---
name: "Richard Farnsworth"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/richard-farnsworth"
fi1m_id: "richard-farnsworth"
imdb_id: "nm0002070"
tmdb_id: 5605
wikidata_id: "Q316003"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "1 September 1920"
died: "6 October 2000"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 11
average_fi1m_score: 80
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 4
updated: "2026-09-26T01:06:16.963189+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Richard Farnsworth

## Identity

Richard Farnsworth

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/richard-farnsworth
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** richard-farnsworth
- **IMDb ID:** nm0002070
- **TMDB ID:** 5605
- **Wikidata ID:** Q316003
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Farnsworth, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316003, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002070/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/5605

Actor. Born 1 September 1920 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Died 6 October 2000.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 1 September 1920, Los Angeles, California, USA
- **Died:** 6 October 2000
- **Active:** 1940–1999
- **Also known as:** ریچارد فارنزورث
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 11: 4 acting, 6 crew, 1 other
- **Academy Awards:** 2 Oscar nominations
- **Average Fi1m score:** 80, as actor, over 4 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1930s 68 (1), 1940s 87 (2), 1950s 76 (1), 1960s 84 (1), 1970s 72 (3), 1980s 67 (1), 1990s 86 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 79 to 74 across 3 titles
- **Score spread:** 3 at 80+, 1 at 60–79, 0 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 1 of 3 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 4, Adventure 1, Sport 1, Thriller 1
- **Screen time:** 6 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $116m across 3 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Farnsworth, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316003, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002070/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/5605

## Streaming the US now

- **Disney+:** [*The Straight Story*](https://film.one/film/the-straight-story.md) (88)
- **HBO Max:** [*Misery*](https://film.one/film/misery.md) (83)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*The Natural*](https://film.one/film/the-natural.md) (67)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Richard Farnsworth

> Richard Farnsworth makes a cowboy look as though he has spent his life doing the work. We value his physical assurance and understatement, though his films seldom ask him to stray far from familiar rural characters.

In *Misery* (1990), Richard Farnsworth's Buster has the useful quality of seeming entirely suited to his job as sheriff. He does not need to make authority conspicuous; the quiet manner is enough. Rob Reiner's thriller belongs to Kathy Bates and James Caan, and Farnsworth is valuable because he does not compete with their intensity. We felt reassured by Buster's quiet authority because the writer's captivity is so frightening. It is a small pleasure, but it tells us why such casting matters.

That ease had a practical foundation: more than thirty years of stunt work and long experience with horses before substantial acting parts arrived. *Comes a Horseman* (1978), in which he played Dodger, supplied the breakthrough. *The Grey Fox* (1982) then gave him a leading role as ageing stagecoach robber Bill Miner. The horsemanship helps, but his understatement keeps us watching the man rather than merely admiring the riding.

His films do return to the same sorts of men, and the familiarity can do some of the work for him. Matthew Cuthbert, the gentle adoptive father figure in *Anne of Green Gables* (1985), fits readily beside the cowboys and lawmen. But *Misery* benefits from that ready credibility: a supporting part does not need to demonstrate everything an actor might be able to do. Our reservation about Reiner's film is its thin treatment of authorship, not the conviction of the performances.

David Lynch gives him room to sustain a leading performance in *The Straight Story* (1999), his final role. As Alvin Straight, undertaking an elderly man's lawnmower journey, he makes determination persuasive through plain speech and restraint. There is enough stubbornness in that dignity to keep it from becoming merely soothing. Start with *Misery* for the supporting actor, then try Lynch's film for an evening spent at Farnsworth's pace.

## Biography

Richard Farnsworth (1920–2000) was an American actor and stuntman. He began working in films as a stunt performer and extra in the late 1930s and continued in that role for more than three decades before moving into speaking parts.

