Riddle decided he wanted to be an actor after he wrote to silent screen
star Billie Dove and she responded with an autographed picture. In
addition to becoming an actor, Riddle started a collection of movie
memorabilia. It eventually grew to more than 1,700 items that he
donated to his alma mater, Murray State University in Kentucky, in
2001. Riddle's first professional job was in summer stock in Allentown,
PA. He roomed with Jack Lemmon, who became a lifelong friend. He also
worked in four Elvis Presley movies. In all, Riddle appeared in some
two dozen movies and over 400 television shows.
About James Dean: We worked as extras on 'Beat the Clock' (TV game show) in 1950, trying out the stunts before the audience did them. It paid $5 a day.
About Elvis Presley: He was such a sweetheart when I worked with him. He wasn't into drugs or alcohol then. He got every prayer he uttered answered, and he couldn't handle it.