Richard Moll - Remembering A Beloved Actor
The entertainment world recently said a quiet farewell to a truly memorable face, someone who brought a particular kind of warmth and humor to our screens. This person, Charles Richard Moll, was a performer from the United States, known for bringing characters to life. His passing, which happened on a Thursday at his residence in Big Bear Lake, California, at the age of eighty, certainly marked the end of an era for many who grew up watching him. It's a moment that makes you pause, thinking about the people who shaped our viewing experiences over the years, and how they become a part of our collective memory, you know?
Richard Moll was, in a way, more than just an actor; he was a presence, a figure who could command attention without needing to shout or make a huge fuss. His contributions to television, particularly through a very popular show, left a lasting impression on a great many people. He had this remarkable ability to make an impact, even in roles that might seem, on the surface, to be just a small part of a larger story, but they were actually quite significant.
For those who appreciated his work, and there were so, so many, his memory continues to bring a smile. He was a familiar face, a comforting presence on our televisions for years and years. It's a bit like saying goodbye to an old friend you've known for a long time, someone whose work genuinely brought a bit of joy into your home, which is, honestly, a pretty special thing for any performer to achieve.
Table of Contents
- A Life in Performance - Richard Moll's Beginnings
- Personal Information - Richard Moll
- What Made Richard Moll So Recognizable?
- The Courtroom's Gentle Giant - Richard Moll as Bull Shannon
- How Did Richard Moll's Portrayal Impact Audiences?
- When Did We Say Goodbye to Richard Moll?
- Where Can We Learn More About Richard Moll's Acting Work?
- Richard Moll's Lasting Legacy in Television
A Life in Performance - Richard Moll's Beginnings
Richard Moll was, at his core, an American actor, someone who took on different parts and brought them to life for audiences to see. He made his living by portraying various individuals, stepping into their shoes and giving them a voice, which is, in some respects, a truly creative way to spend one's working life. He was someone who put his effort into acting, making it his professional pursuit, and he certainly made an impression on many.
His initial recorded appearance in a performance came about in the year 1977. This was for a motion picture that told the story of a real person, an American figure named Brigham Young. In this particular film, which was a kind of biographical movie, Richard Moll took on the part of the Mormon leader himself. This was his first official credit, the very start of what would become a significant career in front of the camera, giving him a foundation to build upon, you know, for all the work that came after.
Personal Information - Richard Moll
| Full Name | Charles Richard Moll |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Passing | Thursday, October 26 (at age 80) |
| Physical Stature | 6 feet, 8 inches tall |
| Known For | Actor, Voice Actor |
What Made Richard Moll So Recognizable?
There were a couple of things that made Richard Moll stand out in a crowd, even on screen, and these really helped define his presence. One of the most striking things about him was his physical size. He was a truly tall individual, standing at six feet and eight inches. This height, which is quite a bit above average, gave him a very distinct appearance, making him easy to spot and remember, so, you know, he certainly made an impression just by being himself.
Along with his considerable height, Richard Moll also possessed a voice that was equally distinctive. He had what people would describe as a powerful bass voice, a deep, resonant sound that carried weight and authority. This combination of his towering physical build and his deep, booming voice meant that when he appeared, whether on screen or simply in a room, you definitely noticed him. These were the characteristics that helped him make a name for himself, allowing him to leave a lasting mark in the minds of those who saw and heard him, which is actually pretty cool.
The Courtroom's Gentle Giant - Richard Moll as Bull Shannon
While he took on many different acting assignments, Richard Moll is perhaps most widely recognized for a specific part he played on a television show. This was the character of Aristotle Nostradamus Bull Shannon. He was the bailiff, a kind of court officer, on the NBC sitcom "Night Court." This role became his signature, the one that most people immediately connect with his name, making him a truly familiar face in many homes across the country, you know, for a good long while.
The character of Bull Shannon was portrayed as someone a bit unusual, perhaps even eccentric, but at the same time, he was shown to be a kind and gentle person. Despite his very large size, which could seem intimidating to some, he had a tender side, making him a really beloved figure on the program. He was, in a way, a giant with a heart of gold, a character that viewers grew to love because of his unique blend of oddness and genuine warmth, which is, honestly, a pretty neat trick for an actor to pull off.
