He later became a hotel manager and a highly prominent sports journalist in print, radio and television for more than 50 years, and he was known for his wit and vivacity.
[2] Richards also had a long career in the media, beginning as a sport journalist for The Argus and later The Sun News-Pictorial, where he gained the nickname of "Louie the Lip".
He was a very popular commentator on both radio and television, the latter on Channel 7 with his great mates Jack Dyer and Bob Davis.
In 1959, he transferred to 3DB, where, as well as being a football commentator, he participated in sports panels and for four years teamed up with well-known DB personality Dick Cranbourne to host the station's breakfast program.
[4] As a football tipster, Richards was known as a Kiss of Death and regularly backed up his tips with famous dares: "I'll cut Teddy Whitten's lawn with nail scissors" or "I'll jump off St Kilda pier.
[7] At the end of 2008, Richards retired from hosting the handball segment on the Sunday Footy Show, and he subsequently made only occasional public appearances.
[15][16] The Richards family accepted the Victorian Government's offer of a state funeral, which took place at St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral on 17 May 2017.
[17] Richards' funeral was attended by many prominent politicians, footballers, coaches, media personalities, family, and friends.
Prominent people who paid their respects included Nathan Buckley, Garry Lyon, Billy Brownless, Ron Barassi, Rex Hunt, Kevin Sheedy, Bob Skilton, Mick Malthouse, Peter McKenna, and Eddie McGuire, who was one of Lou's eulogisers.
Labor leader Bill Shorten, Victorian senator Derryn Hinch, and bosses of the AFL were also among those gathered.
Joseph continued to relay Richards' own self-eulogy: "You better start thinking about what you are going to say, because it will be a bloody big funeral.
"[20] Due to Lou feeling underpaid at his time with Channel Seven, Joseph added on Richards' behalf: "Tell Nicole and Kim to make sure they get a good quid for the television rights.