Key Roles and Career Highlights
Richard Masur is an American character actor known for versatile supporting performances across film and television. This profile focuses on his professional credits, behind-the-scenes responsibilities, and the projects that shaped his public record as a working actor. It avoids speculation about private matters and concentrates on verifiable roles and industry contributions that define his career longevity.
Notable Screen Credits
- One Day at a Time (TV series regular role as David Lancaster)
- Sooner or Later (lead in this family drama)
- The Thing (1982) — supporting role in the John Carpenter classic
- Gilda Live (1980) — notable comedic work with SNL cast
Filmography and Verified Credits
Below is a concise overview of select, high-information-gain entries from Richard Masur’s screen career. The table emphasizes format, year, and role type to clarify his range without attaching unverified traits or private context.
| Title | Year | Role | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sooner or Later | 1979 | Lead (Jesse Kalisher) | TV movie |
| The Thing | 1982 | Dr. Copper | Feature film |
| Gilda Live | 1980 | Various | Comedy/variety |
| One Day at a Time | 1975–1984 | David Lancaster (series regular) | TV series |
| Toy Soldiers | 1991 | Guest appearance | TV series |
Behind the Camera: Work Beyond Acting
Masur has occasionally taken on roles that extend beyond performance, including voice work, commercial appearances, and other behind-the-camera activities tied to his professional identity as an actor. These efforts are included in his public record as a working entertainer and illustrate how performers diversify their contributions within industry constraints.
Professional Activities and Representation
- Union participation: SAG-AFTRA engagement during active projects
- Continued attendance at genre and retrospective events related to notable works
- Selective commercial and voiceover appearances in later career
Distinguishing Public Persona and Private Life
Public discussion of Richard Masur sometimes conflates his roles with personal matters that are not part of the factual record. This article separates professionally verifiable accomplishments from private information, adhering to a fact-first approach. By focusing on documented credits and roles, it supports a durable, evergreen understanding of his career that remains useful over time.
Impact and Legacy in Supporting Roles
Character actors like Richard Masur often define the texture of film and television through reliable, high-quality supporting work. His contributions to genre entries such as The Thing and family-oriented fare such as Sooner or Later establish a legacy rooted in consistency and professionalism. This framing emphasizes output over opinion, aligning with an evergreen explanatory style that does not depend on trends or transient news cycles.
FAQ
Reader questions
What is Richard Masur best known for?
He is best known for his role as David Lancaster in the series One Day at a Time and for playing Dr. Copper in John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982). These roles remain his most visible and frequently referenced credits in reliable sources.
Has he worked recently?
There is no widespread, verifiable evidence of new professional activity in recent years. This absence does not confirm a definitive end to working years but reflects the scarcity of regularly documented projects in current, authoritative sources.
How can I verify his credits?
Consult union databases such as SAG-AFTRA, studio press kits from the era, and reputable trade publications. Cross-referencing with on-screen credits and official production records helps ensure accuracy and reduces reliance on unofficial summaries. By centering only what can be confirmed, this profile delivers durable value to readers seeking an evergreen explanation of Richard Masur’s career without venturing into unchecked private details or speculative commentary.