Actor Richards Oguntimehin, widely known by his stage name Don Richard, has shared a remarkable personal health journey, revealing that he experienced significant illness two years after making a conscious decision to quit smoking and drinking. This unexpected turn of events occurred precisely when he anticipated an improvement in his well-being, leading him to reflect on the complex internal reactions the human body undergoes when faced with abrupt lifestyle changes.

Don Richard recounted how his health began to deteriorate post-cessation. “I gave up cigarettes and alcohol completely for two years. But strangely, that’s when the real battle for my life began,” he stated. He described a series of debilitating symptoms, including chest pains, chronic digestive issues, and profound fatigue, none of which could be explained or diagnosed through multiple medical tests. He speculates that his body’s attempt to re-establish balance after prolonged substance use triggered internal imbalances, culminating in months of unexplained illness. He further noted, “It was two years after I stopped smoking and drinking that I had health issues; while in the hospital, I realized that majority sickness happening to eminent personalities are from internal organs.”

Beyond his health revelations, Don Richard boasts a prolific career in the entertainment industry, which he embarked upon in 1989 as a production assistant at NTA Channel 10 in Lagos. A native of Ondo town in Ondo State, he was born and raised in Bariga, Lagos. Over the decades, he successfully transitioned into full-time acting and directing, establishing a strong presence in both English and Yoruba-language films.

His extensive filmography includes notable works such as the English films *The Darkness*, *Man in the Jungle*, and *Oba Omo*. Demonstrating his versatility, he also produced and directed the feature film *Who Is in the Mountain?* In the Yoruba cinema sphere, he has starred in popular productions like *Elede*, *Idajo Ola*, and *Banuso*.

In addition to his practical artistic endeavors, Don Richard has pursued academic excellence, holding a degree in Economics from Abia State University and a master’s in Political Economy from the University of Lagos. Further enhancing his creative prowess, he completed a filmmaking training program in Germany under the Lunebourg School in 2014.

On a personal note, Don Richard is married with children. He frequently emphasizes the importance of discipline and spiritual awareness, particularly within the entertainment industry, which he characterizes as spiritually demanding.