Richard Masur
Richard Masur
Actor, Director, and Activist
Full Name and Common Aliases
Richard Thomas Masur was born on November 20, 1948.
Birth and Death Dates
November 20, 1948 – present (still active in his career)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American actor, director, and activist
Early Life and Background
Growing up in the New York City area, Richard Masur was born to a family of modest means. His early life was marked by a strong sense of social responsibility, which would later influence his decision to pursue an acting career with a focus on socially conscious roles.
Masur's interest in the arts began at a young age, and he started taking acting classes while still in high school. After completing his education, he enrolled in the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, where he honed his craft under the guidance of renowned instructors such as Sanford Meisner.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Richard Masur has made significant contributions to the world of film and television. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
Winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Mr. Kotter in _The Facts of Life_ (1982)
Being nominated for several additional Emmy Awards for his work on shows such as _Crazy Ex-Girlfriend_, _Frasier_, and _Mad About You_
Making appearances in numerous critically acclaimed films, including _Next Stop, Greenwich Village_ (1976), _See No Evil, Hear No Evil_ (1989), and _The Thing Called Love_ (1993)
Directing several episodes of popular TV series like _Frasier_, _Curb Your Enthusiasm_, and _Mad About You_
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Richard Masur has been a vocal advocate for social justice causes throughout his career. Some notable examples include:
Supporting organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which align with his commitment to making a positive impact on society
Participating in several charity events and fundraisers, including the annual Stand Up to Cancer telethon
* Advocating for increased awareness and funding for cancer research, an issue that has personally affected him
Impact and Legacy
Richard Masur's contributions to the world of entertainment have had a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. His commitment to playing complex, nuanced characters has helped shape the way actors approach their craft today.
Through his work as both actor and director, Masur continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists alike. His dedication to using his platform for social good serves as an enduring testament to the power of creative expression and its potential to drive positive change in the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Richard Masur's influence extends far beyond his impressive body of work, extending into the realm of advocacy and social awareness. His tireless efforts to promote understanding and empathy through the arts have made a lasting impact on audiences and inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps.
As an actor, director, and activist, Richard Masur remains a cherished figure in the entertainment industry, remembered for his unwavering commitment to using his talents for the greater good.
Quotes by Richard Masur
Richard Masur's insights on:
I’ve worked with a ginormous number of people over the years. What happens when you’ve been around for a while, when you run into people whose work you’ve seen and liked and they have seen and liked your work, there’s a sense of you kind of know each other even though you don’t.
If people don’t actively knock the scenery over and they get the words out in something approximating the right order, you’re moving on.
I had a very low voice for the character in the show. I said, “That’s not actually my voice. That’s the character’s voice.” I’m being such an actor.
I’m grateful I got the opportunity to do it because I know this now. If anybody ever asked me to do a daytime show again I would go no, no. I can’t do that. Not because it’s beneath me. It’s above me. It’s beyond my resources.
For example, the first time McDonald’s put a deaf person in a commercial they saw a jump in sales. I think that happens with other kinds of disabilities and products and that is something that is being realized more and more.
But people who think they can project themselves into deafness are mistaken because you can’t. And I’m not talking about imagining what a deaf person’s whole life is like I even mean just realizing what it is like for an instant.
I know deaf people. I have discussed the issues with them I’ve also thought about them a lot so I have some insights that go a little further than people who haven’t had contact with the deaf community.
But people who think they can project themselves into deafness are mistaken because you can't. And I'm not talking about imagining what a deaf person's whole life is like I even mean just realizing what it is like for an instant.
For example, the first time McDonald's put a deaf person in a commercial they saw a jump in sales. I think that happens with other kinds of disabilities and products and that is something that is being realized more and more.