Richard Long's cinematic journey began immediately after completing high school, when his striking physical appearance caught the attention of Universal Pictures, ultimately leading to a lucrative contract. His film debut, in the 1946 production "Tomorrow Is Forever", saw him play the role of Claudette Colbert's son, marking the beginning of a long-standing association with Universal.
Throughout his early career, Long continued to appear in numerous Universal productions, often taking on the role of a juvenile lead. He was a part of the popular "Ma and Pa Kettle" series, where he played one of the sons, and gradually worked his way up to leading roles in second features. Despite achieving moderate success in film, it was his television work that truly showcased his talents and earned him widespread recognition.
Long's television credits include notable roles in the western series "The Big Valley", which premiered in 1965, and the comedy "Nanny and the Professor", which debuted in 1970.