Richard Denning Biography

Fast Facts

• After more than 20 years working in TV, he received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• After being rejected by Warner Brothers he signed with Paramount, who made him change his name to Richard Denning, seeing as his birth name Denninger sounded too much like infamous gunman John Dillinger
• Quote: "I never really had any trouble getting along with anybody I worked with, and I think that makes a difference․ I enjoyed everything I've ever done, and when I look back I really have no regrets․ It was a wonderful business․"
• Quote: "I'm very grateful for a career that wasn't spectacular, but always made a living or filled in in between․ I have wonderful memories of it, but I don't miss it․"
• In 1968 he agreed to play the role as governor on the CBS series "Hawaii Five-O,” but he didn’t want to be in every episode
• Starred as Lucille Ball’s husband in the CBS radio show "My Favorite Husband," but when offered a TV deal he turned it down, insisting that her real husband Desi Arnaz play her TV husband
• He was retired and living on the island Maui with his wife Evelyn Ankers, when he was offered the role on "Hawaii Five-O․"