Actor · Writer · Camera and Electrical Department

Richard Edson is a singular talent whose career spans the intersecting worlds of film, television, and avant-garde music. Known for his unforgettable screen presence and deep roots in the American art scene, Edson has carved out a unique path as both a celebrated character actor and an influential musician.
 

Born out of the vibrant post-punk era, Edson was the original drummer for Sonic Youth, contributing to the band’s groundbreaking early sound. Simultaneously, he played trumpet for the downtown dance-funk group Konk, a staple of New York’s no-wave scene. His eclectic musical foundation set the stage for a seamless transition into acting—an evolution sparked by his involvement in the city’s experimental arts movement.

Edson’s breakout film role came in Jim Jarmusch’s cult classic Stranger Than Paradise (1984), where he played the endearingly aimless “Eddie.” The film became a touchstone of American independent cinema, and Edson’s performance helped define its offbeat spirit. He went on to appear in a wide range of acclaimed films, including Desperately Seeking Susan (1985), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), Platoon (1986), Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), and Do the Right Thing (1989). His distinctive energy brought life to roles both comedic and dramatic, from streetwise eccentrics to off-kilter villains.
 

Other film credits include Eight Men Out, Let It Ride, Joey Breaker (in the title role), Super Mario Bros. (as the delightfully devious Spike), Strange Days, and Frankenfish. Edson’s television appearances are equally varied, with roles in The Adventures of Pete & Pete, Shannon’s Deal, and Homicide: Life on the Street, among others.

With over three decades of experience and more than 35 films to his name, Edson remains a dynamic figure in entertainment—effortlessly bridging indie and mainstream, music and film, the absurd and the profound. His body of work reflects a restless creativity and enduring presence that continues to captivate audiences around the world.