Richard Clarence Parker, a native of Webster, Massachusetts, was born to a Marine father whose frequent relocations along the eastern seaboard during Parker's early years had a profound impact on his life, shaping his formative years and laying the foundation for the person he would eventually become.
As a teenager, Parker found himself settled in Oxford, Massachusetts, a mere nine miles from his birthplace, where he attended Oxford High School and later spent two years at Worcester State College, initially pursuing higher education.
However, Parker's academic pursuits soon became disillusioning, leading him to enlist in the United States Air Force for a four-year stint, with the majority of his service taking place in Idaho, an experience that would undoubtedly have a lasting impact on his life.
After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Parker returned to Massachusetts, where he worked as an electronic technician during the day and attended classes at Northeastern University at night, pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, a path that seemed promising but ultimately proved to be a means to an end.
It was during this period that Parker discovered his true passion for drama, enrolling in a local class and subsequently auditioning for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, which led to his acceptance and relocation to Pasadena, California, a transformative experience that would alter the course of his life forever.
Parker's journey, marked by a series of twists and turns, would ultimately lead him to pursue a career in the dramatic arts, a path that would require dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks, but one that would also bring him great joy and fulfillment.
