Richard Anderson, Actor from 'The Six Million Dollar Man', Passes Away at 91

Richard Anderson, the tall and handsome American actor best known for his roles in the television series 'The Six Million Dollar Man' and 'The Bionic Woman' in the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 91. A family spokesperson stated that Mr. Anderson died of natural causes. According to the Associated Press, the television series 'The Six Million Dollar Man' brought a new wave of superheroes to television. In this series, based on the book 'Cyborg' by Martin Caidin, American actor Lee Majors played the role of Steve Austin, an astronaut who was severely injured in an accident. The government saved his life by reconstructing his body with bionic limbs that had atomic power, resulting in him gaining extraordinary strength, speed, and other abilities. Richard Anderson played the role of Oscar Goldman, Colonel Austin's boss in a spy organization. Lee Majors, the actor who played the Six Million Dollar Man, commented on Richard Anderson's death, saying, 'Richard was my good and loyal friend, and I have never seen a man like him.' They first met in the 1960s while producing a western television series called 'Big Valley.' Mr. Majors added in his statement, 'He was always well-dressed, classy, and calm, and throughout these 91 years, his knowledge never diminished. A few weeks ago, when I spoke to him on the phone, he was the same kind and charming man as always.' 'The Six Million Dollar Man' first premiered in 1973 as a feature film but was later adapted into a television series due to its rapid success. In 1976, a new series called 'The Bionic Woman' or 'The Six Million Dollar Woman' starring Lindsay Wagner was produced based on the same concept. Richard Anderson occasionally appeared as Oscar Goldman in episodes of both series. Lindsay Wagner also stated, 'I cannot express in words how grateful I have been for Richard Anderson's kind friendship.' Lee Majors remarked, 'Richard Anderson loved his children, playing tennis, and his work as an actor.' The Associated Press adds that Richard Anderson, standing about 190 cm tall, began his acting career in 1949 by playing a wounded soldier in '12 O'Clock High.' After appearing in another television series called 'Lights, Camera, Action,' he signed a contract with MGM Studios. He decided to become an actor after watching Gary Cooper's films. After signing with MGM, he played supporting roles in several films. He once said in an interview, 'When people ask me where I trained, I say MGM Studios. But the biggest lesson I learned is that acting is a talent that cannot be taught, and even if someone has the talent, they must ultimately be able to perform in films.' After his contract with MGM ended in the late 1950s, he acted in films produced by other companies, including 'Paths of Glory' directed by Stanley Kubrick. At the same time, he also had roles in television series, including 'The Fugitive.' He was born Richard Norman Anderson on August 8, 1926, in New Jersey, later moved to California, and began acting in school theater during high school. He was married twice and divorced both times. He is survived by three daughters. Mr. Anderson's family stated that his funeral will be held privately.