Rip Taylor

Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA

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Rip Taylor BIO

Rip was one of television's most recognizable personalities. He was born in Washington DC becoming a Congressional Page as a teen until he served in the armed forces during the Korean War. He began entertaining during his time in the military and pursued it after he left, becoming known as th crying comedian. A guest star with over 2,000 television appearances under his belt, Rip brought his wild energy to The Gong Show, Password, The Merv Griffin Show, The Mike Douglas Show, The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman and to the coveted center square on Hollywood Squares.

Rip became a pop culture icon as a result of such campy films such as Barris' THE GONG SHOW MOVIE; the "Exorcist" spoof, REPOSSESSED with Linda Blair and Leslie Nielsen; as well as the foreign-made THE SILENCE OF THE HAMS. Frequently appearing on television, he appeared in everything from variety shows to talk shows to sitcoms like THE MONKEES, THE BRADYS and more. Perhaps Rip's greatest impact in television was when he was picked by Chuck Barris to host The $1.98 BEAUTY SHOW. The campy "beauty and talent contest" brought Rip icon status as he served as ringmaster, gloriously reveling in the glitter and kitsch of "The World's Tackiest TV Show." His first Las Vegas appearance was in THE Eleanor Powell SHOW at the Dunes. This, in turn, led to sharing the nightly stage with such stars as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Debbie Reynolds, Ann-Margret and Judy Garland, among many, many others including a rare appearance with Hollywood's greatest bombshell, for which he receive a personalized photo signed "Love & Luck to my baby Doll Chuck Taylor, Love Marliyn Monroe."

For decades, Rip maintained his status as one of the top headliners in Las Vegas. He was named "Entertainer of the Year" three times in a row, spent a year headlining at The Flamingo Hotel's Rockettes Extravaganza, and in 2002 brought Rip Taylor'S CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR to The Rio.

In the early 1960s, he provided additional voices for THE JETSONS and continued to make voice-over work a viable means of income. His voice can be heard in such animated films as DUCKTAILS THE MOVIE: TREASURE OF THE LOST LAMP, TOM AND JERRY: THE MOVIE and SCOOBY-DOO AND THE MONSTER OF MEXICO. Rip was nominated for an Emmy award for voicing the role of "Uncle Fester" in the animated series, THE ADDAMS FAMILY. In addition to comedy and music, Rip was an accomplished "legitimate" actor. He played Demi Moore's surly boss in INDECENT PROPOSAL, and played Kate Hudson's father in the Rob Reiner film, ALEX AND EMMA.

Rip appeared with Ed Asner and Cloris Leachman in the Funny Or Die video "Ehhhhhhhh.com," as well as fan favorites such as Dawn Wells, Lee Meriwether, Bruce Vilanch and others in SILENT, BUT DEADLY and his highly publicized appearance in JACKASS, the legendary King of Confetti was been introduced to a new generation of fans. Rip Taylor has dazzled audiences worldwide in a career that has spanned over forty years. It is no exaggeration to say that Rip Taylor has succeeded in every facet of the entertainment industry. Rip was working on bringing his one-man show IT AIN'T ALL CONFETTI to the New York Stage after its tremendous success in Los Angeles. The one man show spawned a critically acclaimed documentary entitled "RIP, RIP, HORRARY."

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Theatre at 6625 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California. An honor he was so proud of that he scheduled trips to buffed and clean his star on a regular basis. Rip Taylor felt fortunate to have become a madcap mainstay in show business. Rip Taylor has donated a large part of his time not only to AIDS causes, but to numerous other charitable causes including The Thalians, The Screen Actors Guild, The Actors' Home, and The Friars Charitable Trust. He has also been a welcome mainstay on "The Jerry Lewis Telethon."

Rip Taylor Photos

Rip Taylor STAGE CREDITS

[US Tour]
National Tour, 1988
Moonface Martin

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Featured Performer [Replacement]

Featured Performer [Replacement]

Rip [Replacement]


Rip Taylor News


Review: James Beaman Comes Out With LIVED EXPERIENCE at The Triad

James Beaman has come out of retirement but he has also come out as a cabaret artist working under his own name and persona in an extremely personal nightclub act.

The Neon Museum To Hold PRIDE Weekend Gallery Talks This Week

The Neon Museum will hold special Gallery Talks during Las Vegas PRIDE 2022. The free 15-minute docent-led discussions will highlight the history and impact of the LGBTQ+ community in Las Vegas on Friday, Oct. 7, Saturday, Oct 8, and Sunday, Oct. 9 at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. each day.

SOiL Honor Taylor Hawkins with 'Monkey Wrench'

Chicago’s own SOiL release a kinetic cover version of “Monkey Wrench,” the song that was, for many, their first introduction to the bleach blonde hurricane of arms and drumsticks that was Hawkins, who made his debut as the Foo’s skinman in the incredibly popular video for the song. Listen to the new cover now!

Skyline Theatre Company's 2020 Horizon Award goes to Fair Lawn Borough's Ms. Robin Schamach

Skyline Theatre Company, Bergen Countya??s most established professional theatre company, announces its 2020 Horizon Award recipient is Fair Lawn Borougha??s Robin Schamach. Skyline bestows this annual award to a true supporter of the arts.

BWW Review: Vegas In Three Acts. From The Sublime To The Obscene To The Badonkadonk.

And now, the Supermodel of the World, RuPaul Charles has transferred her fierce Drag Queens to the Flamingo Hotel to recreate her award-winning reality show RuPaul's Drag Race where the audience gets to be the judge.

BWW Review: Costumes, Comedy and Camp Come Together in THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP at The Repertory Theatre St. Louis

There is a lot to wig out about with The Rep's production of The Mystery of Irma Vep. A rapid-fire mélange of B-movie insanity and camp hijinks, it is a throwback to a time when bawdy and raucous theater was a rebellious sign of the times.

Fans & Famous Join Sid & Marty Krofft to Unveil Walk of Fame Star

An estimated 150 fans camped out in front of the Funco Store on Hollywood Blvd to be on hand to help celebrate the careers of SID & MARTY KROFFT with a star on the world famous Hollywood Walk of Stars.

BWW Review: ROCK OF AGES Tries to Rock Hollywood at the Bourbon Room

BWW Review: @ROCKOFAGESHollywood Tries to Rock Hollywood at the Bourbon Room

Photo Flashback: BroadwayWorld Remembers Those We've Lost in 2019

2019 has come and gone, and we are reflecting on those we have lost in the Broadway and theatre communities throughout the year.

Photo Flash: Rip Taylor Memorial Pays Homage With Laughter

On Sunday, Nov 24th, an eclectic group gathered to pay homage with laughter to the memory of The Prince or Pandemonium, The Master of Mayhem, The Crying Comedian, The King of Camp and Confetti, Star of Screen (large and small), Broadway & Vegas Stage ... RIP TAYLOR

Photo Coverage: Remembering Rip Taylor

On October 6, BroadwayWorld was sad to report that Rip Taylor died. Today, we're remembering him by taking a look back into our photo archives.

Hell in a Handbag's Announces Annual Benefit THE RIP NELSON CELEBRITY ROAST

Hell in a Handbag Productions' presents its annual benefit, THE RIP NELSON CELEBRITY ROAST on Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 6 - 11 pm at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster Ave. in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood.

Video Roundup: A Look Back on Rip Taylor's Television Appearances

BroadwayWorld recently reported that Rip Taylor, known for his appearances on both stage and screen died on Sunday, October 6, 2019 at 84 in Beverly Hills CA. We're taking a look back on Taylor's career with a flashback to some of his moments on television.

Star of Stage and Screen Rip Taylor Dies

BroadwayWorld is sad to report that Rip Taylor, known for his appearances on both stage and screen died on Sunday, October 6, 2019 at 84 in Beverly Hills CA.

Charter Oak Cultural Center Presents Seth Rudetsky's Big Fat 70s Variety Show

Charter Oak Cultural Center presents Sirius XM host, Broadway star, accompanist and author Seth Rudetsky in his groovylicious Seth's Big Fat 70s Variety Show on Thursday, October 3 at 7pm. Charter Oak Cultural Center is located at 21 Charter Oak Avenue in downtown Hartford.

Photo Coverage: Judy Gold & Chipper Lowell - Magic and Comedy Have A Head On Collision

Judy Gold and Chipper Lowell were booked in the same show at Valencia Shores last night and the impact from this comedic evening had the audience laughing hysterically at both their acts till it hurt.

LA's Next Great Stage Star Announced

'LAs Next Great Stage Star is more than a competition - it is an experience, deeply felt and expressed by these super-talented young people who are the new faces of our business. If this is any indication, the future of theatre is in good hands!!' - Multi-Million selling recording artist and author, Sam Harris

Stage And Screen Star Judges Join LA's Next Great Stage Star

On August 27th, the Debbie Reynolds Main stage at the historic El Portal Theater will host the 12th annual LA's Next Great Stage Star(R), following a six week competition.  Creator, Michael Sterling, along with his Co-Executive Producer and Co-Sponsor, Barbara Van Orden, are proud to offer this annual opportunity to talented individuals seeking to spotlight their abilities. Presented by Princess Cruises LA's Next Great Stage Star(R) is the only competition of its kind in the Western United States.

The Gateway Announces MEMPHIS

Broadway's smash hit musicalMemphis, winner of four Tony Awards® including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book and Best Orchestrations, will open at The Gateway on July 6th and run through July 21st with preview performances on July 5th.

Photo Flash: Sid and Marty Krofft to Visit Comic-Con San Diego

Sid & Marty Krofft received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 45th Daytime Emmys and are coming back to Comic-Con. After producing 73 episodes of MUTT & STUFF for Nickelodeon, the legendary producers have just produced two 1-hour MUTT & STUFF specials, and are preparing for the MUTT & STUFF LIVE Tour. Come hear showbiz stories and tales from the 1970s all the way through to the present day.  In an exclusive for Comic-Con, Sid & Marty will give audience members details on a brand new project for grownups that uses ALL their iconic characters from ALL their shows. Its big. Its exciting. And its exclusive for Comic Con! Emmy Award winning actress and Daytime Emmy Social Media Hostess, Carolyn Hennesy, known for 'Rosalyn Harris' on HBO series True Blood, and 'Diane Miller' on ABC'S General Hospital, will be moderating!  (Room 23ABC)

Rip Taylor FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Rip Taylor has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

Rip Taylor has not appeared in the West End.

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