Rich Little Canadian-American parodist and voice actor known as 'The Man of a Thousand Voices'. Date of Birth: 26.11.1938 Country: Canada

1. Early Life and Collaboration
2. Transition to Acting and Impersonations
3. "The Kopycats" and Beyond
4. Legacy and Later Career

Early Life and Collaboration

Richard Caruthers "Rich" Little, known as the "Man of a Thousand Voices," was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Raised as the middle child of three sons to a prominent local physician, Little's journey into entertainment began in his adolescence.

He teamed up with fellow impressionist Geoff Scott, focusing on impersonating Canadian political figures such as Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and Mayor Charlotte Whitton. At just 17, they performed professionally at local nightclubs. Scott's career took an unexpected turn as he became a renowned local politician.

Transition to Acting and Impersonations

After honing his acting skills in Ottawa theaters, Little emerged as a skilled DJ, incorporating humorous impersonations into his sets. In 1963, Mel Tormé contacted Little for a project with Judy Garland. This led to Little's American television debut on "The Judy Garland Show" in 1964.

He became a regular on variety and talk shows, famously known for his impersonation of President Richard Nixon. Little's Nixon parody graced television throughout the 1970s, culminating in his portrayal of Nixon in a "Santa Barbara" fantasy sequence in 1991.

"The Kopycats" and Beyond

Little's most notable television success came with "The Kopycats," a one-hour segment within "The ABC Comedy Hour." Premiering in 1972, the show featured a troupe of actors, including Little, impersonating celebrities in elaborate costumes and makeup.

Despite attempts to break free from his impersonator persona with projects like "The Rich Little Show" and "The New You Asked for It," Little remained synonymous with his comedic impressions. He starred in HBO specials, such as "Rich Little's Christmas Carol" (1978), and made numerous film and album appearances.

Legacy and Later Career

In 1982 and 1983, Little stepped into the role of Chief Inspector Dreyfus in the "Pink Panther" films, a character he had previously voiced in animated shorts. In 2007, he hosted the White House Correspondents' Dinner, garnering both praise and criticism for his humor.

Little has been married four times, most recently in 2012. He resides in Las Vegas, where he continues to perform regularly. His exceptional vocal abilities and ability to capture the essence of various figures have cemented his status as one of the most renowned impressionists of all time.