IN LOVING MEMORY
RICHARD JAMES BIGGS
MARCH 18, 1960-MAY 22, 2004
A scholarship fund has been set up for Richard's two children. Please make checks out to:
THE BENEFIT OF THE CHILDREN OF RICHARD BIGGS,
c/o WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK,
840 N SAN FERNANDO BLVD,
BURBANK, CA 91502
ABOVE: The first time Marcus is mentioned in a storyline. Soap Opera Digest, issue 12/29/87, pages 51-52.
ABOVE: The announcement of Richard's first episode on "Days", Soap Opera Digest, issue 12/15/87, page 73.
In happier times, Richard Biggs, the late Joy Garrett, Matthew Ashford, Melissa Reeves, Edward Mallory and Crystal Chappell (Marcus, Jo, Jack, Jennifer, Bill, Carly) pose in a promotional shot for a wedding photo on location in California for Jack and Jennifer's first wedding in June, 1991.
Richard Biggs, who portrayed Marcus Hunter on "Days of Our Lives" from 1987-1992, passed away suddenly of a stroke on Saturday, May 22, 2004. He was 44. Biggs was born on March 18, 1960 in Columbus, Ohio. He was raised on Air Force bases across America. He graduated from the University of Southern California's School of Theater, having studied under esteemed actor John Houseman.
Richard's first career choice was to be a doctor. After appearing in a production of "The Wiz" at the age of 17, his passion turned towards acting. Ironically, as an actor, he ended up playing doctors in most of his roles. Biggs made his acting debut on the May 4, 1985 episode of "T.J. Hooker." He later guest starred in an episode of "The Twilight Zone" and the TV movie "A Fighting Choice" before landing the contract role of Dr. Marcus Hunter on "Days" in November, 1987.
Biggs debuted on "Days" on November 30, 1987, arriving in Salem as one of Patch Johnson's childhood friends. The show went on location to South Carolina to film a storyline dealing with what illegal dealings Marcus had seen while growing up there. His character became a friend to all in Salem as he worked as a doctor at University Hospital. His last appearance came on December 14, 1992, with no fanfare as Marcus was never to be seen again. As a final goodbye to his stay in Salem, Biggs won a Soap Opera Digest award for best supporting actor a few months later in 1993, thanks to the many fans who had voted for him.
After leaving "Days" in 1992, Biggs went on to star in the science fiction series "Babylon 5", as another doctor, Stephen Franklin, for four years from 1994-1998, including three reunion movies. He then went on to the Lifetime drama series "Any Day Now" from 1998-1999. Biggs commuted to New York and returned to daytime television from 2001-2003 as Clayton Boudreaux on "Guiding Light." His final series role was as Roger Garrett on the short-lived "Tremors: The Series" in 2003. Biggs also made guest appearances on "Falcon Crest", "The Garry Shandling Show", "Diagnosis: Murder", "Beverly Hills, 90210", "V.I.P.", "Touched by an Angel", "Strong Medicine", "JAG", "CSI", "NYPD Blue" and "ER." His final screen appearance was, fittingly, as a doctor, on "Crossing Jordan" on April 25, 2004.
He was a part of the "Days" family from episode # 5,623 through episode # 6,918, for a total of 1,295 episodes. I was able to meet Richard on several occasions at the Greenville, South Carolina charity softball events in 1991 and 1992. He was just as friendly and nice as the characters he played. He is survived by his wife of six years, Lori Gerber, and two sons, R.J. and Hunter. The funeral was held on May 26. My condolences go out to his wife, sons and other family members. Rest in peace, Richard.
Richard's first interview with Soap Opera Digest, issue 11/15/88, pages 31, 33 and 136.
