Virgil J. Richardson (December 14, 1916 - May 15, 2004) was a Tuskegee Airman and an actor working in both the United States and Mexico. He was a founding member of the American Negro Theatre.
Richardson was born on December 14, 1916 in Center Point, Arkansas and was later raised in Texarkana, Texas. [1] He graduated from Dunbar High School and went on to Wiley College where he was encouraged to go into acting. [2]
Richardson moved to New York in 1937 where he pursued acting. [3] He studied at the New Theatre School and was a student of Doris Sorrell. [4] His first job was as an understudy for Canada Lee in Big White Fog. [3] Richardson became involved with the American Negro Theatre (ANT) as a founding member [3] [5] [6] He played in the ANT production of On Stravers Row and in 1940, took over Lee's part in Big White Fog. [7] ANT also had a radio show on WNEW where Richardson played several roles. [8] [4]
Richardson was drafted into the United States Army in 1941. [1] In 1942, he was part of the largest-to-date class to graduate from the Tuskegee Army Air Field. [9] In 1944, Richardson was awarded an Air Medal. [10] He flew 63 combat missions during his tour of duty and was discharged from the military in 1945. [11] [1] He shortly returned to New York to pursue acting again. [1]
After the ANT disbanded in 1949, Richardson continued to work in radio. [12] In the summer of 1950, he first came to Mexico, arriving in Acapulco first and moving to Mexico City. [11] In Mexico, he found a refreshingly different take on racial relations, compared to the United States. [13]
He had roles in Tarzan and Sheena films that were shot in Mexico City. [11] In 1966, he had a speaking role in Su Execlencia . [11]
Richardson returned to the United States in 1997, settling in West Columbia, Texas. [14] [1] He died on May 15, 2004. [1]