The Man Behind the Masks: Rich Little's Unstoppable Career
Here’s a guy who didn’t just dip his toe into the comedy waters—he dove in headfirst. Impressionist Rich Little, a household name for decades, initially signed on for a 12-week gig at the Laugh Factory inside Las Vegas’ iconic Tropicana back in 2015. Fast forward to today, and the man’s still rocking the stage multiple times a week because, well, the people can’t get enough of him. This isn’t just any act; it’s the longest-running one-man show in the history of Sin City, folks. That’s right—a record-breaker who keeps the energy alive and the laughter flowing night after night.
Now, Rich isn’t exactly a spring chicken anymore—this year, he’s celebrating his 84th birthday. But don’t let his age fool you. He’s as sharp as ever and still giving it his all on stage. "I never imagined I'd still be working at my age," Rich admits candidly to Closer. To keep his stamina up, he’s got a daily routine that includes swimming laps and riding a stationary bike. "I tell myself I can’t keep this up forever, but as long as I have my health and people keep coming to enjoy the show, it’s incredibly inspiring," he shares with a smile.
Keeping It Fresh: Current Events and Celebrity Impressions
Rich Little isn’t just coasting on his decades of experience; he’s constantly evolving his act to reflect the times. "It’s important to shake things up every once in a while—it keeps the mind sharp," he says. And believe me, this guy stays sharp by tuning into the news regularly, staying up-to-date on global happenings. Rich, who became an official American citizen in 2010, has even added impressions of both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump to his set list. "Trump isn’t one of my best impressions, but audiences seem to love it," he laughs. "And with Biden, the guy practically hands me new material every single day!"
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A Presidential Seal of Approval: The Reagan Connection
While Rich hasn’t received direct feedback from the current White House residents on his impersonations, he did have a pretty impressive fan in the late President Ronald Reagan. "Ronald Reagan absolutely adored my impression of him," Rich reminisces fondly. "He’d say, ‘Rich, I think you do me better than I do. You’re so good that when I pass away, they should bury you instead of me!’" Now, that’s some high praise right there.
Stories from the Stage: Celebrity Friendships and Roasts
Rich’s act isn’t just about the impressions—it’s also about the stories. He loves sharing tales from his long career, like the time he tried to teach Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart how to do an impression of himself. "That was one of my favorite routines from my appearances on The Dean Martin Roast," he recalls with a chuckle. Of course, not everyone appreciated his humor. "Paul Lynde from Hollywood Squares wasn’t a fan of my impression of him," Rich shares. "He’d make this terrible face, look straight into the camera, and say, ‘Who is he doing? Who is that? Go get a day job!’ Let’s just say Paul wasn’t exactly amused."
Art Meets Comedy: Rich Little’s Charcoal Sketches
Rich, who’s divorced and shares his Las Vegas home with a one-eyed cat named T-Bo, brings another creative dimension to his performances by incorporating his charcoal sketches. "I’ve been sketching and creating portraits since I was 15," he explains. "I wouldn’t call myself a genius, but I think they’re pretty solid. I’ve sketched hundreds of celebrities and friends, and most of the people I impersonate, I’ve also drawn." It’s a unique blend of art and humor that adds an extra layer to his already captivating show.
Appealing to All Ages: Bridging the Generational Gap
While Rich’s shows tend to attract an older crowd, he’s always pleasantly surprised when younger audiences show up and enjoy the performance. "The average young person might not recognize names like John Wayne or Jimmy Stewart," he notes. "But every now and then, I’ll get a young fan who knows everyone I impersonate. It’s truly astonishing." Rich’s ability to connect with such a wide range of ages speaks volumes about his timeless appeal.
