Richard Herd, a prolific actor with a career that spanned over five decades, is best remembered for his role as John, the Supreme Commander of the alien Visitors in the 1980s science fiction miniseries V. Herd’s portrayal of the calm yet menacing alien leader remains one of the most memorable performances from the iconic series. However, V was just one chapter in a long and distinguished career in film, television, and stage. Herd’s versatility and commanding presence made him a go-to actor for a wide variety of roles, from military generals to corporate executives, and even comedic characters.
This article delves into Herd’s early life, his rise in Hollywood, the significance of his role in V, and the legacy he left behind in the world of entertainment.
Early Life and Path to Acting
Richard Herd was born on September 26, 1932, in Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up in a working-class family, and his early years were shaped by the experiences of the Great Depression and World War II. Herd showed an interest in acting from a young age, performing in school plays and community theater. However, his early life was not without struggles. Herd’s father passed away when he was young, which forced him to grow up quickly and take on additional responsibilities for his family.
Despite these challenges, Herd remained determined to pursue a career in acting. After high school, he studied at the Boston Conservatory of Music, where he honed his skills in theater and performance. His early stage work helped him develop the deep, authoritative voice and presence that would become his trademark in later years. Herd’s passion for acting eventually led him to New York, where he began working in theater during the 1950s and 1960s.
Breaking Into Film and Television
Richard Herd’s early career was defined by his work on stage, where he developed a reputation as a reliable and versatile performer. By the late 1960s, he transitioned to television and film, seeking to broaden his career and reach a larger audience. One of his first film roles came in Hercules in New York (1970), starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Though it was a modest beginning, Herd’s talent was evident, and he soon found more substantial work in both television and cinema.
Herd’s breakthrough in film came in 1976 with his role as the stern and bureaucratic Evan McCormack in All the President’s Men. The film, which chronicled the Watergate scandal, was a critical and commercial success, earning numerous awards and solidifying Herd’s reputation as a talented character actor. His portrayal of McCormack, a composite character representing various real-life officials, showcased his ability to bring gravitas and authority to roles that required subtle, nuanced performances.
In the years that followed, Herd continued to land supporting roles in high-profile films, including The China Syndrome(1979), where he played the plant manager in the film’s nuclear power plant setting. The China Syndrome became a landmark film due to its timely themes of corporate malfeasance and environmental disasters, and Herd’s role in the movie contributed to its tense atmosphere.
V: The Role of a Lifetime
While Herd had established himself as a capable and talented actor in both film and television, his role in the 1983 NBC miniseries V brought him to a new level of recognition. V, created by Kenneth Johnson, told the story of an alien race known as the Visitors who come to Earth under the guise of peace, only to reveal their true intentions of conquest and domination. Herd played John, the Supreme Commander of the Visitors, a central figure in the alien hierarchy.
What set Herd’s portrayal apart was the subtle menace he brought to the character. While other characters, such as Diana (played by Jane Badler), were overtly villainous and manipulative, John was calm, composed, and seemingly diplomatic. Herd’s John was the public face of the Visitors, exuding charm and reason, which only made the character more unsettling. His soft-spoken nature hid the brutal reality of the Visitors’ plans, and Herd’s ability to switch between benign leader and malevolent conqueror was a key aspect of the show’s tension.
The original V miniseries was a massive success, blending political allegory with science fiction. The character of John, as portrayed by Herd, became emblematic of authoritarian regimes masquerading as benevolent forces—a theme that resonated deeply with audiences during the Cold War era. Herd reprised his role in V: The Final Battle (1984), where his character faced a dramatic downfall, culminating in one of the show’s most memorable moments.
Herd’s performance in V left a lasting impression on fans of the series and cemented his status as an actor capable of delivering powerful and memorable performances in genre television.
Expanding His Television Career
Following his work on V, Richard Herd continued to build on his successful television career. He became a familiar face on network television throughout the 1980s and 1990s, often cast in authoritative roles such as military generals, politicians, and executives. His gravitas and distinctive voice made him a natural fit for these parts, and he appeared in some of the most popular TV series of the time.
One of Herd’s most notable recurring roles came in T. J. Hooker, the police drama starring William Shatner. Herd played Captain Dennis Sheridan, a role he inhabited for over 40 episodes between 1983 and 1986. His performance as the no-nonsense police captain added weight to the series and contributed to its success during its run.
Herd also made guest appearances in a variety of other hit shows, including Murder, She Wrote, Dallas, Knight Rider, and The A-Team. His ability to bring credibility and seriousness to each of his roles made him a sought-after actor, especially for parts requiring gravitas and experience.
Richard Herd in Star Trek
Another major milestone in Richard Herd’s career came with his work in the Star Trek franchise. In the 1990s, Herd joined the cast of Star Trek: Voyager, where he played Admiral Owen Paris, the father of Tom Paris, a main character on the show. Owen Paris was a high-ranking official in Starfleet, and Herd’s portrayal of the character brought a sense of dignity and authority to the role.
Herd’s work on Star Trek: Voyager endeared him to a new generation of science fiction fans, and he became a popular figure at Star Trek conventions and fan events. His association with both Star Trek and V solidified his place as an icon in the science fiction genre, and he remains a beloved figure among fans of both franchises.
Career in Film
In addition to his extensive television work, Richard Herd continued to appear in feature films throughout his career. One of his most famous later roles came in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987), where he played a small but memorable part as Walt, the executive who gives John Candy’s character a hard time during his desperate travel journey. Herd’s ability to elevate even small roles with his presence and timing was one of his great strengths as an actor.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Herd appeared in a variety of films, including Sgt. Bilko (1996) and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997). Though he often played supporting characters, Herd’s ability to leave a lasting impression in every role he took on was evident throughout his career.
Personal Life and Later Years
In addition to his acting career, Richard Herd was a talented painter and a passionate supporter of the arts. He often exhibited his work in galleries and was known for his landscapes and portraits. His creative interests extended beyond acting, and he took pride in his contributions to the world of visual arts.
Richard Herd was married twice and had two children from his first marriage to Amilda Cuddy. He married actress Patricia Herd in 1980, and the two remained together until his passing. Herd’s longevity in the entertainment industry and his lasting marriage were testaments to his resilience and dedication, both professionally and personally.
In his later years, Herd remained active in television, film, and fan conventions. He continued to make guest appearances on popular shows, including Seinfeld, where he memorably played Mr. Wilhelm, George Costanza’s boss. His comedic timing in Seinfeld was a testament to his versatility, proving he could move from serious drama to comedy with ease.
Richard Herd passed away on May 26, 2020, at the age of 87, leaving behind a rich legacy in film and television.