Richard Crane (June 6, 1918 – March 9, 1969) was a handsome American actor who, after a long career as a supporting player, became a hero to a generation of young television viewers as the star of the classic 1950s sci-fi series, Rocky Jones, Space Ranger.
Crane began his career in the 1940s and was a familiar face in numerous films, often in uncredited bit parts. His all-American good looks made him a natural for heroic roles, and he became a B-movie icon by starring as the jet-packed hero Jeff King in the thrilling 1949 Republic Pictures serial, King of the Rocket Men.
In 1954, Richard Crane landed the role that would define his career, playing the brave and steadfast leader of the United Worlds of the Solar System in Rocky Jones, Space Ranger. After his sci-fi fame, he continued to work extensively in television, with a long-running recurring role as Dr. Robert Judson on the popular primetime soap opera Peyton Place. His career was cut short when he died of a heart attack in 1969 at the age of 50.
