Theatre. Besides teaching and practicing law, Richard is extremely interested in the arts. He founded the Cannon Community Playhouse in 1979 and was instrumental in the establishment of the Arts Center of Cannon County in 1990. In addition, Richard is a professional actor and playwright. He is a former president of the Tennessee Theatre Association, chair of the Performing Arts Panel for the Tennessee Arts Commission, and author of the publication, The Economic Impact of the Arts in Tennessee.
Family. Richard was born in Woodbury, Tennessee on April 19, 1945. His mother, also born in Cannon County, is Annie Lefevers Northcutt. She died in 1995. His father is Nolan Anderson Northcutt, otherwise known as "Dude." When Dude's parents both died, he came to Woodury as a boy to live with his uncle Selmer Jennings. Dude owned and operated Northcutt Motor Company for forty years. He also served as mayor of Woodbury and as county executive. Richard has two sisters: Ann McBride, mother of five children; and Faye Northcutt-Knox. Richard, his father, and his two sisters all live in Cannon County, Tennessee.
For a chart of Northcutt genealogy, please see Northcutt Descendants.