The show "Night Court," where Richard Moll played this memorable role, ran for quite a number of years. It was on the air from 1984 all the way through to 1992, which is a pretty long run for any television program. During those years, he was a constant presence, appearing as the bailiff and becoming a fixture in the lives of many viewers who tuned in regularly. It was a show that found its audience, and his character was definitely a big part of why people kept coming back, as a matter of fact.
How Did Richard Moll's Portrayal Impact Audiences?
Richard Moll's work as Bull Shannon brought him a lasting kind of recognition. He found a sort of enduring popularity, particularly because of how he played this specific character. People really took to Bull, finding him to be a person they truly liked and enjoyed watching. This meant that Richard Moll, the actor, became widely known and appreciated for that particular performance, securing his place in the hearts of many television watchers, which is, I mean, a pretty wonderful thing for an actor.
The character of Bull Shannon became a favorite for many, and it's how a lot of people remember Richard Moll today. He was the "beloved bailiff," a phrase that captures just how much affection viewers had for his on-screen persona. Even years after the show finished its initial run, when people talk about "Night Court," his character is one of the first things that comes to mind, illustrating just how deeply his portrayal connected with the audience, so, you know, that's a real mark of success.
When Did We Say Goodbye to Richard Moll?
The news of Richard Moll's passing came on a Thursday. He was eighty years old when he passed away, marking the end of a long and active life. This event, his death, was reported on October 26, which is when the public became aware of the sad news. It's always a moment of reflection when someone who has been a part of popular culture for so long leaves us, making you think about the passage of time, as a matter of fact.
He passed away in the comfort of his own residence. His home was located in Big Bear Lake, California. This means he was in a familiar place, surrounded by his own things, at the time of his passing. The fact that he was at home suggests a peaceful departure, which is, you know, something many people hope for at the end of their lives, and it's a small detail that might offer some comfort to those who admired him.
Where Can We Learn More About Richard Moll's Acting Work?
Beyond his most famous role, Richard Moll was someone who had a considerable amount of experience in his profession. He was considered a seasoned performer, someone who had spent many years working in the acting world. This included not only appearing on screen in various parts but also lending his distinctive voice to different projects. Being a character actor means he took on a wide array of roles, often playing individuals who might not be the main focus but who certainly added flavor and personality to whatever story they were in. His voice work, too, meant he contributed to productions where his physical presence wasn't seen, but his unique vocal quality was definitely heard, which is, you know, another aspect of his craft.
Richard Moll's Lasting Legacy in Television
Richard Moll left behind a clear mark on the television landscape, primarily through his portrayal of Bull Shannon. His performance in "Night Court" created a character that people still talk about and remember with fondness. It's a role that truly stood the test of time, remaining popular years after the show aired its final episodes. This enduring popularity is a testament to his skill as an actor and the unique qualities he brought to the part, making him a true icon of sitcom television, in a way.
The fact that he is so widely remembered for this one character speaks volumes about the impact he had. It's not every actor who gets to create a figure that becomes so ingrained in the public consciousness. Richard Moll managed to do just that, giving us a character that felt both larger than life and incredibly human, a gentle giant who made us laugh and, sometimes, even feel a little bit of warmth. His contributions to entertainment, especially through this role, will certainly continue to be appreciated by generations of viewers, which is, honestly, a pretty cool thing.
This article has explored the life and career of Charles Richard Moll, an American actor primarily recognized for his portrayal of the bailiff Aristotle Nostradamus Bull Shannon on the NBC sitcom "Night Court" from 1984 to 1992. It covered details about his passing at age 80 in Big Bear Lake, California, his imposing 6'8" stature and powerful bass voice, and his earlier work, including his first credit in 1977 as Brigham Young. The piece also touched on his lasting fame as a character and voice actor, particularly highlighting the beloved nature of his "Night Court" role.
Pictures of Richard Moll
Richard Moll – Movies, Bio and Lists on MUBI
Pictures of Richard Moll
