I watch The Big Valley on DVD and when you see Richard act, it is still difficult to believe he died so long ago. There was a confidence in his acting like no other. He was probably the most convincing actor I have ever seen. It was almost as if he wasn't acting, that's how good he was.
totally agree, the good actors make you believe they are playing the part, the great one's make you believe they are the part. he is still to this day one of the only actors I know who possesses such characteristics. almost as if he wasn't even acting. sure some of his dramatic stuff was a little over emphasized but only because that was how a good actor was suppose to act back then. a good movie is "the girl who came gift wrapped" and I believe it was his last leading role before his death (not counting death ship)
Actors are few and far between that can bring to the screen what Richard Long did. Amazing style and grace. And those eyes!! I can't help but stare! Charm, chrasmia, and strength, he had it all! Thank you for this beautiful tribute to one of Hollywood's greatest!!
You're Uncle Richard left an amazing legacy and still brings happiness to so many people. They say that if you remember someone then they're never truely gone. I hope he knew how loved he was by so many people, and he's still in our hearts.
@@victoriataylor5457 Several years ago someone named Mike Long left a comment that he was Richard's nephew, that Richard was a good man who loved life and loved his work. He's not the only one who ever said that.
I read somewhere that Richard spent his last days drinking alone in bars: a very sad thing for a man who all thought so much of: He deserved so much more out of life; only 47 when he went to Heaven. I wonder if he knew how very many lives he touched with his looks, grace, talent and very personable personality. He was my TV "dad" for sure [as Jarrod Barkley]...love ya, Pa - Scotty (he wrote me as a kid when I sent a fan letter in 1968 & still treasure it]
I think Richard Long was by far one of the best actors! I suffer from the same heart condition he did. The doctors tell me that one of the main reasons I have lived this long, is because I don't smoke. It hurts so much when I see him smoking knowing it is harming him. R.I.P. Richard!
Most 50 minute episodes of The Big Valley were every bit as good or better than full 2 hr theatrical releases in my opinion. The writing and acting was usually top notch.
Yes, hard to beat the team of Levy - Gardner - Laven producers and great writers and directors like Virgil W. Vogel made the Big Valley highly watchable entertainment. Wish the series could have lasted a few years longer. Also hard to believe that Miss Barbara Stanwyck has been gone now over 31 years.
TBV was a good series, but actually I felt that a lot of its episodes were very predictable and somewhat cliche-ridden. Bonanza was a FAR better series and it lasted about three times as long (deservedly so), but even Bonanza declined after Pernell Roberts left and also after producer Dave Dortort left subordinates in charge so that he could concentrate on The High Chaparral.
Richard Long is a very sexy man, those beautiful blue eyes and a killer smile that melts you. I love watching him in everything he did. He was one of those truly great actors, the likes of which we do not see these days. Sadly taken far too soon.
Absolutely right. Commanding on-screen presence (similar to his TV mother Barbara Stanwyck) without having to "work at it." He could have had a decades-long career as well I believe had he not become seriously ill and passed at such an early age.
Was there ever an actor with a more distinctive look? He just seemed to stand out among all of his co-stars in any given movie. I will never forget his performance in the Twilight Zone episode, "Person Or Persons Unknown." Thanks for posting this most touching tribute.
Richard Long was an actor reminiscent of James Mason. The roles he played called for him to settle problems and disputes with his intelligence rather than with his fists or his guns. In "The Big Valley", he was frequently a counterweight to the hot-tempered Nick who often seemed to have the attitude of "shoot first and ask questions later". His thoughtful reasoning, in the person of attorney Jarred Barkley, frequently solved many problems where violence would only have exacerbated them.
Nanny and the Professor was one of my all time favorite shows as a young kid....loved Richard in that.....fun show for it's time........................
Beautiful tribute to a fine actor!!! He had the most beautiful cornflower blue eyes!! I had the honor of meeting Princess Diana in Chicago in 1996 and she and Richard Long have the same color eyes!! Rest in eternal peace, your work and memory lives on!!!
I just recently rewatched the Big Valley series and was reminded how much I loved Richard in that - Jarrod and Nick were both my favorites of the "children". I looked up his credits and forgot he was in Ma and Pa Kettle (which I loved) so I bought the entire series of movies and watched them. He was only in the first four movies but he was great in them.
Richard Long is the very definition of class and elegance, not to mention a very fine actor. Loved him in Big Valley, as well of course Lee Majors. Everyone who worked with Richard loved him and considered him a good friend.
Did'nt I hear recently that one of his sons also died from a heart ailment? I know some times those things run in families. I'll always love and miss Richard. Part of my childhood.
What a gorgeous man he was. With a tremendous voice and piercing steel blue eyes that could melt your heart. Such a wonderful tribute. So sad he's gone. I miss him dearly.
Great tribute. I remember watching Big Valley reruns as a teenager in the late 1970s. At the time, Lee Majors, Linda Evans, Peter Breck and Barbara Stanwyck were often on new shows as guests or stars and I remember asking my mom how come we don't see Richard Long in any other current shows and she said he died in 1974 from a heart attack. Very sad he didn't live longer.
Now that we're into the 50th year since he passed on (how did that happen?), I've been reading some old newspaper articles and interviews with Richard Long. He said that about halfway through Bourbon Street Beat, he was tired of playing Rex Randolph - the character and the episodes weren't getting deep into human feelings. He wasn't happy when Rex got sent over to 77 Sunset Strip - the first time a character was shifted from one show to an already established show. When he left 77SS (heart attack, and his contract ran out) he spent four years not tied to a show or a contract, and he said they were his most rewarding years because he played all kinds of different roles that let him grow as an actor. An interview with him during the third year of The Big Valley showed he had a different attitude - he said he didn't get tired of playing Jarrod Barkley (probably because Jarrod was a character with more depth than Rex had). He liked that the BV episodes showed more humanity, and more human weakness.
I must say that it broke my heart hearing that Richard spent his last days alone drinking in taverns. This man deserved SO much better: i loved my Uncle Jarrod SO much growing up.
I believe it's sad when the soul departs from the earth, however, he will be remembered in our memory. Our Lord Jesus Christ watches over all of us and surely want the best for us. May Richard Long rest in peace!
He was in the classic 1950's horror movie "Cult of the Cobra". In that film 4 soldiers accidentally bring a curse on themselves when they photograph a temple. The curse is beautiful Faith Domergue who follows them to the U. S. and may or may not be a demon who is killing them one by one. The 4 soldiers are Richard Long, David Janssen, Jack Kelly, and Marshall Thompson--and they all went on to star in their own TV series!!
+irish89055 The Wn Shatner episode is in my top five Jarrod Barkley episodes. Richard Long made acting look easy...such a fine, talented man ...and good looking too and gone so soon. Just recently watched all four seasons episode after episode on You Tube. It is like they were produced yesterday instead of 50 years ago.
Long always seemed like a classy guy....and one could drown in those beautiful blue eyes. What a shame we lost him way too early. Just found out that Peter Breck passed away last Feb. One more class act we've lost. This was a very vid....thanks for making it.
He was a great Star I loved him in the Big Valley and Nanny and the professor. Also the Girl who came gift wrapped. He seemed a gentle person may he be in heaven with the one he loves.
Ich liebe ihn seit ich 1988 das erste Mal Big Valley gesehen habe. Ich war 16 und habe mich unsterblich verliebt, diese Liebe besteht bis heute. Er ist einfach .....mir fehlen die Worte... so unbeschreiblich. Ich würde alles geben ihn kennenzulernen und ihm was sagen zu dürfen.... was für ein unglaublich wertvoller und bedeutsamer Mensch er für mich ist.. .. seit über 40 Jahren. Aber wer weiß..... vielleicht klappt es dann später im Himmel!
Doreen Ehrsam -- Ich habe ihn seit den späten 1960ern geliebt, als ich ein kleines Mädchen war. Er hatte definitiv etwas ganz Besonderes an sich. Es ist so traurig, dass er so jung gestorben ist. Es fällt mir schwer zu glauben, dass er jünger war als ich, als er starb. Beste Grüße aus Florida. Ich hoffe diese Übersetzung ist okay.
handsome and very talented,so sad he died young!i hope to see more RL's videos. i love to see clips of his t.v series,and Game shows appearances,every one should see how talented this actor was. thank u so much for sharing.
He was in an episode "Person or Persons Unknown" in the Twilight Zone in 1962. I went to an actors convention in 2002 in Hollywood where many actors there had worked with him or knew him and said he was lucky to have great screen presence and was a natural character actor.
I don't like most celebrities, but Richard Long seemed to be such a sweet person. If I'd been older, I wouldn't have let him die alone, drinking in bars. At worst, I'd have been drinking along with him...
He didn't die alone, drinking in bars. He was hospitalized for a month before he died. His wife said he was in a lot of pain but he didn't want anyone to know how bad off he was. She said he was "the most courageous man I knew."
I am lucky to be old enough to have watched The Big Valley when it first aired in the 60's. One of my fav shows. In the mid 80s I was able to catch reruns of it in a home where I worked. Then, in the mid 90s a friend of mine had cable and I taped several episodes. In the beginning of this century I got cable myself and was delighted to see the Big Valley again. I taped a number of episodes. While I loved all the characters, Jarrod was my fav and Richard was excellent in the role. I don't know how many times I had crushes on him. I bought the Kettle movies just because he was in them. Just recently I watched some of the episodes of the Big Valley I had taped. Just as good as ever. Jarrod wasn't always so level headed. He did have a temper and let it out at times. Some of my fav scenes are when he and Nick and then with Heath drew their guns at the exact same moment.
+Cathie Soli I never watched before in the 1960's, but started just recently watching it on METV. I remember Richard Long from 77 Sunset Strip and Bourbon Street Beat. Never saw the Profession show. He was a very handsome and talented man and it is so sad that he died so young leaving young children and a wife.
ldavis8 I remember 77 Sunset Strip but not Bourbon Street or Nanny and the professor. Just from The Big Valley. Imagine my delight when I watched the Kettle movies to see him in them. I see where The Big Valley is on METV. I will watch if it is an episode I like. I was fortunate enough to get all four seasons on DVD for Christmas. Yes he died too young. What did him in was the cigarettes and alcohol. He had a bad heart. I am sure, even back then, it was known the damage alcohol and cigarettes could do to the body. Maybe he just couldn't/wouldn't stop.
+Cathie Soli As an old retired RN, I think there were many factors that cause his heart problems. I read that he had pneumonia as a child that left his heart weak. Viral pneumonia deteriorates the heart muscle so I am assuming that is what he had as I have seen many cases of that. In today's world, he would had a heart transplant. I read that his son died with the "same" heart condition at the age of 50. So, heredity factors could have played a part of the problem. And, yes alcohol and smoking and cigarettes, were part of the mix too especially with the lack of knowledge in the 1960's-70's of what a danger they play in heart disease. Was not his last movie "Death Cruise" and if so, his last scene ever was dying on the beach?
ldavis8 I am an old retired CNA. Have not seen what you have seen by a long shot. I spent most of my working life in nursing homes and assisted living. I did read somewhere where he had a bad heart. I didn't see that about his son. It's a dirty shame. I do know heredity has a lot to do with a person's health but sheesh why exacerbate it? Reckon he loved to live the high life. Yes Death Cruise was his last work and his last scene was where he died on the beach. It was a good movie. He died the yr I graduated from high school. If I am not mistaken most of those actors and other entertainers smoked like chimney. I remember thinking nothing could touch me when I was young and stupid. Not much was known about the risks of alcohol and smoking. I remember seeing "smoking may be hazardous to your health" on the side of a pack of cigs. Nothing else. We were invincible back then, or so we thought.
Since posting 2 months ago, I found that his death certificate was posted online. The cause of death was Cardiac Arrest related to myocardium infarction with a history of multi MI's. I also read that he had a major cardiac episode in about 1961, when his children were ages 3, 2, and 1 years old. I imagine he was fighting depression knowing that he was going to die young and drinking heavily was a way to self medicate It was a sad situation.
I just bought "The Girl Who Came Gift-Wrapped" w/ Richard. One of my favorite movies from the 1974. I was about 14 when he died and I cried for an hour. Thank you for remembering Richard w/ me. If there was such a thing as going back in time, I know who I would want to meet!
Thanks for viewing my humble tribute to the great Richard Long....and thanks for your comment...very sad that Richard Long died of a heart attack in Dec 1974, and he was only 47 years old at the time. His oldest son, Carey Long has also recently passed away in Sept 2008...died very young also..I believe he was around 50 years old.....
Very nice, I always appreciated the rapport Richard and Peter Breck had on the BV. Some scenes showed them doing the same thing in sycronicity...one in particualr a scene where they both had a gun in their hands and held it up the same way ...little touches llike that.... Gorgeous eyes and just a gifted actor... Loved him in Nanny /Professor as well...
Finally released in Germany. Now I can make a comment. You know, this video is my absolute favorite. I love it sooooooooo much! ♚♚♚KING RICHARD FOREVER♚♚♚
He was the best actor that’s too bad what happened to him. When I started to research what happened to him it was very sad. It seems like a lot of actors that hang out with like Rock Hudson died early.
They didn't really hang out. They were the contract players that Universal kept when they merged with International, so they had to do photoshoots together.
gracias por hacer este tributo. richard long un gran actor. tan expresivo y sereno y dulce, una pena haberlo perdido, te escribo y no puedo contener las lagrimas. un saludo para ti. laura.
This man is one of my favorite actors of all-time. A fellow saggie, he is likened to being my spirit guide in that his disposition was so wise and gentle and when i was a kid, "Uncle Jarrod" was FAR more real to me than my real-life one!
Kirk Barkley I see where some people really think he's your uncle, I know you just refer to him as that, I've read all your comments, & if he had been your uncle, you wouldn't have said, quote, you read where he drank alone in bars, if you were his nephew ,I hardly think you would have to read about it. I know what your saying, but some sure dont.
Looks of a romantic lead, range of a character actor. He could and did do both and to think, he never wanted to be an actor - he just wanted to get out of high school without taking English comp (so he took an acting class instead).
First heard of Richard Long in one season he did in the hit series 77 Sunset Strip. Good TV back in the years 1950s. This was long before TV came to Eire in 1962 with R.T.E.
the other Twlight Zone you are referring to was called, "Persons or Persons Unknown".....and Richard was wonderful in that role...one of my favorite Twlight Zone shows.....
Jonrose: years ago i did eulogies for celebrities on a web site. A time passer. The only time i cried my eyes out was telling "Uncle Jarrod" what a profound effect he had on me: everything a man should be honest, brave, handsome, giving, wise and gentle - with that sly-eyed sense of humor, yet: RIP Richard; you are so well-loved!
@JONROSE44 I loved that show too, and kept hoping it was coming back and when Long died, all I could think was, if they had kept the show on, he couldn't die. Okay i was a bit upset with him for going too soon.
He was a city slicker in real life and did not feel comfortable around horses. In The Big Valley, when he traveled he was usually seen riding in a cart pulled by a horse as opposed to actually riding a horse.
The buggy was Jarrod's persona, not Richard's (it's hard for a lawyer to carry a briefcase on horseback). Richard didn't like horses - he thought they were big and stupid - but he learned to ride and rode often in film and on TV. And was thrown and broke his arm filming Tap Roots, so it kind of figures he didn't like them.
What Twilight Zone Ep was Richard Long on (the one where he played a doctor and numerous other parts) in a society where everyone had to have surgery to look PERFECT?
I'm a huge Big Valley fan. I love this video tribute to the very fine actor, Richard Long. I am curious though -- where did you get this music? It sounds very much like the music from the movie "Unbreakable" with Bruce Willis. Am I wrong? Anyway, great video. Thanks for sharing!
Lovely tribute. Such a crush I had on Jarrod Barkley! Can't think of anyone who can touch Richard Long for looks, style and ease in front of the camera. Did I see a photo from "All I Desire" in there?
@Indigotip I saw the show Twilight Zone several times, where he visited his home and went back in time. It was Gig Young, not Richard Long. Richard was great in Big Valley and before that, was in Bourbon St. Beat with Andrew Duggan.
Thomas Newman's Soundtrack "Meet Joe Black" -Someone Else/Served It's Purpose/Whisper of a Thrill. If you like this you'll like theme from "Horse Whisperer" & "Shawshank Redemption" etc. Thomas Newman is THE BEST.
@rocket0561 You REALLY were Richard's nephew? I'll be he was wonderful man. Something very special about him. I was sad to hear how lonely he was in his last days: he deserved so much happiness in return for what he gave to the likes of this humble fan of his. In a way, he was my "uncle" too: in my heart!
Lots of Longs running around to this day. RL's niece, Janet Thompson, died in 2020. Her funeral was a zoom funeral, lots of Longs in zoom attendance including RL's daughter Valerie. It's here on RUclips.
She had osteogenicsarcoma, and at that time, the only course of action was to amputate the and hope that the cancer did not spread to the lungs. In Miss Ball's case, unfortunately, it did.
I watch The Big Valley on DVD and when you see Richard act, it is still difficult to believe he died so long ago. There was a confidence in his acting like no other. He was probably the most convincing actor I have ever seen. It was almost as if he wasn't acting, that's how good he was.
Thank you, John, for expressing what I have felt for Richard Long since his Big Valley days. What a talent he was, indeed.
totally agree, the good actors make you believe they are playing the part, the great one's make you believe they are the part. he is still to this day one of the only actors I know who possesses such characteristics. almost as if he wasn't even acting. sure some of his dramatic stuff was a little over emphasized but only because that was how a good actor was suppose to act back then. a good movie is "the girl who came gift wrapped" and I believe it was his last leading role before his death (not counting death ship)
John McGowan
I agree. He was at his best in The Big Valley.
You are so right! His acting was very understated and subtle and that's what made him so talented.
Absolutely true. He was a marvelous actor and way underrated.
Actors are few and far between that can bring to the screen what Richard Long did. Amazing style and grace. And those eyes!! I can't help but stare! Charm, chrasmia, and strength, he had it all! Thank you for this beautiful tribute to one of Hollywood's greatest!!
I always thought he was such a handsome man. With class.
You're Uncle Richard left an amazing legacy and still brings happiness to so many people. They say that if you remember someone then they're never truely gone. I hope he knew how loved he was by so many people, and he's still in our hearts.
bigvalleylover2 who is Richards nephew?
@@victoriataylor5457 Several years ago someone named Mike Long left a comment that he was Richard's nephew, that Richard was a good man who loved life and loved his work. He's not the only one who ever said that.
I read somewhere that Richard spent his last days drinking alone in bars: a very sad thing for a man who all thought so much of: He deserved so much more out of life; only 47 when he went to Heaven. I wonder if he knew how very many lives he touched with his looks, grace, talent and very personable personality. He was my TV "dad" for sure [as Jarrod Barkley]...love ya, Pa - Scotty (he wrote me as a kid when I sent a fan letter in 1968 & still treasure it]
He spent the last month of his life in the hospital, in bed from heart failure.
Truly one of the best actors. And one of the best looking! RIP MR. Long
He was a great STAR and I loved him in the Big Valley and Nanny and the Professor. May He be In Heaven.
I think Richard Long was by far one of the best actors! I suffer from the same heart condition he did. The doctors tell me that one of the main reasons I have lived this long, is because I don't smoke. It hurts so much when I see him smoking knowing it is harming him. R.I.P. Richard!
It seems like an entire couple of generations of men and women had their lives substantially shortened due to tobacco use.
Thank you for putting this together. Richard Long was not only classy, but was one of the most beautiful actors to ever step in front of a camera.
Most 50 minute episodes of The Big Valley were every bit as good or better than full 2 hr theatrical releases in my opinion. The writing and acting was usually top notch.
Yes, hard to beat the team of Levy - Gardner - Laven producers and great writers and directors like Virgil W. Vogel made the Big Valley highly watchable entertainment. Wish the series could have lasted a few years longer. Also hard to believe that Miss Barbara Stanwyck has been gone now over 31 years.
Yes it is tragic he died so young at 47. Also, his wife died of cancer very young.
TBV was a good series, but actually I felt that a lot of its episodes were very predictable and somewhat cliche-ridden. Bonanza was a FAR better series and it lasted about three times as long (deservedly so), but even Bonanza declined after Pernell Roberts left and also after producer Dave Dortort left subordinates in charge so that he could concentrate on The High Chaparral.
Richard Long is a very sexy man, those beautiful blue eyes and a killer smile that melts you. I love watching him in everything he did. He was one of those truly great actors, the likes of which we do not see these days. Sadly taken far too soon.
Absolutely right. Commanding on-screen presence (similar to his TV mother Barbara Stanwyck) without having to "work at it." He could have had a decades-long career as well I believe had he not become seriously ill and passed at such an early age.
@@dongoosman807 As it was, his career lasted nearly 30 years because he started so young, playing young adult roles fresh out of high school.
Was there ever an actor with a more distinctive look? He just seemed to stand out among all of his co-stars in any given movie. I will never forget his performance in the Twilight Zone episode, "Person Or Persons Unknown." Thanks for posting this most touching tribute.
Richard Long was an actor reminiscent of James Mason. The roles he played called for him to settle problems and disputes with his intelligence rather than with his fists or his guns.
In "The Big Valley", he was frequently a counterweight to the hot-tempered Nick who often seemed to have the attitude of "shoot first and ask questions later". His thoughtful reasoning, in the person of attorney Jarred Barkley, frequently solved many problems where violence would only have exacerbated them.
Nanny and the Professor was one of my all time favorite shows as a young kid....loved Richard in that.....fun show for it's time........................
Nice music for handsome ☀jarrod barckly or Richard long The big valley" my favorite my favorite actors 💔🌹🐎😭:)
Beautiful tribute to a fine actor!!! He had the most beautiful cornflower blue eyes!! I had the honor of meeting Princess Diana in Chicago in 1996 and she and Richard Long have the same color eyes!! Rest in eternal peace, your work and memory lives on!!!
Thank you and what a lovely comment.....
Great tribute to a true genuine character actor. He is truly missed. Thanks for taking the time to make this.
First watched him as the eldest son on 'Ma And Pa Kettle' tv series. Then every episode of 'Big Valley'. RIP
I just recently rewatched the Big Valley series and was reminded how much I loved Richard in that - Jarrod and Nick were both my favorites of the "children". I looked up his credits and forgot he was in Ma and Pa Kettle (which I loved) so I bought the entire series of movies and watched them. He was only in the first four movies but he was great in them.
@@mortimerbrewster3671he got drafted into the Korean War, but he was ready to move on from Ma and Pa anyway.
Simply beautiful. Well done brother Richard. And thank you JONROSESS
Fine actor, and from all accounts, an even better man. Still missed.
Gone to soon. Hansome and extremely talented. We will always remember you.
Richard Long is the very definition of class and elegance, not to mention a very fine actor. Loved him in Big Valley, as well of course Lee Majors. Everyone who worked with Richard loved him and considered him a good friend.
What a beautiful tribute to a truly wonderful and charismatic man. He will be loved always.
Thank you for this video. I truly admired this handsome, gifted, and charismatic actor. He left us way too soon. RIP, Richard Long.
I enjoyed watching Richard Long he was my favorite one on the Barkley Ranch . I grew watching this TV show , now me and my grandson watched together.
This tribute is wonderfull. Great pictures and most of all, the music. It makes that you can dream away with all these pictures. I am floating........
Did'nt I hear recently that one of his sons also died from a heart ailment? I know some times those things run in families.
I'll always love and miss Richard. Part of my childhood.
Thanks! Yes, he is missed and left this world way too young. We don't see his debonair style in todays actors.
What a gorgeous man he was. With a tremendous voice and piercing steel blue eyes that could melt your heart. Such a wonderful tribute. So sad he's gone. I miss him dearly.
Yeah, his eyes were bluer than Paul Newman’s!!
Great tribute. I remember watching Big Valley reruns as a teenager in the late 1970s. At the time, Lee Majors, Linda Evans, Peter Breck and Barbara Stanwyck were often on new shows as guests or stars and I remember asking my mom how come we don't see Richard Long in any other current shows and she said he died in 1974 from a heart attack. Very sad he didn't live longer.
Many actors have certain attributes that have them stand out; but Richard Long had them all covered with ease, you are missed.
So Richard would be 88 years old in 2015?I saw "The Big Valley" many times, when the films "had" a message of struggle, honor and Family, and Love!
Now that we're into the 50th year since he passed on (how did that happen?), I've been reading some old newspaper articles and interviews with Richard Long. He said that about halfway through Bourbon Street Beat, he was tired of playing Rex Randolph - the character and the episodes weren't getting deep into human feelings. He wasn't happy when Rex got sent over to 77 Sunset Strip - the first time a character was shifted from one show to an already established show. When he left 77SS (heart attack, and his contract ran out) he spent four years not tied to a show or a contract, and he said they were his most rewarding years because he played all kinds of different roles that let him grow as an actor. An interview with him during the third year of The Big Valley showed he had a different attitude - he said he didn't get tired of playing Jarrod Barkley (probably because Jarrod was a character with more depth than Rex had). He liked that the BV episodes showed more humanity, and more human weakness.
He did. He suffered from heart problems for his entire adult life, stemming from a childhood illness.
i am fourteen and i love this guy! i watch big valley all the time!
here was a actor that was brilliant in everything he appeared on-a most handsome leading man--just went to soon!!--thx for this great tribute
I must say that it broke my heart hearing that Richard spent his last days alone drinking in taverns. This man deserved SO much better: i loved my Uncle Jarrod SO much growing up.
I don't think he spent his last days that way. He was in the hospital for a month before he died. His heart just gave out.
I believe it's sad when the soul departs from the earth, however, he will be remembered in our memory. Our Lord Jesus Christ watches over all of us and surely want the best for us. May Richard Long rest in peace!
Yes! Hauntingly beautiful. Very appropriate for Mr. Long.
So beautiful
Of all the words of tongue or pen,
No sadder are these: What might have been!
He was in the classic 1950's horror movie "Cult of the Cobra". In that film 4 soldiers accidentally bring a curse on themselves when they photograph a temple. The curse is beautiful Faith Domergue who follows them to the U. S. and may or may not be a demon who is killing them one by one. The 4 soldiers are Richard Long, David Janssen, Jack Kelly, and Marshall Thompson--and they all went on to star in their own TV series!!
Thank You...Richard was one of the BEST.....long may he be remembered.
I'm watching an episode of "The Big Valley" now with William Shatner......gone too soon RIP
+irish89055 The Wn Shatner episode is in my top five Jarrod Barkley episodes. Richard Long made acting look easy...such a fine, talented man ...and good looking too and gone so soon. Just recently watched all four seasons episode after episode on You Tube. It is like they were produced yesterday instead of 50 years ago.
Simply wonderful.
Thanks.
In Big Valley, he used to say, to allow you off the hook from getting a beat down, "I'll pretend I didn't hear that".
Dreamy baby blue eyes
Long always seemed like a classy guy....and one could drown in those beautiful blue eyes. What a shame we lost him way too early.
Just found out that Peter Breck passed away last Feb. One more class act we've lost.
This was a very vid....thanks for making it.
He was a great Star I loved him in the Big Valley and Nanny and the professor. Also the Girl who came gift wrapped. He seemed a gentle person may he be in heaven with the one he loves.
Ich liebe ihn seit ich 1988 das erste Mal Big Valley gesehen habe. Ich war 16 und habe mich unsterblich verliebt, diese Liebe besteht bis heute. Er ist einfach .....mir fehlen die Worte... so unbeschreiblich. Ich würde alles geben ihn kennenzulernen und ihm was sagen zu dürfen.... was für ein unglaublich wertvoller und bedeutsamer Mensch er für mich ist.. .. seit über 40 Jahren.
Aber wer weiß..... vielleicht klappt es dann später im Himmel!
Seit über 30 Jahren nicht 40. Bin ja erst 49..😅
Doreen Ehrsam -- Ich habe ihn seit den späten 1960ern geliebt, als ich ein kleines Mädchen war. Er hatte definitiv etwas ganz Besonderes an sich. Es ist so traurig, dass er so jung gestorben ist. Es fällt mir schwer zu glauben, dass er jünger war als ich, als er starb. Beste Grüße aus Florida. Ich hoffe diese Übersetzung ist okay.
handsome and very talented,so sad he died young!i hope to see more RL's videos.
i love to see clips of his t.v series,and Game shows appearances,every one should see how talented this actor was.
thank u so much for sharing.
RIP Richard, Wish he had a bigger role in Criss Cross.
He was in an episode "Person or Persons Unknown" in the Twilight Zone in 1962. I went to an actors convention in 2002 in Hollywood where many actors there had worked with him or knew him and said he was lucky to have great screen presence and was a natural character actor.
I don't like most celebrities, but Richard Long seemed to be such a sweet person. If I'd been older, I wouldn't have let him die alone, drinking in bars. At worst, I'd have been drinking along with him...
rob9641 - Interesting, thanks for that info... 👍
He didn't die alone, drinking in bars. He was hospitalized for a month before he died. His wife said he was in a lot of pain but he didn't want anyone to know how bad off he was. She said he was "the most courageous man I knew."
I am lucky to be old enough to have watched The Big Valley when it first aired in the 60's. One of my fav shows. In the mid 80s I was able to catch reruns of it in a home where I worked. Then, in the mid 90s a friend of mine had cable and I taped several episodes. In the beginning of this century I got cable myself and was delighted to see the Big Valley again. I taped a number of episodes. While I loved all the characters, Jarrod was my fav and Richard was excellent in the role. I don't know how many times I had crushes on him. I bought the Kettle movies just because he was in them. Just recently I watched some of the episodes of the Big Valley I had taped. Just as good as ever. Jarrod wasn't always so level headed. He did have a temper and let it out at times. Some of my fav scenes are when he and Nick and then with Heath drew their guns at the exact same moment.
+Cathie Soli I never watched before in the 1960's, but started just recently watching it on METV. I remember Richard Long from 77 Sunset Strip and Bourbon Street Beat. Never saw the Profession show. He was a very handsome and talented man and it is so sad that he died so young leaving young children and a wife.
ldavis8 I remember 77 Sunset Strip but not Bourbon Street or Nanny and the professor. Just from The Big Valley. Imagine my delight when I watched the Kettle movies to see him in them. I see where The Big Valley is on METV. I will watch if it is an episode I like. I was fortunate enough to get all four seasons on DVD for Christmas. Yes he died too young. What did him in was the cigarettes and alcohol. He had a bad heart. I am sure, even back then, it was known the damage alcohol and cigarettes could do to the body. Maybe he just couldn't/wouldn't stop.
+Cathie Soli As an old retired RN, I think there were many factors that cause his heart problems. I read that he had pneumonia as a child that left his heart weak. Viral pneumonia deteriorates the heart muscle so I am assuming that is what he had as I have seen many cases of that. In today's world, he would had a heart transplant. I read that his son died with the "same" heart condition at the age of 50. So, heredity factors could have played a part of the problem. And, yes alcohol and smoking and cigarettes, were part of the mix too especially with the lack of knowledge in the 1960's-70's of what a danger they play in heart disease. Was not his last movie "Death Cruise" and if so, his last scene ever was dying on the beach?
ldavis8 I am an old retired CNA. Have not seen what you have seen by a long shot. I spent most of my working life in nursing homes and assisted living. I did read somewhere where he had a bad heart. I didn't see that about his son. It's a dirty shame. I do know heredity has a lot to do with a person's health but sheesh why exacerbate it? Reckon he loved to live the high life. Yes Death Cruise was his last work and his last scene was where he died on the beach. It was a good movie. He died the yr I graduated from high school. If I am not mistaken most of those actors and other entertainers smoked like chimney. I remember thinking nothing could touch me when I was young and stupid. Not much was known about the risks of alcohol and smoking. I remember seeing "smoking may be hazardous to your health" on the side of a pack of cigs. Nothing else. We were invincible back then, or so we thought.
Since posting 2 months ago, I found that his death certificate was posted online. The cause of death was Cardiac Arrest related to myocardium infarction with a history of multi MI's. I also read that he had a major cardiac episode in about 1961, when his children were ages 3, 2, and 1 years old. I imagine he was fighting depression knowing that he was going to die young and drinking heavily was a way to self medicate It was a sad situation.
I just bought "The Girl Who Came Gift-Wrapped" w/ Richard. One of my favorite movies from the 1974. I was about 14 when he died and I cried for an hour. Thank you for remembering Richard w/ me. If there was such a thing as going back in time, I know who I would want to meet!
Thank you for your comments....indeed he was charismatic and had his own unique presence on the screen.
I thought he passed away from a heart defect. I also loved him in Nanny and the Professor. Great actor, lost too soon.
Thanks for viewing my humble tribute to the great Richard Long....and thanks for your comment...very sad that Richard Long died of a heart attack in Dec 1974, and he was only 47 years old at the time. His oldest son, Carey Long has also recently passed away in Sept 2008...died very young also..I believe he was around 50 years old.....
Very nice, I always appreciated the rapport Richard and Peter Breck had on the BV. Some scenes showed them doing the same thing in sycronicity...one in particualr a scene where they both had a gun in their hands and held it up the same way ...little touches llike that.... Gorgeous eyes and just a gifted actor... Loved him in Nanny /Professor as well...
Wonderful man, lovely tribute.
he had piercing blue eyes....very memorable.........
It's called "Whisper of a Thrill" from the movie, "Meet Joe Black"..and isn't it wonderful?.....
Finally released in Germany. Now I can make a comment. You know, this video is my absolute favorite. I love it sooooooooo much! ♚♚♚KING RICHARD FOREVER♚♚♚
He was the best actor that’s too bad what happened to him. When I started to research what happened to him it was very sad. It seems like a lot of actors that hang out with like Rock Hudson died early.
They didn't really hang out. They were the contract players that Universal kept when they merged with International, so they had to do photoshoots together.
sus ojos azules tan claros como su alma, hacen que una se estremesca de emocion. hasta siempre, richard. laura.
gracias por hacer este tributo. richard long un gran actor. tan expresivo y sereno y dulce, una pena haberlo perdido, te escribo y no puedo contener las lagrimas. un saludo para ti. laura.
@megbeggarsky It's called "Whisper of a Thrill" from the movie, "Meet Joe Black"..and isn't it wonderful?.....
This man is one of my favorite actors of all-time. A fellow saggie, he is likened to being my spirit guide in that his disposition was so wise and gentle and when i was a kid, "Uncle Jarrod" was FAR more real to me than my real-life one!
Kirk Barkley I see where some people really think he's your uncle, I know you just refer to him as that, I've read all your comments, & if he had been your uncle, you wouldn't have said, quote, you read where he drank alone in bars, if you were his nephew ,I hardly think you would have to read about it. I know what your saying, but some sure dont.
very nice video thank you
Looks of a romantic lead, range of a character actor. He could and did do both and to think, he never wanted to be an actor - he just wanted to get out of high school without taking English comp (so he took an acting class instead).
