Introduction
Not to be confused with the actor Richard Travis (1955- ) whose film credits that begin in the 1980s have been mistakenly merged with the actor previously mentioned.
Richard Travis (1913 – 1989) was an American actor in films and television.
Early years
He was born William Justice in Paragould, Arkansas.
Film
Travis began his Hollywood career in 1930s action films. The high point of his career was a lead role in the 1942 film comedy The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942), playing opposite Bette Davis. He had some other fairly important roles in the early 1940s, but his career soon declined.
In 1947, he starred in the B movie Backlash, which has become something of a cult classic among film noir fans.
Television
Travis was busy in television roles in the early 1950s. He had the lead role of assistant Sheriff Rodger Barnett in the syndicated crime drama Code 3, which aired for thirty-nine episodes in 1957.
Real estate
Travis retired from acting to pursue a prominent career in California real estate under his birth name. He founded the William Justice Company and became an officer on the Beverly Hills Realty Board.
Military service
Travis served in the United States Air Force.
Selected filmography
- Escape from Crime (1942)
- The Postman Didn't Ring (1942)
- The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942) as Bertram H. Jefferson
- The Last Ride (1944)
- Roaring City (1951)
- Official Detective TV series episode 'The Creeper' as Robertson (1957)