**Richard Beymer** (Avon, Connecticut, 1938) is an American actor, primarily known for his young leading roles in the 1950s and 1960s.

He rose to prominence playing Peter van Daan in *The Diary of Anne Frank* (1959), where he displayed remarkable sensitivity and youthful innocence. His most iconic role was that of Tony in the musical *West Side Story* (1961), which solidified his status as a teen idol and romantic lead. In this film, Beymer skillfully conveyed the passion and tragedy of his character.

Often cast as gentle, vulnerable, or idealistic characters, Beymer embodied the "nice guy" archetype on the big screen. Although his main film career was concentrated during that period, he continued to act, also appearing in the acclaimed TV series *Twin Peaks*. His portrayal of Tony remains a memorable figure in musical cinema.