Richard Anderson, born August 8, 1926, in Long Branch, New Jersey, was a prolific American actor whose career spanned over six decades. Best known for his portrayal of Oscar Goldman on the iconic series The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman, Anderson became a fixture on television screens throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. In addition to his role in these sci-fi classics, Anderson played significant roles in a variety of television shows and films, including his memorable appearance on Cover Up. With his smooth demeanor, commanding presence, and versatile acting ability, Anderson became known as one of Hollywood’s most reliable and respected character actors.
Early Life and the Beginning of an Acting Career
Richard Norman Anderson was born into a middle-class family in New Jersey. His father, Harry Anderson, was a high school art teacher, and his mother, Olga, was a homemaker. When Anderson was 10 years old, the family moved to Los Angeles, California, where the young Anderson developed an interest in acting and film, inspired by the golden age of Hollywood.
After graduating from University High School in Los Angeles, Anderson served in the United States Army during World War II. Upon returning to civilian life, he took acting classes at the Actors Laboratory Theatre, a prestigious acting school in Hollywood at the time. His studies and natural talent quickly opened the door to film and television roles, and Anderson soon embarked on a professional acting career.
Breaking Into Film
Richard Anderson’s film career began in the late 1940s, when he signed a contract with MGM, one of the biggest studios of the era. During the 1950s, Anderson appeared in a variety of roles, often cast in military dramas and Westerns, thanks to his commanding screen presence and all-American good looks.
He made his film debut in 1947 with a small part in The Farmer’s Daughter. Anderson soon found himself working alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. He had roles in notable films such as Forbidden Planet (1956), the groundbreaking science-fiction film, Paths of Glory (1957), directed by Stanley Kubrick, and The Long, Hot Summer(1958) with Paul Newman.
Though Anderson never quite reached leading-man status in films, his work in supporting roles helped him build a solid foundation for what would become a long and varied career. His ability to bring depth to minor roles made him a favorite among directors and producers, and his smooth, authoritative voice and sophisticated manner made him perfect for roles that required a certain gravitas.
The Transition to Television
As the 1960s ushered in a golden era for television, Richard Anderson seamlessly transitioned from film to the small screen, where he became a familiar face in numerous series. He appeared in a wide range of genres, from Westerns and dramas to sci-fi and detective shows.
One of Anderson’s earliest notable television appearances came in Perry Mason, where he portrayed various characters over several episodes of the popular legal drama. He also made frequent guest appearances on hit shows like The Rifleman, The Fugitive, Bonanza, and Rawhide. Anderson’s adaptability as an actor allowed him to shift from playing villains to authority figures, always bringing a quiet confidence to his roles.
It was during this time that Anderson established himself as a versatile and reliable actor who could work across genres, earning a reputation for professionalism and consistency. His ability to blend into any role without overshadowing the leads made him an invaluable part of many television casts.
The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman
Richard Anderson’s career-defining role came in the 1970s when he was cast as Oscar Goldman, the head of a secret government agency in the science fiction series The Six Million Dollar Man. The series, which premiered in 1974, followed Steve Austin (Lee Majors), a former astronaut who is rebuilt with bionic parts after a near-fatal accident, giving him superhuman abilities.
As Oscar Goldman, Anderson played the government official overseeing Austin’s missions and serving as his boss and confidante. The role allowed Anderson to combine his natural authoritative demeanor with a more compassionate, paternal aspect, as Goldman became one of Austin’s closest allies.
The Six Million Dollar Man was a massive hit, and Anderson’s portrayal of Oscar Goldman became iconic in its own right. His character was so popular that when The Bionic Woman, a spinoff starring Lindsay Wagner, was launched in 1976, Anderson reprised his role, becoming one of the few actors to appear regularly on two separate hit series simultaneously.
The role of Oscar Goldman became Anderson’s signature part, and his portrayal of the character was admired for its balance of strength, intelligence, and warmth. His work on both The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman helped cement Anderson’s status as a beloved figure in the world of television, and his portrayal of a government leader overseeing cutting-edge technology and high-stakes missions remains one of the most recognizable characters of the 1970s.
Cover Up and Later Television Work
In the 1980s, Richard Anderson continued to work steadily in television, including his prominent role on the CBS action-adventure series Cover Up, which aired in 1984. Anderson played Henry Towler, the secretive government handler for the show’s lead characters, Dani Reynolds (Jennifer O’Neill) and Mac Harper (Jon-Erik Hexum). Cover Up followed the duo as they traveled the world under the guise of international photo shoots, solving cases and carrying out covert missions.
Following the tragic death of Jon-Erik Hexum during the filming of Cover Up, Anderson played a crucial role in the show’s attempt to move forward. His character, Towler, provided a steadying presence in the action-packed drama, helping to maintain the tone of espionage and intrigue that defined the series.
Even though Cover Up only lasted one season, Anderson’s involvement helped ground the show during a difficult time, and his performance as a government official managing clandestine missions echoed his earlier work on The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman. His ability to convey authority and compassion in these types of roles remained a hallmark of his career.
In the later years of his career, Anderson continued to make guest appearances on popular television shows such as Dynasty, Murder, She Wrote, and The Love Boat. His familiarity to audiences from decades of work made him a welcome presence in these guest-starring roles.
Personal Life and Legacy
Richard Anderson’s personal life was marked by a reputation for being humble, professional, and dedicated to his craft. He was married twice—first to Carol Lee Ladd, the daughter of actor Alan Ladd, and later to Katharine Thalberg, the daughter of actress Norma Shearer and producer Irving Thalberg. Anderson had three daughters, and throughout his life, he remained deeply connected to his family.
Beyond acting, Anderson was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly his work with organizations supporting cancer research and veterans’ causes. His commitment to giving back to the community reflected his character off-screen as a generous and compassionate individual.
Richard Anderson passed away on August 31, 2017, at the age of 91. His legacy as one of television’s most enduring character actors remains intact, with his roles in The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, and Cover Up among his most cherished performances.
Lasting Influence on Television
Richard Anderson’s contribution to television, particularly in the science fiction and action-adventure genres, left an indelible mark on the medium. His portrayal of Oscar Goldman in The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman remains a defining role, emblematic of a time when network television was filled with futuristic tales of espionage and heroism.
Anderson’s versatility and professionalism made him a beloved figure in Hollywood, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans of classic television. His ability to bring depth and sincerity to roles that might otherwise have been one-dimensional speaks to his skill as an actor, and his presence on screen made any project he worked on stronger.