Despite being well-known for her distinctive Cockney accent, Richard was born in Middlesbrough. After a childhood in which her father committed suicide, Richard worked in various department stores to pay her drama school fees before appearing regularly on-screen from the early 1960s. She became well-known in 1967 playing Joyce Harker in "The Newcomers" until 1969. Richard then starred in two "Carry On" films and popular series including "Dad's Army", appearing as Private Walker's girlfriend, before being cast as Miss Brahms in "Are You Being Served?" in all 69 episodes from 1972 to 1985. She also reprised the role in the sequel series "Grace and Favour" in 1992 and 1993.