Ken Richters

Ken Richters (born July 22, 1955) is an American stage actor, playwright, and voice actor. He is best known for his performances of Mark Twain starring in the one-man theatrical production of Mark Twain On Tour which he has performed since 1981. The summer after graduating eighth grade, he began acting in community theatre. He collaborated with the production team of Gerald Goehring and Douglas C. Evans (Off-Broadway’s Frankenstein, The Musical and Raisin’ Cane) starring in the theatrical tour de force Dead Man Talking

Referred to as the “Man of 1,000 Voice-overs” by the press, he has a long list of commercial and corporate voice-over clients including, Domino's Pizza, Bias Primary Surgical, and Pratt & Whitney. Richters also appears as the opening act for other performers, including The Temptations,

Richters’ performances as Mark Twain were first recognized nationally in 1981 during a performance to members of the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C., when the sold-out event was reported on by newscasters across the United States. He has performed in all 50 states, Canada, and Europe, and was interviewed by Mark Twain scholar Shelley Fisher Fishkin for her book Lighting Out for the Territory published by Oxford University Press.

Richters performed with the American author and journalist Tom Wolfe at the 150th Anniversary Gala celebration for Harper's Magazine in New York City. It was after his performance at this event that he was asked by PBS to provide the voice of Mark Twain for their Culture Shock – Challenging Art series. His career as Mark Twain also includes starring in the one-hour television special America’s First Stand-Up Comedian, touring with the Hartford Symphony Pops in their production Mark Twain, Music & Mischief, and appearances for Fortune 500 companies. Richters was such a hit in Russia, the originally scheduled cultural exchange weekend had to be extended because of high demand. In addition to his performances as Twain, he was scheduled to “present a master class in acting at Moscow State University and attend a round of social events, including a reception and dinner at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.”

1996 U.S. Presidential Debates

Richters was credited as one of the people responsible for bringing the 1996 Presidential Debates between President Bill Clinton and Senator Bob Dole to Hartford, Connecticut. Prior to the debate sites being chosen, the executive director for the Commission on Presidential Debates Janet H. Brown visited Connecticut and saw Richters perform. He was said to have a lasting impression on Brown who stated "I remember sitting there listening and thinking how poignant it was...It was so touching, even moving. I ran outside and said to him, 'We found our moderator.'" The debate in Hartford was the first national election debate ever held in New England.

Philanthropy

Richters supports numerous charities including the Gridiron Greats, a charity that supports retired NFL players who are disabled or have other post-career issues. In 2011, he appeared as a celebrity guest in Dallas, Texas at The Best Party in Texas Super Bowl party hosted by Carmen Electra, Bill Rancic and his wife Giuliana Rancic, and the Feliciano Foundation. All proceeds from the star-studded Super Bowl party were being donated to charity. He also raises money for charity by performing as Mark Twain, including a public debate with Hartford mayor Mike Peters. He has also performed at the annual benefit production for Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.