February 1977 - One time roommate of Andy Kaufman, he originated on stage at the Improv at 2:30 am the "has-been corner" bit Kaufman used in his TV specials.
He has played the love interest of both Natalie Wood and her sister Lana Wood in 2 separate films: Tony opposite Natalie's Maria in West Side Story (1961), and Dean opposite Lana's Karen in Scream Free! (1969) (aka Free Grass).
He hated his performance in West Side Story (1961) and left the London premiere half way through the film's screening, before he could be presented to Queen Elizabeth II.
In West Side Story (1961) his singing was dubbed by Jimmy Bryant.
Is probably best remembered for playing Tony in West Side Story (1961).
While in Italy filming _Barabbas(1961)_in 1961 Richard Beymer became captivated by a beautiful high school girl who had been doing extra work in the movie. The following year when he was back in California and the girl too had moved back to the United States, the two renewed communication and he encouraged her to pursue a career in film, which she did. They saw quite a lot of each other for over a year, and remained on friendly terms thereafter. The girl's name was Sharon Tate.