Tom Richards

Thomas Richards (born 22 March 1948) is an Australian former actor on television soap operas.

He is best known for roles including in Matlock Police as Steve York from 1973 and 1976 and in the 1980s soap opera Sons and Daughters as David Palmer from 1982 until 1987, opposite co-star Leila Hayes. He is an Australian former television actor best known for his roles in iconic Australian soap operas and dramas.

Throughout four decades as a performer Richards continued to become recognised through his portrayals of roles in police dramas, medical series and family soap operas. He started by making brief appearances in the Crawford TV Productions series Homicide and Division 4 and Ryan.

Early life and education Tom Richards was born on 22 March 1948,

The television industry in Melbourne flourished in the 1970s so Richards relocated there seeking career advancement. During the early years of his television career Richards appeared in crime series including Homicide, Division 4 and Ryan where he demonstrated his strength in powerful character portrayal. The theatrical experience from his past proved essential for Richards to get major television parts in police shows and soap operas. His strong acting foundation during the first half of his career created the basis for which he became renowned in Australian entertainment over more than four decades.

Career The Twelfth Night Theatre in Brisbane was Richards' initial training ground. He subsequently moved to Melbourne in the early 1970s, to further his career, securing supporting roles parts in three police procedural series across the 1970s, including Homicide, Division 4 and Ryan.

Recognition came in 1972 when he won the role of young, stubborn, slightly unorthodox Senior Detective Steve York in Australian police drama Matlock Police, The character was first introduced in episode 100, and he played him for four years. The role earned him further television roles in Cop Shop and The Box.

The television program Sons and Daughters granted Richards further success, in the main role of David Palmer in 1982. The career-defining role lasted for six seasons, through to 1987. The series became successful in Britain, expanding Richards' fame internationally.