Life and Death of Richard Anderson, the Beloved 'The Six Million Dollar Man' Actor

Richard Anderson graced the showbiz industry for decades before his demise in 2017. Among many recognitions and milestones is his outstanding role in “The Six Million Dollar Man.” Here is a look into the life he lived.

Late Richard Anderson was one of Hollywood’s most revered classic stars who graced the big screen and became a favorite for TV lovers. In his lifetime, Anderson experienced the grass to grace showbiz story.

As a high school student, Anderson honed his skills in school plays and after leaving school, he engaged in summer stock and radio work. The star also served a stint in the army before veering back into show business.

As a comedian, Anderson worked on the '50s series, “Lights, Camera, Action,” where big-shot Hollywood practitioners recognized his expertise, and he soon bagged a contract with MGM.

After exiting MGM, the actor snagged a gig as a regular on the last season of “Perry Mason.” Moving on, Anderson starred in his most notable TV show, “The Six Million Dollar Man,” as OSI director Oscar Goldman.

His stint on the famous TV series was followed by his role in “The Bionic Woman.” Anderson would later develop a real-life interest in electronics and dove deep into the study of bionics.

Years after Anderson stopped playing his role in “The Six Million Dollar Man,” his fellow star Lee Majors took over.

His vast knowledge in electronics made it possible for Universal to produce three telefilms based on bionics. The “The Fugitive” star was the producer who starred Sandra Bullock as a supercharged woman in 1989’s “Bionic Showdown.”

Many of Anderson’s Hollywood colleagues saw him as a passionate talent whose hard work and talent spoke volumes. The actor was seen as a person of class and style who, outside acting, loved his family dearly.

Anderson’s first marriage was to Carol Lee Ladd, the stepdaughter of fellow star Alan Ladd. He was married a second time to Katherine Thalberg, the daughter of movie sugar Norma Shearer.

Years after Anderson stopped playing his role in “The Six Million Dollar Man,” his fellow star Lee Majors took over and continued the legacy of starring as Steve Austin.

Majors once recalled that Anderson had a positive impact on his life. He described the late star as a charming man whose gracefulness and impact never faltered.