Top 10 Interesting Facts about Rich Little

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Rich Little

Rich Little performing on Tour- Photo by Dallas Edwards- Wikimedia Commons

Rich Little is a Canadian comedian and the world’s best impressionist from the late 1960s. He had quite an early start to his career; Little began acting professionally when he was a teen. His interest and art was cultivated by listening to the radio, going to the movies, and working in amateur theatre in Ottawa. He had a charm about him making him rather likable. Like most comedians, he got his start on the night club scene where he was very famous.

These top 10 interesting facts about Rich Little delve into Richard Caruthers Little’s successful career.

1. Rich Little Had Alternate Occupations

While he was more famous for comedy, Rich Little was a talented actor and had an acting career albeit not as successful as comedy. His first movie was the 1972 movie ‘The Other Side of the Wind’ where he played Otterlake. He additionally had a career as a narrator, was a great TV host and made many appearances in TV series’. Some of his TV programs include the John Davidson Show in 1969, ABC Comedy Hour in 1972, and the Julie Andrews Hour from 1972 to 1973. The programs he hosted include the Rich Little Show in 1976 and You Asked For It which ran from 1981 to 1983.

2. Little’s US Debut Happened On Judy Garland’s Show

Rich Little has Judy Garland to thank for his breakout in the US scene hence more popularity.  Mel Tormé a musician saw Rich Little on Canadian TV in a variety show and put in a good word for him to get onto Judy’s show. This was way back in 1964. Mel Tormé noticed Little for his singing- among his talents, Little could sing! He graduated from Lisgar Collegiate in 1957, where he was a cheerleader, writing several school cheers.

3. Rich Little Was Crowned World’s Greatest Impressionist

Rich Little Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame- Photo by Tabercil- Wikimedia Commons

Rich Little was named “the world’s greatest impressionist” and got inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 1998. He also has a star to his name on the South side of the 6300 block of Hollywood Boulevard. Additionally, in 1999, he got inducted into the Casino Legends Hall of Fame.

The Casino Legends Hall of Fame recognizes people such as entertainers that have made Las Vegas the gaming and entertainment capital of the world, while the Canadian Hall of fame acknowledges the accomplishments of the Canadian people who are successful.

4. Little Can Impersonate Hundreds Of People

Rich Little and Dora Hall in Once Upon A Tour 1972- Photo by Solo Cup Productions- Wikimedia Commons

With all the voices Rich Little has mastered, he could easily lose his identity in the myriad of voices-  the 1976 Rich Little Show and the 1981 New You Asked for It were both attempts at Little to ‘reclaim’ his voice and ensure that he kept his identity. Some of the many stars he had to study to impersonate include James Stewart, Johnny Carson, Don Rickles, Dean Martin, Truman Capote, and George Burns. 

5. Rich Little Hosted A US High Profile Dinner

Rich Little press photo from Once Upon A Tour 1972- Photo by Solo Cup Productions- Wikimedia Commons

During the former US President George W. Bush’s tenure, Rich Little was selected to host the 2007 White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. He did a great job at it, impersonating 5 presidents and finishing off with the impersonation of George W. Bush. He totally steered off politics as was hoped. The previous year’s dinner had been hosted by a comedian and ended up rather controversial. Rich Little’s success at this dinner was therefore something worth recognizing.

President Bush, in a nod to Little, is quoted as having said that it was important for people in Washington “to learn to laugh” . He also reiterated that space for citizens to poke fun at its leaders was good for democracy.

6. Little Has Written A Memoir

‘Little by Little: People I Have Known and Been’ is Rich Little’s memoir that was released in 2017. In this book, the comedian narrates the origins of his career and how it all came together, as well as tells stories of his experiences with some of the celebrities he impersonates. It was published by 7^th mind publishing.

Rich Little unveiled his book at the Hollywood Museum, complete with book signing.

7. Rich Little Had To ‘Battle It Out’ With Frank Gorshin

In the 1960s Rich Little remained the best impressionist in the world. He however had a period in the 1970s where he struggled to keep this position as a rivalry emerged between him and fellow impressionist Frank Gorshin who was also good in his own right. Being top of the game seemed important for both- Little was able to solidify his position.

8. Little’s Memorable Moments Include “Dean Martin Roasts”

Dean Martin, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra performing on the Judy Garland Show- Photo by CBS Television- Wikimedia Commons

Rich Little highly regards “Dean Martin Roasts”, which was a series of TV specials. He mentioned this in a 1998 walk down memory lane of his career. His gravitation towards that as most memorable had to be due to the program format- roasting celebrities. This must have been fun for the comedian who made many appearances on the show

9. Rich Little Bagged Many Meaningful Awards

With his many achievements, Rich Little did bag several awards besides the induction to the Canadian walk of fame. Starting off this list is the Entertainer of the Year Award in 1974, followed by a Special Award in 1982, Entertainer of the Year, ShoWest Convention. He also won the Maple Leaf Distinguished Arts and Letters Award in 1983.

Rich Little is also a two-time winner of the Best Guest on a Television Talk Show, Cleveland Amory Award. Additionally, he won the Comedy Star of the Year award and the American Guild of Variety Artists Award. Rich Little’s many achievements speak of his talent and versatility.

10. Rich Little Can Get Confused For Mel Blanc

Mel Blanc was an American comedian, voice actor, recording artist, and radio personality.  He could perform in about 400 character voices. The man did about 850 voices for Looney Tunes! He thus got the nickname ‘the man of a thousand voices’. Similarly, Rich Little for obvious reasons got the same nickname. If Rich Little was to be addressed solely by nickname, he could get confused for Mel Blanc.

Rich Little put in the work and it paid off.  After the 1980s, Rich Little retired and stayed off the cameras and limelight.