Richard Crenna

**Richard Donald Crenna** (November 30, 1926 – January 17, 2003) was a prolific American actor, television director, and producer. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, gaining his first acting experience on radio in 1937. Notable among his radio roles was the character of nerdy Walter Denton in the series 'Our Miss Brooks'. Following his successful stint in radio, Crenna ventured into television, carrying his role as Walter Denton into the TV version of 'Our Miss Brooks' which commenced in 1952. His exceptional acting skills earned him a slot in the comedy series 'The Real McCoys', where he starred as Luke McCoy. He further added directing to his skills, being one of the directors of the aforementioned series. His acting prowess extended to motion pictures, resulting in his starring roles in a series of films such as 'Breakheart Pass', 'The Evil', 'The Flamingo Kid', 'Summer Rental' to name a few. In 1985, he scooped the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for his portrayal of the title role in 'The Rape of Richard Beck'. Crenna's iconic performances continued into the 1980s and early 2000s, notably in his role as Colonel Sam Trautman in the first three 'Rambo' films. Before his demise in 2003, Crenna had received immense recognition for his contributions to the industry, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.