Richard C. Sarafian

Richard Caspar Sarafian (April 28, 1930 – September 18, 2013) was an Armenian-American film director and actor. He compiled a versatile career that spanned over five decades as a director, actor, and writer. Sarafian is best known as the director of the 1971 film Vanishing Point and the classic The Twilight Zone episode "Living Doll".

Biography Sarafian was born in New York City on April 28, 1930, to Armenian immigrants. While stationed in Kansas City, Missouri during the Korean War (1950–1953) he met the future Hollywood director Robert Altman, and the two became friends.

Sarafian worked with Altman on industrial films and married Altmans sister, Helen Joan Altman. He also acted in a local play Altman directed.

Personal life Sarafian and Helen Altman Sarafian married, divorced, and remarried; she died in 2011. They had five children, including actor Richard Sarafian Jr., actor/director Deran Sarafian, special effects expert Damon B. Sarafian, screenwriter Tedi Sarafian, and Catherine Sarafian.

Death Sarafian died at the age of 83 in Santa Monica, California, on September 18, 2013, of pneumonia, which he contracted while recovering from a broken back.

Filmography Film Director Year Title Director Writer Producer 1962 Terror at Black Falls 1965 Andy 1969 Run Wild, Run Free 1970 Fragment of Fear 1971 Vanishing Point Man in the Wilderness 1973 Lolly-Madonna XXX The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing 1976 The Next Man 1979 Sunburn 1981 Gangster Wars 1984 The Bear 1986 Eye of the Tiger 1987 Street Justice 1990 Solar Crisis* Credited as "Alan Smithee"

Actor Year Title Role Notes 1956 The Magic Bond Short 1976 The Next Man Gregory Zolnikov uncredited 1984 Songwriter Rodeo Rocky 1986 Alien Predator Capt. J.J. Wells voice, uncredited 1987 Street Justice Taxi Driver 1989 To Die For Bartender 1991 Bugsy Jack Dragna 1992 Ruby Proby1994 Gunmen Chief Chavez Roadflower Trucker1995 Don Juan DeMarco Detective Sy Tobias The Crossing Guard Sunny Ventura 1996 Bound Gino Marzzone 1998 Bulworth Vinnie1999 Blink of an Eye Erlik Blue Streak Uncle Lou 2000 Picking Up the Pieces Wino 2001 Dr. Dolittle 2 God Beaver voice 2002 Hitters 2003 Masked and Anonymous President 2007 Reeling Teeth voice, short

Television TV series Director

Actor Year Title Role Notes 1985–1986 Foley Square Spiro Papadopolis 14 episodes 1989 Wiseguy episode: "Le Lacrime D'Amore: Part 2" 1990 MacGyver Caspar Kasabian episode: "Bitter Harvest" 1997 Michael Hayes Restaurant Owner episode: "Retribution"

TV movies Director Shadow on the Land (1968) One of Our Own (1975) The African Queen (1977) A Killing Affair (1977) Disaster on the Coastliner (1977) The Golden Moment: An Olympic Love Story (1980) Splendor in the Grass (1981) Liberty (1986)

Actor

Awards Nominee, Gold Hugo, Best Feature Film – Chicago International Film Festival (The Next Man) (1976)