Richard Martin Tyson is an American actor who is best known for his roles in the films "Platoon", "Pretty in Pink", "Bloodhounds of Broadway", and "There’s Something About Mary". He was born on February 13, 1961, in Mobile, Alabama, making him 61 years old at the time of writing this article. He stands at 6 feet tall and has a long and successful acting track record.
Nicknamed "Bama" because he is an avid fan of Alabama Crimson Tide football, he began his acting career in the 1980s and has remained active until as recently as 2006. In this article, we will discuss his early years, career highlights, current activities, and everything in between.
Who is Richard Tyson?
Richard Martin Tyson was born to his father, John Tyson, along with his brother, John Tyson, Jr. He decided to pursue his love of acting by moving to Hollywood, California when he was young. Hollywood was and is still famous for its film industry, and Tyson was hoping to make a name for himself as an actor. He graduated with a Master of Theater Arts from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
He acted in many small parts throughout the 80s before he landed two very famous roles that would catapult him into stardom. His first big role was as an actor in the hit TV show Moonlighting. Moonlighting was a show about a Maddie Hayes-esque character, who is an ex-model that inherited a detective agency from her father.
The show was very popular during its run, and Tyson played the role of Daniel, a blond-haired character who appeared in the episode "Man Who Cried Wife." The episode premiered in September of 1986, and Tyson’s character became very well-known because of its success. Moonlighting ran for five seasons and ended in 1989.
Richard Tyson and Three O’Clock High
His next big role was Three O’Clock High. Three O’Clock High was a high school-centered comedy film that was very popular during its run (and even to this day, if you can find it). Tyson played the role of "Buddy Revell."
Just like everything else he does, he gave Buddy an incredible amount of depth and personality. He’s definitely one of his most memorable roles, and one of his best. Tyson was noticed more during the late 80s because of Three O’Clock High’s success, and he went on to star in various famous movies throughout the 90s.
Tyson also starred in Black Hawk Down, which was a famous and very successful film that documented what happened during the Battle of Mogadishu. He was also featured in films like the Pandora Project (1989), Implicated (1998), Me, Myself & Irene (2000), Firetrap (2001), and Cottonmouth (2002).
The actor was also in various other major productions, such as a movie about Genghis Khan that was never released. He also starred in "There’s Something About Mary," a film that was a major success and is still one of the most popular comedies to date.
Richard Tyson And Kindergarten Cop
Tyson starred in some incredible films after Three O’Clock High ended. One of those films was Kindergarten Cop. The film was about a tough-guy cop who poses as a kindergarten teacher in order to catch an important criminal.
Kindergarten Cop was very popular during its run, and it still is today.
The movie featured Arnold Schwarzenegger as Kimble and Penelope Ann Miller as Joyce.
In the film, Tyson portrays "Crisp," a character who is very tough and has a short temper. He is the main villain. T
he film became one of the biggest breakout hits of 1990, and Tyson landed more big roles in Hollywood after its success.
Who played Richard Tyson’s mother in Kindergarten Cop?
Richard Tyson’s character was not alone in the film. Caroll Baker played Eleanor Crisp, and she was Tyson’s mother in the film. She lent her voice talents to the film Babe, which was released just one year after Kindergarten Cop.
What is Richard Tyson doing now?
Aside from his legal troubles, Tyson has taken a break from acting. His most recent appearance was in the 2006 episode of CSI: NY called "And Here’s To You, Mrs. Azrael."
He played the role of Frank Russo in that show. It marked a reappearance for him after some time off from acting – his last role prior to that one was in 1989, playing Cpl. Whitlow in China Beach, Promised Land.
Richard Tyson can also be spotted on Cameo, selling personalized videos. Cameo is a popular app that allows celebrities to make video calls with their fans.
People can start a video call with celebrities and become closer to them in order to get autographs, take pictures, ask questions in real-time, and even purchase merchandise from the celebrities’ fan clubs.
The company was founded in January of 2013, and it has become very successful ever since its inception. Celebrities that use the app include Kevin Hart, DJ Khaled, Cobie Smulders, Blake Shelton, Tom Holland, Hannah Stocking, and Richard Tyson.
Tyson does not have an official fan club for his fans to sign up for in order to get merchandise, but he does have a Facebook page that his fans can follow in order to get more of a connection with him.
Tyson is enjoying life right now and focusing on other projects besides acting. He does issue shout-outs on Cameo from time to time.
Why did Richard Tyson go to jail?
Tyson was arrested in 2019. He was picked up for public intoxication and harassment at the time. Within a short time, he was out on bail.
Less than two weeks later, he was arrested again. This time, it was for suspected burglary. His arraignment was scheduled for July of 2019. The details of the case are not widely known to the public at this time, and Tyson has not publicly commented on it yet.
Personal life
Richard Tyson married Tracy Kristofferson, but they divorced in 2017. She is related to the famous actor Kris Kristofferson. They have one child together.
Richard is currently in a relationship with Kerrie Ellen.
His brother, the aforementioned John Tyson Junior, was involved in law enforcement and was the district attorney for Mobile, Alabama.
In 2006, he ran for Alamaba Attorney General as a democrat, losing to incumbent Troy King. Alabama is a very conservative state, and King won resoundingly.
Tyson is also a Freemason and a Noble of the Abba Shriners. A freemason is one who practices Freemasonry, which is a fraternal organization with a moral and philosophical foundation. Members of the Abba Shriners is an organization whose stated purpose is to encourage "the most extensive benevolence, the cultivation of friendship among its members, and the acquisition by them of useful knowledge."
Tyson starred in a 16-minute informational video about the Shriners.
Between Tyson’s legal issues, his involvement with the Free Masons and Shriners, and his use of Cameo, he likely has a lot going on that may keep him from acting for some time. Or, perhaps another role for Tyson could be just around the corner.
Regardless, he has a lot going on in his life at present, and people are waiting to see what will happen next.
His acting resume proves that he has what it takes to be successful in that field. His fans will be eagerly watching to see what the future holds for him.
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Cant believe you didn’t mention Two Moon Junction!
I agree! Same thing happens when you try to look up Sheryl Lyn Fenn, who was the female lead and very nude in “Two Moon Junction.” You can buy used DVDs on Amazon. That was one HOT film. Lorimar Films bought it and released it in like 1985 or 86. I worked there at the time.
Thank God we have normal human being we make mistakes in life that just propeller us to find newer ways we find meaning of real life walk tall smile more love harder it’s part of life
What a remarkable movie Jakes Corner is My wife and I saw a normal human being
You said that Haley Joel Osment played the young Forrest Gump. Not true!! He played his son. This was in the article about the young girl that played the young Jenny.