Richard Hayward (24 October 1892 – 13 October 1964) was a British film actor, writer and musician.

Life and career

Born in Southport, Lancashire, his family moved to Ireland when he was a baby. Hayward was an enthusiast for all Ulster regional popular culture. He was a member of the Orange Order, to which he dedicated much time. After a period working at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin he helped form the Belfast Repertory Theatre Company. He was a popular singer in the forties and fifties. His career meant he lived a typical theatrical lifestyle being constantly on the move. Hayward wrote a number of travel books about Ireland, exploring every county. He was closely associated with the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club, serving as its president in 1951.

Death

He died after a road accident outside Ballymena, in October 1964.

Selected filmography

Hayward also wrote the screenplay of the musical drama Devil's Rock.

Selected books

He wrote a number of books, mostly topographical, about Ireland, including: