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The name Richard Cromwell has intrigued readers, historians, and classic Hollywood fans for decades. Searches such as “Richard Cromwell net worth,” “who is Richard Cromwell,” “Richard Cromwell age,” “Richard Cromwell actor movies,” and even “Richard Cromwell Thomas Cromwell” show just how much curiosity surrounds this name.
However, one important truth must be made clear from the beginning: there are multiple historical figures named Richard Cromwell, and they are often confused with one another. This article focuses primarily on Richard Cromwell, the American Hollywood actor, while also clarifying how he differs from the English political leader and the Tudor-era Cromwell family seen in Wolf Hall.
This in-depth article explores Richard Cromwell’s net worth, age, family, relationships, father, siblings, marriage to Angela Lansbury, children, acting career, movies, and cause of death, while also addressing common misconceptions.
Who Is Richard Cromwell?
Richard Cromwell was an American film actor best known for his work during Hollywood’s Golden Age in the 1930s and early 1940s. He was born under the name LeRoy Melvin Radabaugh and later adopted the stage name Richard Cromwell to suit the era’s preference for strong, memorable screen identities.
He was admired for his boyish charm, earnest screen presence, and versatility in adventure films, war dramas, and historical epics. Though his career was relatively short-lived compared to some of his contemporaries, Cromwell left a notable mark on classic American cinema.
Richard Cromwell Age, Birth, and Early Life
- Date of Birth: January 8, 1910
- Place of Birth: Long Beach, California, United States
- Age at Death: 50 years
Richard Cromwell grew up in California at a time when Hollywood was rapidly becoming the center of the global film industry. His early exposure to the entertainment world helped shape his ambitions, and he entered acting at a young age.
Richard Cromwell Father, Family, Brothers, and Sisters
Richard Cromwell’s father was Ralph Radabaugh, a man who worked in various professions outside the entertainment industry. Unlike many Hollywood actors who came from theatrical families, Cromwell’s rise was largely self-driven.
Family Overview
- Father: Ralph Radabaugh
- Mother: Not widely documented in public sources
- Siblings: There is limited public information regarding brothers and sisters, indicating that his siblings, if any, lived private lives away from Hollywood
Richard Cromwell maintained a relatively low-profile personal life, especially compared to modern celebrities. Much of what is known about him comes from studio records and classic film archives rather than personal interviews.
Richard Cromwell Net Worth (Estimated)
One of the most searched questions today is “Richard Cromwell net worth.”
It is important to understand that actors from the 1930s did not have publicly tracked net worth figures like modern celebrities. However, based on studio contracts, leading roles, and his prominence during peak years, historians estimate:
- Estimated Net Worth (at time of death):
$500,000 – $1 million (adjusted for inflation, approximate)
Richard Cromwell earned steady income through:
- Studio contracts
- Feature films
- Supporting and leading roles
- Wartime-era productions
While he never reached the financial heights of top-tier stars like Clark Gable, his earnings placed him comfortably among respected working actors of his era.
Richard Cromwell Actor Career: Rise and Decline
Richard Cromwell’s acting career began in the late 1920s and flourished during the 1930s.
Notable Richard Cromwell Movies
Some of his most recognized films include:
- Tol’able David (1930) – A breakthrough role that gained him critical attention
- The Lives of a Bengal Lancer (1935) – A major adventure film
- Jezebel (1938) – A classic drama starring Bette Davis
- Young Mr. Lincoln (1939) – Historical drama alongside Henry Fonda
- Enemy Agent (1940) – Espionage thriller
- Cosmo Jones in Crime Smasher (1943) – One of his later film appearances
Richard Cromwell was often cast as:
- Earnest young heroes
- Soldiers and historical figures
- Idealistic American men
As Hollywood tastes shifted after World War II, his career slowed, and he gradually stepped away from major film roles.
Richard Cromwell and Angela Lansbury: A Short-Lived Marriage
One of the most discussed aspects of Richard Cromwell’s life is his brief marriage to Angela Lansbury.
Marriage Details
- Married: 1945
- Divorced: 1946
- Duration: Approximately 8 months
Angela Lansbury later revealed that the marriage failed largely due to personal incompatibility. Over time, it became widely understood that Richard Cromwell was gay, a reality that could not be openly acknowledged in Hollywood during that era.
Despite their divorce, both maintained dignity and discretion, and Lansbury went on to become one of the most beloved actresses in film, television, and theater history.
Richard Cromwell Married To, Kids, and Personal Life
- Spouse: Angela Lansbury (only confirmed marriage)
- Children: None
Richard Cromwell did not have children, and there are no records of additional marriages. After stepping away from acting, he lived a quieter life away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Richard Cromwell Cause of Death
Another frequently searched query is “Richard Cromwell cause of death.”
- Date of Death: October 11, 1960
- Place of Death: Hollywood, California
- Cause of Death: Cancer
He passed away at the relatively young age of 50, bringing a premature end to a life shaped by both public recognition and private struggle.
Richard Cromwell and Thomas Cromwell: Are They Related?
Many people search for “Richard Cromwell Thomas Cromwell”, assuming a family connection.
The truth is:
- Richard Cromwell (actor) ❌ is NOT related to Thomas Cromwell, the powerful Tudor statesman
- The similarity is only in name, not lineage
Thomas Cromwell lived in the 16th century and served King Henry VIII, while Richard Cromwell the actor was born over 350 years later in the United States.
Richard Cromwell and Wolf Hall Explained
Searches for “Richard Cromwell Wolf Hall” often confuse viewers of the famous historical drama Wolf Hall.
- Wolf Hall focuses on Thomas Cromwell and the Tudor court
- A different historical figure, Richard Williams (alias Cromwell), was Thomas Cromwell’s nephew
- Richard Cromwell the actor has no connection to Wolf Hall
This confusion arises purely from shared surnames, not shared history.
Historical Richard Cromwell (Brief Clarification)
There was also Richard Cromwell, the son of Oliver Cromwell, who ruled England briefly in the 17th century.
Again, this individual is entirely unrelated to the Hollywood actor discussed in this article.
Legacy of Richard Cromwell
Though Richard Cromwell’s career was not long, his performances remain part of classic American cinema. Film historians recognize him as a talented actor whose life reflected the limitations and pressures of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
His marriage to Angela Lansbury, later revelations about his personal life, and early death all add layers of human complexity to his legacy.
Final Thoughts
Today, interest in Richard Cromwell net worth, his movies, family, and marriage reflects renewed fascination with classic Hollywood figures whose lives were often lived under strict social constraints. His story reminds us that behind the glamour of early cinema were individuals navigating fame, identity, and personal truth.
Articles like this help preserve that history for new generations of readers. This detailed biography is proudly written for readers of primeheadlines, where classic stories meet modern curiosity.