Richard Basehart was an American actor whose career spanned five decades, leaving an indelible mark on theater, film, and television. Known for his intense performances and versatility, Basehart became one of the most respected actors of his generation. His roles in critically acclaimed films like La Strada and Moby Dick showcased his range, while his long-running role as Admiral Harriman Nelson in the sci-fi TV series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea made him a household name. Whether on stage, screen, or television, Basehart brought depth, intelligence, and complexity to his characters, solidifying his place as one of Hollywood’s finest actors.
Born on August 31, 1914, in Zanesville, Ohio, Basehart’s journey to stardom was driven by a love of performance and a natural talent for acting. His career saw him move effortlessly between classic films, Broadway stages, and television series, proving time and again that he was an actor of immense talent and commitment.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Richard Basehart grew up in Zanesville, Ohio, where he developed an early interest in acting. After graduating from high school, Basehart pursued his passion for the stage, joining the Hedgerow Theatre, a renowned repertory theater company in Pennsylvania. There, he honed his skills by performing in various classic and contemporary plays, gaining experience and building his confidence as an actor.
The early stages of Basehart’s career were marked by his dedication to the craft of acting. He quickly gained a reputation for his ability to inhabit a wide variety of roles, bringing intensity and authenticity to every performance. His work at the Hedgerow Theatre set the stage for his eventual move to Broadway, where his talents would soon be recognized by a much larger audience.
Breakthrough on Broadway
Basehart’s big break came in 1945 when he made his Broadway debut in the play The Hasty Heart. His performance as a dying Scottish soldier was widely praised, earning him critical acclaim and the prestigious New York Drama Critics’ Award for Best Actor. This success catapulted him into the spotlight and opened doors for him in Hollywood.
His time on Broadway showcased Basehart’s ability to capture the emotional complexities of his characters, and it wasn’t long before Hollywood took notice of his talents. With his intense screen presence and powerful voice, Basehart was well-suited for film, and he soon made the transition to the silver screen.
Film Career: La Strada, Moby Dick, and More
Richard Basehart’s film career began in earnest in the late 1940s, and he quickly established himself as a leading man in Hollywood. His first major film role came in He Walked by Night (1948), a noir crime drama in which Basehart played the cold and calculating Roy Morgan. The film, based on true events, was a critical success and solidified Basehart’s reputation as a gifted actor capable of delivering nuanced performances.
Basehart’s star continued to rise in the 1950s, and one of his most significant roles came in Federico Fellini’s masterpiece La Strada (1954). Basehart played “Il Matto,” or “The Fool,” a kind-hearted circus performer whose tragic fate becomes a central point in the film. His performance, filled with tenderness and complexity, made him a standout in the international film world. La Strada went on to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and remains one of Fellini’s most beloved works.
In 1956, Basehart starred alongside Gregory Peck in Moby Dick, a film adaptation of Herman Melville’s classic novel. Basehart played Ishmael, the young sailor who narrates the story, while Peck portrayed Captain Ahab. Basehart’s portrayal of Ishmael was both sensitive and introspective, serving as a perfect counterbalance to Peck’s intense portrayal of the monomaniacal Ahab. Moby Dick remains a classic of American cinema, and Basehart’s performance is often cited as one of the film’s highlights.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Basehart appeared in a wide variety of films, ranging from historical epics to war dramas. Some of his notable films from this period include Titanic (1953), in which he played a priest aboard the ill-fated ship, and Decision Before Dawn (1951), a World War II drama in which he played a conflicted German soldier.
Television Stardom: Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea
While Richard Basehart had already established himself as a film star, his career took a significant turn when he transitioned to television in the 1960s. His most iconic television role came in 1964 when he was cast as Admiral Harriman Nelson in the science fiction series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. The show, created by Irwin Allen, followed the crew of the futuristic submarine Seaview as they embarked on various missions to explore the ocean’s depths and battle underwater threats.
Basehart’s portrayal of Admiral Nelson was a central element of the show’s success. As the brilliant and determined leader of the Seaview, Nelson was a character who combined intelligence, authority, and compassion. Basehart’s gravitas and commanding presence made him the perfect choice for the role, and he brought a sense of dignity to the series, even in its more fantastical storylines.
Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea was a major hit, running for four seasons and becoming one of the most popular sci-fi series of the 1960s. The show’s blend of action, adventure, and science fiction resonated with audiences, and Basehart’s performance as Admiral Nelson earned him a new generation of fans. His work on the series remains one of the highlights of his television career.
Later Career and Voice Work
After the success of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Richard Basehart continued to work steadily in television and film throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He appeared in a number of guest roles on popular TV shows, including Columbo, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Hawaii Five-O. His ability to bring depth to his characters, even in smaller roles, made him a sought-after actor for both dramatic and action-oriented series.
In addition to his on-screen work, Basehart also became known for his distinctive voice. His rich, authoritative voice made him a natural choice for narration work, and he provided narration for a number of documentaries and television specials. One of his most notable voice roles was as the narrator of the 1971 TV special The Incredible World of James Bond, which explored the making of the James Bond film series.
Basehart’s voice work added another layer to his already impressive career, allowing him to continue contributing to the entertainment industry even as his on-screen roles became less frequent in his later years.
Personal Life and Legacy
Richard Basehart was married three times during his life. His second wife, Italian actress Valentina Cortese, was a fellow performer with whom he shared a deep connection. The couple had one son, actor Jackie Basehart. Although they later divorced, Basehart and Cortese remained on good terms throughout their lives.
Basehart’s legacy as an actor is one of excellence and versatility. From his early days on the stage to his iconic film roles and television stardom, he consistently delivered powerful performances that resonated with audiences. His ability to move between genres—whether it be film noir, Italian neorealism, or science fiction—demonstrated his range and adaptability as an actor.
On September 17, 1984, Richard Basehart passed away in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 70. Though he is no longer with us, his work continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.