time, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Richard Deacon Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Richard Deacon's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Richard Deacon has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | No Man's Valley | Panda (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Gossip Columnist | Director | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Steve Martin: Comedy Is Not Pretty | King of Cey What | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Piranha | Earl Lyon | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Getting Married | Wedding Director | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Man from Clover Grove | Charlie Strange | Super Hit | 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 → |
| 1965 | That Darn Cat! | Drive-in-Manager | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Dear Heart | Mr. Cruikshank | Hit | 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 → |
| 1962 | That Touch of Mink | Mr. Miller | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | About Time | The Butler | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Lover Come Back | Dr. Melnick | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Everything's Ducky | Dr. Deckham | Hit | 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 | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Last Hurrah | Graves (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | The High Cost of Loving | Obstetrician (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Decision at Sundown | Reverend Zaron | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | My Man Godfrey | Farnsworth | Hit | 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 Power and the Prize | Howard Carruthers | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Solid Gold Cadillac | Williams (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Proud Ones | Barber (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Kettles in the Ozarks | Big Trout | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Invasion of the Body Snatchers | Emergency Room Doctor (uncredited) | 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 | Pilot (uncredited) | 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 → |
Richard Deacon - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Richard Deacon?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Richard Deacon is "About Time" with a rating of 10.0/10.
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 "The Man from Clover Grove", "The Birds", and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers".