Richard Fiske

Thomas Richard Potts (November 20, 1915 – August 10, 1944), known professionally as Richard Fiske, was an American film actor. He appeared in over 80 films between 1938 and 1942.

Richard Fiske
Fiske, circa September 1938
Born
Thomas Richard Potts

(1915-11-20)November 20, 1915
Shelton, Washington, U.S
DiedAugust 10, 1944(1944-08-10) (aged 28)
La Croix-Avranchin, France
Cause of deathKilled in action
Resting placeBrittany American Cemetery and Memorial, Basse-Normandie, France
OccupationActor
Years active1938–1942

Career

Born Thomas Richard Potts, Fiske was born to Frank and Bernice Potts.[1] The tall, handsome young actor signed a contract with Columbia Pictures in 1938, and appeared regularly in the studio's "B" pictures, serials, and short subjects, including major roles in the popular serials The Spider's Web (1938) and Flying G-Men (1939), frequent castings in the Blondie, The Lone Wolf, and Boston Blackie series, and equally frequent work with short-subject comedians Charley Chase, Andy Clyde, and Buster Keaton.

Fiske is best known by modern viewers for his portrayals of neurotic foils to The Three Stooges. Perhaps his most familiar role is that of the irate husband-turned-drill sergeant in 1940's Boobs in Arms. This performance would be recycled three years later in Dizzy Pilots.[2] His last film role was Ginger Rogers' fiancee in the Billy Wilder comedy The Major and the Minor.

Death

Fiske's brief acting career was cut short when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. He was killed in action two years later at La Croix-Avranchin, while serving within the 9th Infantry Regiment (United States) 2nd Infantry Division. 1st Lieutenant Fiske (Potts) was 28 years of age.[2]

Fiske was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, and several other military honors. He is buried at Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial, Basse-Normandie, France.[1][3]

Selected filmography

References
  1. Cappello, Bill (Winter 1992). "Supporting Player Richard Fiske: A Brief Biography". The Three Stooges Journal. Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania: The Three Stooges Fan Club, Inc. (64): 6–7, 14.
  2. Solomon, Jon (2002). The Complete Three Stooges: The Official Filmography and Three Stooges Companion. Comedy III Productions, Inc. p. 192. ISBN 0-9711868-0-4.
  3. Three Stooges FAQ
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