He’s been called "The Man of a Thousand Voices," and honestly, there couldn’t be a better nickname for Rich Little. Born on November 26, 1938, Rich discovered his incredible talent early in life. Back in school, he started mimicking his teachers, often answering questions in their voices. “That didn’t annoy them as much as my giving them the wrong answer did,” he chuckles during our latest episode of the Classic TV podcast. His ability to transform into anyone with just his voice has made him a legend in the entertainment world.
From Ontario to Hollywood: The Early Days
Rich Little’s journey began in Ontario, where he started dabbling in amateur acting while working as a radio disc jockey. It was during this time that he began incorporating his famous impersonations into his shows. He recorded a few comedy albums and started performing at comedy clubs, slowly building a reputation for himself. A big break came when he auditioned for the legendary Mel Torme, who booked him for an episode of The Judy Garland Show in 1964. That single appearance changed everything for Rich. Soon, he was starring in sitcoms like Love on a Rooftop, That Girl, The Flying Nun, and Petticoat Junction. He also became a regular guest on variety shows, including a recurring role on The Julie Andrews Show. His appearances on The Tonight Show were especially memorable, where he delighted audiences—and even host Johnny Carson—with his spot-on impersonations.
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(Photo by Ted Dinsmore/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Impersonating Legends: The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts
One of the most memorable highlights of Rich Little’s career was his participation in The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts. As the title suggests, these were epic evenings where the biggest stars of the time gathered to roast each other. Rich would stand at the center of the stage, flawlessly impersonating everyone from Jimmy Stewart and John Wayne to George Burns, Jack Benny, and even Dean Martin himself. His presidential impersonations were equally legendary, from Nixon and Reagan to both Bushes and even Donald Trump. But according to Rich, President Reagan stood out as the funniest of them all. In fact, Reagan once joked, “You know, Rich, you do me so much better than I do, that when I die they should bury you.”
A Conversation with Rich Little
Join us for an engaging conversation with Rich Little on the Classic TV & Film podcast. Get ready to laugh as he shares stories and drops a few impersonations along the way. It’s a chance to hear from one of the most talented and versatile entertainers in history.
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