Richard Anderson, the veteran character actor best known for his role as Oscar Goldman in the hit TV series The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman, has died at his home in Beverly Hills in the US. He was 91.
A World War II veteran, New Yorker Anderson started out in Hollywood as a messenger at studio MGM and went on to have over 180 screen roles to his name.
His film credits included Paths of Glory, Forbidden Planet and Seven Days in May, while his lengthy TV career included other iconic series such as Charlie's Angels, Dynasty and The A-Team.
His most famous role, however, was that of Oscar Goldman, the handler of Lee Majors and Lindsay Wagner's secret agent characters in The Six Million Dollar Man and spin-off The Bionic Woman. Anderson played Goldman concurrently in the Seventies TV favourites.
Paying tribute, The Six Million Dollar Man star Majors said: "I met Richard in 1967 when he first guest starred on The Big Valley - we worked together on five episodes.
"In 1974, he joined me as my boss, Oscar Goldman, in The Six Million Dollar Man. Richard became a dear and loyal friend, and I have never met a man like him. I called him 'Old Money'.
"His always stylish attire, his class, calmness and knowledge never faltered in his 91 years," Majors continued.
"He loved his daughters, tennis and his work as an actor. He was still the sweet, charming man when I spoke to him a few weeks ago. I will miss you, my friend."
"I can't begin to say how much I have always admired and have been grateful for the elegance and loving friendship I was blessed to have with Richard Anderson," said Bionic Woman star Wagner. "He will be greatly missed."
Anderson is survived by his three daughters, Ashley, Brooke and Deva.
"Our dad was always there for us and showed us by loving example how to live a full and rich life with gratitude, grace, humour and fun," Ashley Anderson said in a statement.
