Ian William Richardson CBE (7 April 1934 – 9 February 2007) was a Scottish actor best known for his portrayal of the Machiavellian Tory politician, Francis Urquhart, in the BBC's House of Cards trilogy. He was also as a leading Shakespearian stage actor. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1989.
Richardson was born in Edinburgh, the son of Margaret (née Drummond) and John Richardson. He was educated at Balgreen Pri...
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Ian William Richardson CBE (7 April 1934 – 9 February 2007) was a Scottish actor best known for his portrayal of the Machiavellian Tory politician, Francis Urquhart, in the BBC's House of Cards trilogy. He was also as a leading Shakespearian stage actor. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1989.
Richardson was born in Edinburgh, the son of Margaret (née Drummond) and John Richardson. He was educated at Balgreen Primary School and Tynecastle High School in the city, prior to training at the College of Dramatic Arts in Glasgow. After a period at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre (at what is now the Old Rep), he subsequently appeared with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), of which he was a founding member, from 1960 to 1975.
Richardson's claim to greatness lies in his stage performances. His first engagement after training was with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, where his performance of Hamlet led to an offer of a place with the RSC. He was a versatile...
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