Richter Family Genealogy & History

Andy Richter, born Paul Andrew Richter on October 28, 1966, is a renowned American actor, comedian, writer, and talk show announcer, widely recognized as Conan O'Brien's sidekick on "Late Night," "The Tonight Show," and "Conan." He starred in the Fox TV series "Andy Richter Controls the Universe" and voiced Mort in the "Madagascar" film franchise. Richter's career began in the Chicago improv scene and later expanded to writing and performing, including a notable run on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" starting in 1993. His work on television, particularly his dynamic with O'Brien, has earned him a prominent place in late-night comedy.

Richter was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is the second of four children. His mother, Glenda Swanson, was a kitchen cabinet designer, and his father, Laurence R. Richter, taught Russian at Indiana University for over 32 years. Raised in Yorkville, Illinois, Richter is of Swedish and German descent. His parents divorced when he was four, and his father later came out as bisexual, adding a complex layer to his family history.

Max Richter is a renowned German-born British composer and pianist known for his work in postminimalist and contemporary classical music. He has achieved significant career milestones, including graduating from the University of Edinburgh and the Royal Academy of Music, and studying under Luciano Berio. Richter co-founded the ensemble Piano Circus and collaborated with The Future Sound of London and Roni Size. His solo albums, like "Memoryhouse" and "The Blue Notebooks," have been critically acclaimed, with the latter named one of the best classical works of the century by The Guardian. Richter's music is frequently used in film and television, further cementing his influence in contemporary classical music.

Gerhard Richter, born on February 9, 1932, is a renowned German visual artist celebrated for his diverse body of work, including abstract and photorealistic paintings, photographs, and glass pieces. Recognized as one of the most influential contemporary German artists, Richter's artworks have set record prices at auction. He is often hailed as the "greatest living painter" and the "Picasso of the 21st century." With a career marked by innovative styles, he introduced "Capitalistic Realism" alongside fellow artists, challenging traditional art norms and contributing significantly to modern art movements.

Gerhard Richter was born in Dresden, Saxony, to parents Hildegard Schönfelder and Horst Richter. His father, a mathematics and physics student, later worked as a village teacher, while his mother, passionate about literature and music, trained as a bookseller. Hildegard's father, Ernst Alfred Schönfelder, was once a gifted pianist, moving the family to Dresden for a brewing enterprise. Richter's family faced the challenges of World War II, including losses and the impact of the Nazi regime, which deeply influenced his early life.

Jason James Richter, an American actor and musician born on January 29, 1980, is best known for his iconic role as Jesse in the Free Willy film series. This breakthrough role was secured after he was chosen from over 4,000 candidates. His filmography also includes roles in Cops & Robbersons, The NeverEnding Story III, and Free Willy sequels. He also appeared in Michael Jackson's "Childhood" music video. After a hiatus from acting where he played bass in the band Fermata, Richter returned to the big screen in 2021 with the thriller The Little Things. His career highlights showcase his versatility and enduring appeal in the entertainment industry.

Richter was born in Medford, Oregon, to Sandra "Sandy" Montgomery, an actress, and Gregory Lynn Richter, a member of the U.S. Navy. His family moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, when he was three, where he got his first acting break. In 1989, they relocated to San Diego, California, marking another chapter in his early life and career beginnings.