He received Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor for *Comes a Horseman* (1978) and Best Actor for *The Straight Story* (1999). Other notable performances include roles in *The Grey Fox* (1982), *Anne of Green Gables* (1985) and *Misery* (1990), in which he played Sheriff Buster.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (11)

### Performed in (4) — the average rests on these

- *The Straight Story* (1999), Fi1m 88, as Alvin — [page](https://film.one/film/the-straight-story.md)
- *Misery* (1990), Fi1m 83, as Buster — [page](https://film.one/film/misery.md)
- *The Natural* (1984), Fi1m 67, as Red Blow — [page](https://film.one/film/the-natural.md)
- *Roots* (1977), Fi1m 83, as Trumbull — [page](https://film.one/tv/roots.md)

### Crew (6)

- *The Front Page* (1974), Fi1m 60, Stunts — [page](https://film.one/film/the-front-page.md)
- *Papillon* (1973), Fi1m 74, as Manhunter (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/papillon.md)
- *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* (1969), Fi1m 84, Stunts — [page](https://film.one/film/butch-cassidy-and-the-sundance-kid.md)
- *The Caine Mutiny* (1954), Fi1m 76, Stunts — [page](https://film.one/film/the-caine-mutiny.md)
- *Red River* (1948), Fi1m 88, as Dunston Rider (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/red-river.md)
- *The Grapes of Wrath* (1940), Fi1m 86, Stunts — [page](https://film.one/film/the-grapes-of-wrath.md)

### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited

- *Gunga Din* (1939), Fi1m 68, as (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/gunga-din.md)

## Complete filmography (107)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *The Straight Story* (1999), as Alvin — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/the-straight-story.md)
- *Best Friends for Life* (1998), as Will Harper
- *Lassie* (1994), as Len Collins
- *The Getaway* (1994), as Slim
- *The Fire Next Time* (1993), series, as Frank Morgan
- *The Boys of Twilight* (1992), series, as Cody McPherson
- *Highway to Hell* (1991), as Sam
- *Havana* (1990), as Professor
- *Misery* (1990), as Buster — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/misery.md)
- *The Two Jakes* (1990), as Earl Rawley
- *Desperado: The Outlaw Wars* (1989), as Sheriff Campbell
- *Snake Treaty* (1989), as Helmer
- *Good Old Boy* (1988), as Percy
- *CBS Summer Playhouse* (1987), series, as Carl
- *Anne auf Green Gables* (1986), series, Actor
- *Space Rage* (1985), as Colonel
- *Anne of Green Gables* (1985), as Matthew Cuthbert
- *Anne of Green Gables* (1985), series, as Matthew Cuthbert
- *Chase* (1985), as Judge Grand Pettitt
- *Wild Horses* (1985), as Chuck Reese
- *Sylvester* (1985), as John Foster
- *Into the Night* (1985), as Jack Caper
- *Highway to Heaven* (1984), series, as Jet Sanders
- *Rhinestone* (1984), as Noah Ferris
- *The Natural* (1984), as Red Blow — Fi1m 67, [page](https://film.one/film/the-natural.md)
- *Ghost Dancing* (1983), as Russ Ward
- *Travis McGee* (1983), as Van Harder
- *Independence Day* (1983), as Evan
- *The Grey Fox* (1982), as Bill Miner
- *Waltz Across Texas* (1982), as Frank Walker
- *A Few Days at Weasel Creek* (1981), as Jason Stayvey
- *The Legend of the Lone Ranger* (1981), as Wild Bill Hickok
- *Louis L'Amour's The Cherokee Trail* (1981), as Ridge Fenton
- *Resurrection* (1980), as Esco
- *Ruckus* (1980), as Sheriff Jethro Pough
- *Tom Horn* (1980), as John Coble
- *Comes a Horseman* (1978), as Dodger
- *Another Man, Another Chance* (1977), as Stagecoach Driver
- *Roots* (1977), series, as Trumbull — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/tv/roots.md)
- *The Outlaw Josey Wales* (1976), as Comanchero (uncredited)
- *The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox* (1976), as Stagecoach driver
- *The Master Gunfighter* (1975), Stunts
- *Strange New World* (1975), as Elder
- *The Apple Dumpling Gang* (1975), as Mover
- *The Front Page* (1974), Stunts — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/the-front-page.md)
- *Little House on the Prairie* (1974), series, as Wall (as Dick Farnsworth)
- *Honky Tonk* (1974), as Driver
- *Blazing Saddles* (1974), as Sheriff (uncredited)
- *Papillon* (1973), as Manhunter (uncredited) · Stunts — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/papillon.md)
- *The Soul of Nigger Charley* (1973), as Walker
