Early Life:
Richard Mackie Simpson, born on March 15th, 1913, began his journey by graduating from Sedbergh School. Following his graduation, his mother, Margaret Kyd Mackie, divorced, and his name was subsequently shortened to Richard Mackie. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, as he went on to attend Cambridge University and later studied acting at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
As a young actor, Richard spent time on the London stage before making the bold decision to emigrate to the United States. It was in New York that he met and married Louise Christine Sheldon, and the couple soon relocated to Hollywood, just before the outbreak of World War II. However, upon discovering that another actor was already using the name Richard Mackie in the US, he adopted the stage name Richard Fraser.
Career:
Richard's American film career reached its pinnacle with his iconic performance as James Vane, the vengeful brother of Sibyl Vane, in the film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. His impressive work in the film industry led to a contract with 20th Century Fox, and he went on to appear in numerous films throughout his career.
Private Life:
Richard's personal life was marked by three marriages. His first marriage to Louise Christine Sheldon took place in 1938, and the couple had a daughter, Melinda Mackie, born in 1940. Unfortunately, the marriage came to an end in 1944. Richard then married actress Ann Gillis in 1952, and the couple had a son, Gordon Hamilton Mackie Fraser, born in 1958. However, this marriage also ended in divorce, this time in 1970.
After retiring from acting in 1949, Richard moved to Britain with his then-wife, Ann Gillis, and spent most of his remaining years working for the BBC in export sales. During this time, he was instrumental in selling the popular television program Dr. Who around the world. Ann continued her acting career, appearing in episodes of "The Saint" and a small role in the iconic film, 2001 A Space Odyssey.
In the summer of 1971, Richard married Edna Martin, but sadly, his life was cut short due to cancer, and he passed away on January 19th, 1972.
