The first choice JAWS director who mistook shark for whale

Dick Richards is a celebrated figure in the realms of film direction, photography, and TV commercials, boasting an impressive collection of over 50 major industry accolades. Among his numerous honors are the prestigious Golden Globe, Clio, Gold Medal, Cannes Lion for the best worldwide commercial, as well as numerous New York Art Directors Awards. Additionally, he clinched an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.

Richards emerged onto the scene during the advertising revolution of the 1960s, garnering global recognition as a photographer with a penchant for capturing the essence of real people and American themes, reminiscent of his idol, Norman Rockwell. His photographic masterpieces have graced esteemed galleries and museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institute, featuring iconic portraits such as his renowned Levy’s Bread depiction of Buster Keaton. Moreover, Richards has made significant strides as a director of television commercials, working with renowned brands like Coca-Cola, Volkswagen, and Pepsi, to name a few.

His foray into filmmaking commenced with the creation and scripting of the coming-of-age western "The Culpepper Cattle Company," a cult classic that earned him the Screenwriter’s Annual Story Award from the Writer’s Guild of America. This marked the beginning of a prolific career that saw him helm acclaimed productions such as "Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins" and "Farewell, My Lovely." Notable entries in his filmography include "March or Die," "Death Valley," "Man, Woman and Child," and "Heat."

JAWS producers Rochard Zanuck and David Brown

Richards achieved monumental success with the production of "Tootsie," which at the time became Columbia Pictures’ highest-grossing film and the second highest-grossing film of 1982, trailing only behind "ET." Garnering 10 Academy Award nominations, including a nod for Best Picture, "Tootsie" solidified Richards’ reputation as a cinematic powerhouse. The film also clinched the Golden Globe for Best Picture and secured a place at #69 on AFI’s List of 100 Greatest American Films of All Time.

Producers Zanuck and Brown with JAWS director Steven Spielberg

A native of New York, Richards is revered for his storytelling prowess and his ability to coax compelling performances from actors. Over the years, he has collaborated with a plethora of esteemed talents, including Robert Mitchum, Gene Hackman, and Catherine Deneuve. Richards’ artistic endeavors continue to diversify, with his first play, "Turnaround," currently in production in the United Kingdom, and his debut novel, "Exposed," slated for release in 2020. He remains actively involved in the arts community, serving on the board of the non-profit organization, Enrichment Theatre Works.

Words by Ross Williams

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