Richard Collins, a writer and producer who was blacklisted during the 1940s communist witch-hunts and later “named names” before the House Un-American Activities Committee, has died at the age of 98 in Ventura, California.
Collins was an uncredited scriptwriter on Orson Welles’ 1943 film “Journey Into Fear.” He was married to actress Dorothy Comingore between 1939 and 1945. She co-starred as Susan Alexander in “Citizen Kane.”
Collins was one of 19 Hollywood writers and directors called by HUAC in 1947. Subpoenaed by HUAC in 1951, Collins, who was under financial pressures because of the blacklisting, identified more than 20 colleagues as communist sympathizers.
He went on to have a 30-year career as a writer and producer on such TV shows as “Bonanza” and “Matlock.”
Twice married, Collins is survived by a son and daughter, two grandsons and a great-granddaughter. He died on Feb. 14, 2013.
__________
Post your comments on the Wellesnet Message Board.