Rex Clive Richards (4 February 1934 - 6 March 1989) was a Welsh rugby union player turned Hollywood actor. He played for Cross Keys RFC until 1955, and earned his single cap for Wales against France at Cardiff Arms Park on 24 March 1956, a match Wales won 5-3.
After his playing career, Richards headed to Hollywood to try his luck as an actor, taking on a number of film roles including the King of Wongo in the cult film 'The Wild Women of Wongo' (1958). He also came close to landing the title role in a Tarzan production, reportedly finishing runner-up out of around 1,000 hopefuls to Gordon Scott.
In 2008, 'The Wild Women of Wongo' received a special screening in Cross Keys, the town where Richards had spent his rugby-playing career, marking the first time the film had been shown there.
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Welsh rugby international turned Hollywood actor, best known for The Wild Women of Wongo (1958).
Rex Richards
Actor and sportsman from Cross Keys, Gwent
Played rugby for Cross Keys RFC in Gwent before his single Wales cap in 1956.
Richards was known in Hollywood circles by the nickname "Tarzan" and came close to winning the title role in a big-screen Tarzan production before losing out to Gordon Scott.
Career Highlights
Capped once for Wales at rugby union, against France in 1956
Played the King of Wongo in the cult film The Wild Women of Wongo (1958)
ℹ️ Born 4 February 1934
ℹ️ Rex died on the 6th of March 1989
Played rugby for Cross Keys RFC in Gwent before his single Wales cap in 1956.
From: rosebud
Played Rugby for Cross Keys and Wales with the nickname 'Tarzan'.
From: futzman
I have two of Rex's LPs, 'HiYa' and 'Rex Looks East and West'. I'm wondering if there are more, if I own the only two he made.