Richard Kline is a name that is familiar to American television fans in the 70s and 80s. His role as Larry Dallas in the popular sitcom Three’s Company turned him into a comedic icon, associated with the image of “the tricky best friend” of Jack Tripper (John Ritter). However, behind that witty smile and satirical style is a Richard Kline who had to go through many tragedies in his career and personal life.
Early losses in life: Orphaned at a young age
Richard Kline was born in 1944 in New York City to a Jewish family. One of the first shocks in his life was losing his father when he was only 8 years old. This pain left a deep mark on the young Richard’s soul, causing him to mature early and seek art as a form of healing.
His mother, a strong-willed woman, did everything to raise her son, but the absence of a father in his childhood was always a mark that never faded in the actor’s mind.
Breakthrough in Three’s Company – but also a “shadow” too big
Richard Kline was cast as Larry Dallas in 1977, initially only a supporting role but thanks to his natural acting and charming humor, he quickly became a favorite character. However, the resounding success of the role of Larry was a “double-edged sword” for Kline.
When Three’s Company ended in 1984, Richard Kline had great difficulty finding more serious or profound roles. He was “boxed” into a comedy image, making directors afraid to give him different roles. This is one of the typical tragedies of many famous comedians – success in a role too big limits their career.
The Big Shock of the Sudden Death of Close Friend John Ritter
One of the biggest shocks for Richard Kline was the sudden passing of his close co-star – John Ritter – in 2003 due to a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Kline once shared in an interview that he felt like “a part of his soul was gone”. The two were not only good co-stars on screen but also soul mates in real life.
Kline said that he had to undergo psychological treatment for a short time after John Ritter’s death because he could not overcome the loss. “He was like the brother I never had,” – Richard shared with a choked voice.
A troubled marriage and a turbulent family life
Although he was loved for his humorous image, Richard Kline’s love life was not smooth. He had gone through a broken marriage before remarrying Beverly Osgoode – his current wife. During his first marriage, Richard shared that he had to deal with depression and psychological crisis due to the pressure of work and expectations from the media.
His daughter – Colby Kline – also suffered from mental health issues as a teenager, causing his family to go through an extremely difficult period. Fortunately, the love and perseverance of her family helped her overcome, but it was also a part of the silent tragedy in his life.
Returning to the stage – healing through art
Unable to find many roles on television as before, Richard Kline returned to his first passion: Broadway. He appeared in many plays such as Wicked, City of Angels and Waitress, where he showed his acting talent in many different ways.
Kline once said that the stage was the only place where he could be himself, where he felt heard and connected with the audience in the most genuine way.
Richard Kline Today: A Living Legend and a Lesson in Perseverance
Now, at the age of 80, Richard Kline still appears regularly at events, talk shows and reunions with the Three’s Company cast. He is the only one of the main cast of the series still alive, a fact that has moved him to share his feelings of “loneliness in memories” many times.
He also participates in teaching and inspiring young actors. Richard always emphasizes the importance of perseverance and self-belief, despite social limitations or personal tragedies.
A Life of More Than Laughter
Richard Kline may be remembered for his hearty laughs from Larry Dallas, but behind the stage lights is an artist who has experienced loss, prejudice and suffering. His tragedy is not failure, but a testament to his will to live, to never give up – a valuable lesson in both art and life.
