Richard Ward (actor) Richard Ward (actor) Richard Ward (March 15, 1915 – July 1, 1979) was a gravel-voiced African American actor on the stage, television, and in films, from 1949 until his death. Though best known through his TV appearances late in life, both in sitcoms and police procedurals, Ward also had an extensive film resume and a distinguished stage career, one of the highlights of the latter being his portrayal of Willy Loman in the 1972 production of "Death of a Salesman", staged in Baltimore's Center Stage (the first African American production of Arthur Miller's signature opus, produced with the playwright's blessing).
Willy Roper Willy is first seen in June 1995 at the funeral of Tom Palmer, who had an allotment near to Arthur Fowler's in Walford. Willy is also an allotment owner, and he is instrumental in getting Arthur elected as the secretary of the allotment committee. Arthur begins raising money to create a new eco-friendly, urban garden, which is named the Flowering Wilderness Fund. Willy takes a keen interest in all of his financial dealings. By the end of the year Arthur raises £20,000 for the garden, and this is enough to tempt Willy to crime. Willy is the sole carer of