B-Movie Star Richard Harrison Dies at 90

American actor Richard Harrison, famed for his extensive work in international sword-and-sandal epics, spaghetti Westerns, and ninja movies, died on Friday at the age of 90. His death occurred from natural causes in Los Angeles. Harrison began his career with minor Hollywood roles before transitioning to Italy, where he quickly became a leading man in films like 'The Invincible Gladiator' (1962).

His European career also included the spaghetti Western 'Gunfight in the Red Sands' (1963). Although he turned down a role in Sergio Leone's 'A Fistful of Dollars,' Harrison later recommended Clint Eastwood for the iconic part. As European productions waned in the late 1970s, he shifted to starring in numerous low-budget ninja films produced in Hong Kong for about a decade.

Born in Salt Lake City on May 26, 1935, Harrison moved to Hollywood at 17. He worked in gyms and modeled before pursuing acting lessons. His career encompassed over 100 B-films, and he even directed a few. Harrison hosted influential industry dinner parties and maintained close friendships with many Hollywood figures. He also assisted Soviet actor Oleg Vidov in defecting in Rome during the Cold War in 1985.

Harrison returned to Los Angeles in 1986. He and his second wife built a home in Malibu, which was tragically lost in a wildfire last year. He is survived by his wife, Francesca, whom he married in 1978, and three of his four children. His approach to his career was unique, often choosing projects based on travel opportunities rather than scripts.