Not a CBCS member yet? Join now »
CBCS Comics
Not a CBCS member yet? Join now »
Movies TelevisionPop Culture

Richard Moll, veteran character & voice actor, passes away at 8020117

Collector Zombiebigfoot private msg quote post Address this user
“Richard Moll, a veteran character and voice actor best known for his role as the bailiff on the original version of NBC’s “Night Court,” has died, according to Jeff Sanderson, a spokesperson for the family. He was 80.

Moll died peacefully on October 26 at his home in Big Bear Lake, CA, a statement said.

Moll was born in Pasadena, California and attended the University of California, Berkeley, according to the Turner Classic Movies website.

When he began acting, his first jobs were in commercials and bit parts on television shows. Among his early credits were roles on “Welcome Back, Kotter” and “The Rockford Files.” On the former, he played a character simply credited as “Big Thug.”

Indeed he was big – standing at 6’8,” with a hulking presence. In the real world, though, Moll wasn’t as likely to be recognized by “Night Court” viewers if he was sporting a full head of hair. His “Night Court” character, Bull Shannon, was bald, big-hearted and at times a little dense, though not enough to dull his charm or command of moments.

“Night Court,” inarguably Moll’s most notable role, ran for nine seasons on NBC from 1984-1992. The network revived the series this year, with John Larroquette reprising his role from the original show. Moll never appeared on the new iteration.

Following the show’s run, Moll earned credits in movies like “Jingle All the Way” and “Scary Movie 2” and TV shows including “Smallville” and “Spider-Man: The Animated Series.” In fact, voice work was a large part of his post-“Night Court” career. He was the voice of Two-Face in “Batman: The Animated Series” and “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” and had multiple roles in video games.

Speaking to the Tampa Bay Times in 1988, Moll admitted though his comedy was gaining him attention at the time, he had no desire to focus solely on similar roles.

“I want to get into playing heavies again,” he said. “I don’t want to be known purely as a comic actor. I love playing bad guys … it’s such fun.”

Indeed, Moll also had a serious side. In 1989, he testified before the House Select Committee on Aging for more funding for Alzheimer’s Disease research. His father struggled with the disease.

Moll loved the outdoors and spent his retirement in the San Bernardino mountain community of Big Bear Lake. He is survived by his former wife, two children and two stepchildren.”

RIP Mr. Moll, you’ll be fondly remembered and forever missed. 😔💐
Post 1 IP   flag post
Forum Crier OGJackster private msg quote post Address this user
I saw that last night. The original Night Court was one of my favorite comedies. What a bummer RIP Richard Moll.


Post 2 IP   flag post
You do know that the new guy brings the donuts, right? DWeeB1967 private msg quote post Address this user
@OGJackster Agreed and it still holds up well after all these years. RIP.
Post 3 IP   flag post
Collector Rafel private msg quote post Address this user
Rest In Peace Richard Moll.
Post 4 IP   flag post
Collector KCBatmanFan private msg quote post Address this user
R.I.P. to a very talented guy. No mention of his portrayal of “Big Ben” in “House” (the horror comedy with William Katt - not the TV show)? He’s great in that role. Very menacing.
Post 5 IP   flag post
Captain Accident the420bandito private msg quote post Address this user
ah man bummer. Night Court is one of my favotites. RIP
Post 6 IP   flag post
Collector Briten private msg quote post Address this user
One of my favorite comics. I will always remember him as bull.
Post 7 IP   flag post
Miss Chanandler Bong jake private msg quote post Address this user
RIP
Post 8 IP   flag post
Staple topics, nice. makahuka private msg quote post Address this user
Bummer, RIP.
Post 9 IP   flag post
619266 9 9
This topic is archived. Start new topic?