Born in Canada, Rich Little got his start just like almost every other
comic of his time - night clubs. he was a very popular comic in these
clubs, but if there was one thing Rich was best known for, it was
impersonations. He studied the voices of many stars his whole life,
stars like
James Stewart,
Johnny Carson,
Don Rickles,
Dean Martin,
Truman Capote and
George Burns. In
the late 1960s, Rich was dubbed "the best impressionist in the world."
During the 1970s, however, a rivalry began between him and fellow
impressionist
Frank Gorshin, who is five years older. Ultimately, Rich
overpowered Gorshin and remained the best impressionist in the world.
In 1973 Rich became more associated with
Dean Martin and made countless
appearances on the "Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts," honoring most of the
people he impersonated.
Besides impressions, Rich also had a successful career as a narrator in
many stories, made many appearances in TV series, and hosted many TV
shows. He also made his first movie, as Otterlake in
The Other Side of the Wind (2018) in 1972.
His acting career wasn't as successful as his impressions, but he did
have a great talent. After the 1980s, Rich calmed down and moved away
from the limelight.
In 1998, Rich took a look back at his most remembered moments of his
career: his appearances on the "Dean Martin Roasts," in an infomercial
to promote the Roast videos. Rich says he will ALWAYS remember those
moments.