- Crenna had a recurring role on Judging Amy (1999) as Jared Duff, the fiancé of Maxine Gray, Tyne Daly's character. His unexpected death prompted the writers of the series to have his character die unexpectedly as well, just before Jared and Maxine were to be married. Requiem (2003) was dedicated to Crenna's memory.
- Crenna's character, Colonel Denton Walters, in Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993), is a tip of the hat to his old character Walter Denton in the radio and television series Our Miss Brooks (1952).
- Was successfully treated for thyroid cancer, which almost claimed his voice.
- He was the only cast member to appear in all 224 episodes of The Real McCoys (1957).
- He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6714 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on May 23, 1988.
- He spoofed his role from the Rambo movie series in Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993).
- He was one of the first (if not, the first) adult actors (over 21 years-old) playing a high school teenager on television. He was 25 years-old when he started playing high school student Walter Denton on Our Miss Brooks (1952).
- His parents were both of Italian descent.
- Had appeared in one film nominated for Best Picture Academy Award: The Sand Pebbles (1966).
- Passed away just four months after his The Real McCoys (1957) co-star Tony Martinez.
- Received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from the University of Southern California (USC).
- Had three children - Seana Crenna, a social worker (born 1955); Richard Anthony Crenna, an actor (born 1959); and Maria Crenna, a CBS Vice-president (born 1966). Also had two grandchildren - Emma Crenna (born 1994) and Isabella Crenna (born 1997).
- The June 11, 1969, and also August 20, editions of Variety, in its Hollywood Production Pulse column, shows Richard Crenna starring with Robert Conrad and Tippi Hedren in the movie Seven Against Kansas, directed by David Friedkin, which began filming on June 10, 1969, in Almeria, Spain. No evidence once the movie was ever completed.
- Attended Virgil Junior High School on Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Currently known as Virgil Middle School.
- Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume 7, 2003-2005, pages 111-112. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale (2007).
- Attended and graduated from Belmont High School in Los Angeles, California (1944).
- Member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the University of Southern California.
- Liked playing golf.
- He was 11 when he was recommended for a part in a Los Angeles radio show, Boy Scout Jamboree and stayed with it 11 years.
- When 11 he was recommended for a part in a Los Angeles radio show which he got and stayed for 11years.
- He and his wife formed the company Pendick Enterprises to handle all their business concerns including real estate.
- He was also in a series Our Miss Brooks and transferred with it when it became a television series.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content