- *High Plains Drifter* (1973), Stunts
- *The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean* (1972), as Outlaw · Stunts
- *Ulzana's Raid* (1972), as Trooper
- *Pocket Money* (1972), as Man (uncredited)
- *The Cowboys* (1972), as Henry Williams
- *Skin Game* (1971), as Man in Saloon fight (uncredited)
- *Monte Walsh* (1970), as Cowboy
- *The Good Guys and the Bad Guys* (1969), as Workman (uncredited) · Stunts
- *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* (1969), Stunts — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/butch-cassidy-and-the-sundance-kid.md)
- *Sam Whiskey* (1969), as Pete the Guard (uncredited)
- *The Stalking Moon* (1968), as Man (uncredited) · Stunts
- *Assignment to Kill* (1968), Stunts
- *The High Chaparral* (1967), series, as Lloyd
- *Cimarron Strip* (1967), series, Actor
- *The War Wagon* (1967), Stunts
- *Texas Across the River* (1966), as Medicine Man
- *Duel at Diablo* (1966), as Wagon Driver #1 (uncredited) · Stunts
- *The War Lord* (1965), Stunts
- *The Big Valley* (1965), series, as Bolin, Businessman
- *Cat Ballou* (1965), Stunts
- *Major Dundee* (1965), Stunts
- *How the West Was Won* (1962), Stunts — Fi1m 62, [page](https://film.one/film/how-the-west-was-won.md)
- *Spartacus* (1960), as Salt Mine Slave / Gladiator / Slave General (uncredited)
- *The Rebel* (1959), series, as Trooper
- *Bonanza* (1959), series, as Tate, Troy
- *Wanted: Dead or Alive* (1958), series, as Rance, Hal
- *The Hard Man* (1957), as Posse Man (uncredited)
- *The Tin Star* (1957), as Posse Member (uncredited) · Stunts
- *Maverick* (1957), series, as Stage Driver (uncredited), Clint (uncredited)
- *The Ten Commandments* (1956), as Chariot Driver (uncredited) — Fi1m 67, [page](https://film.one/film/the-ten-commandments.md)
- *Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre* (1956), series, as Trooper
- *State Trooper* (1956), series, Actor
- *The Indian Fighter* (1955), Stunts
- *A Lawless Street* (1955), as Townsman (uncredited)
- *The Violent Men* (1955), as Anchor Rider (uncredited)
- *The Wonderful World of Disney* (1954), series, as Farmer
- *The Caine Mutiny* (1954), Stunts — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/film/the-caine-mutiny.md)
- *The Wild One* (1953), as Man (uncredited)
- *Arena* (1953), as Cowboy
- *The Lusty Men* (1952), Stunts
- *Horizons West* (1952), Stunts
- *The Adventures of Kit Carson* (1951), series, as Henchman Farnsworth (uncredited)
- *The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok* (1951), series, Actor
- *The Flame and the Arrow* (1950), as Outlaw (uncredited) · Stunts
- *Mighty Joe Young* (1949), as Cowboy (uncredited)
- *Red River* (1948), as Dunston Rider (uncredited) · Stunt Double — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/red-river.md)
- *Fort Apache* (1948), Stunts
- *Silver River* (1948), Stunts
- *Stallion Road* (1947), Stunts
- *California* (1947), Stunts
- *Duel in the Sun* (1946), Stunts
- *This Is the Army* (1943), as Soldier (uncredited)
- *The Outlaw* (1943), Stunts
- *The Grapes of Wrath* (1940), Stunts — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/film/the-grapes-of-wrath.md)
- *Gone with the Wind* (1939), as Soldier (uncredited) — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/gone-with-the-wind.md)
- *Gunga Din* (1939), as (uncredited) — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/gunga-din.md)
- *The Adventures of Marco Polo* (1938), as Mongol Warrior (uncredited)

## Gallery

- ![Richard Farnsworth](https://film.one/media/person/77410/gallery-3d0703404b7a.jpg) Richard Farnsworth — Image via TMDB
- ![Richard Farnsworth](https://film.one/media/person/77410/gallery-f23d6847e171.jpg) Richard Farnsworth — Image via TMDB
- ![Richard Farnsworth](https://film.one/media/person/77410/gallery-034896b23b3c.jpg) Richard Farnsworth — Image via TMDB
- ![Richard Farnsworth](https://film.one/media/person/77410/gallery-f9f6db7b8d38.jpg) Richard Farnsworth — Image via TMDB
- ![Richard Farnsworth](https://film.one/media/person/77410/gallery-1f01c8c3271e.jpg) Richard Farnsworth — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 0 won, 2 nominated

- 2000: Best Actor (nominated), for *The Straight Story*
- 1979: Best Supporting Actor (nominated), for *Comes a Horseman*

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/richard-farnsworth