Thank You for your comment mbseifi, I love your videos as well, some of the best and some of my favorites on the great Richard Long.
Sad, indeed.
He had been married twice --first to Suzan Ball, who died of bone cancer (and was buried in her wedding gown), then to Mara Corday.
Yes, it was the one with Barbara Stanwyck standing beside him.
@rocket0561 Your uncle left an endearing legacy. You are blessed to be his nephew.
Pop quiz--Richard Long's first wife was related to a comedy legend----the pride of New York State's Chautauqua County. Okay, who is she?
Juliaflo LUCILLE BALL THANK YOU GREAT QUESTION HOPE I'M RIGHT. SORRY U WAITED TEN YRS FOR AN ANSWER!
First heard of Richard Long in one season he did in the hit series 77 Sunset Strip.
Good TV back in the years 1950s. This was long before TV came to Eire in 1962 with R.T.E.
Richard Long would not be long for this world (1927 - 1974).
the other Twlight Zone you are referring to was called, "Persons or Persons Unknown".....and Richard was wonderful in that role...one of my favorite Twlight Zone shows.....
Jonrose: years ago i did eulogies for celebrities on a web site. A time passer. The only time i cried my eyes out was telling "Uncle Jarrod" what a profound effect he had on me: everything a man should be honest, brave, handsome, giving, wise and gentle - with that sly-eyed sense of humor, yet: RIP Richard; you are so well-loved!
@JONROSE44 I loved that show too, and kept hoping it was coming back and when Long died, all I could think was, if they had kept the show on, he couldn't die. Okay i was a bit upset with him for going too soon.
He was a city slicker in real life and did not feel comfortable around horses. In The Big Valley, when he traveled he was usually seen riding in a cart pulled by a horse as opposed to actually riding a horse.
The buggy was Jarrod's persona, not Richard's (it's hard for a lawyer to carry a briefcase on horseback). Richard didn't like horses - he thought they were big and stupid - but he learned to ride and rode often in film and on TV. And was thrown and broke his arm filming Tap Roots, so it kind of figures he didn't like them.
I have some dvd's of "Ma and Pa Kettle and Richard Long starred as their son-in-law in one picture.
He played their son, Tom, in several of the pictures (as well as The Egg and I) but had to give it up when he was drafted into the Korean War.
What Twilight Zone Ep was Richard Long on (the one where he played a doctor and numerous other parts) in a society where everyone had to have surgery to look PERFECT?
I think the name of the episode is Number 14 Looks Just Like You. Something like that. He was excellent in it.
he was also in a classic william castle film
house on haunted hill with the great vincent price
I'm a huge Big Valley fan. I love this video tribute to the very fine actor, Richard Long. I am curious though -- where did you get this music? It sounds very much like the music from the movie "Unbreakable" with Bruce Willis. Am I wrong?
Anyway, great video. Thanks for sharing!
Lovely tribute. Such a crush I had on Jarrod Barkley! Can't think of anyone who can touch Richard Long for looks, style and ease in front of the camera. Did I see a photo from "All I Desire" in there?
@Indigotip I saw the show Twilight Zone several times, where he visited his home and went back in time. It was Gig Young, not Richard Long. Richard was great in Big Valley and before that, was in Bourbon St. Beat with Andrew Duggan.
He was also good in Beacon street Beat(which I've just watched for the first time)and in The house on Haunted Hill...
Great video. Beautiful talented man. What is the name of this music??
"Whisper of a Thrill" from the movie, "Meet Joe Black".
jonrose44, what is that beautifully haunting melody you used for the tribute to Richard Long?
@gabbydeb if you go on hulu.com you can see some episodes of Nanny and the Professor
WHY do some Stars go to Heaven..so soon ..at 40-50?They just left their works and accomplish their missions......!!!!
What is this piece of music ?
Thomas Newman's Soundtrack "Meet Joe Black" -Someone Else/Served It's Purpose/Whisper of a Thrill. If you like this you'll like theme from "Horse Whisperer" & "Shawshank Redemption" etc. Thomas Newman is THE BEST.
My god, the song is hauntingly beautiful...
You forgot the Nanny and the Professor.
:0 /
@scotnick59 what a beautiful comment......
@rocket0561 You REALLY were Richard's nephew?
I'll be he was wonderful man. Something very special about him. I was sad to hear how lonely he was in his last days: he deserved so much happiness in return for what he gave to the likes of this humble fan of his. In a way, he was my "uncle" too: in my heart!
Lots of Longs running around to this day. RL's niece, Janet Thompson, died in 2020. Her funeral was a zoom funeral, lots of Longs in zoom attendance including RL's daughter Valerie. It's here on RUclips.
I wonder if he ever recovered from losing Suzan? I suspect not. I know I couldn't have...
She had osteogenicsarcoma, and at that time, the only course of action was to amputate the and hope that the cancer did not spread to the lungs. In Miss Ball's case, unfortunately, it did.