Richard owned and operated a small boutique hotel named 'The Shepherds Arms' which was complete with sheep themed memorabilia including an old stuffed Rams head taking pride of place in the Restaurant. After selling his business he made the move into acting and went on to become a victim of zombie sheep by having his head eaten in the Kiwi cult classic film "Black Sheep"!.Has been vegetarian since he was 8 years old.Stood for Parliament in 2008, reducing the majority by nearly 8000 votes and narrowly missing out becoming an MP by just 700 votes.