Richard Cotovsky's life journey began in Chicago, Illinois, where he was born and spent his formative years in the Rogers Park area. His educational path was marked by several significant stops, starting with the Mary Bartleme School, which has since been converted into an elderly care facility. Cotovsky then attended Stone School, graduating in 1967. He continued his academic pursuits at Senn H.S. before transferring to Niles North H.S. when his family relocated to Skokie, Illinois.
As Cotovsky navigated his way through adolescence, he struggled to define his future, and in a bid to defer the draft and avoid serving in the Army during the Vietnam War, he enrolled at Southern Illinois University. This decision ultimately led him to transfer to the University of Illinois at the Medical Center in Chicago, where he pursued a degree in Pharmacy.
However, it was during his senior year that Cotovsky discovered a new passion – the world of theater. He took an elective course in introduction to the theater, which proved to be a life-changing experience. This is when he had the opportunity to witness the original production of David Mamet's "American Buffalo," featuring an all-star cast, including W.H. Macy, Mike Nussbaum, and J.J. Johnston.
The rest, as they say, is history. Cotovsky's encounter with the world of theater had a profound impact on him, and he went on to become a professional actor, with a filmography that showcases his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.
