Richard Moll, Beloved Night Court Actor, Passes Away at 80

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ICARO Media Group
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27/10/2023 22h48

Richard Moll, the iconic actor known for his role as the lovable bailiff Aristotle Nostradamus "Bull" Shannon on the hit sitcom Night Court, has died at the age of 80. The news of Moll's passing was confirmed by a family spokesperson who stated that he peacefully passed away on Thursday at his home in Big Bear Lake, California.

Moll, who stood at an impressive height of 6-foot-8, captivated audiences with his portrayal of Bull Shannon on all nine seasons of Night Court during its original run. The show garnered critical acclaim, receiving three Emmy nominations for outstanding comedy series. Moll's character, known for his catchphrase "Oooo-kay," became a beloved fan favorite throughout the show's 193 episodes, which aired from 1984 to 1992.

Born on January 13, 1943, in Pasadena, California, Moll was the youngest of three children. He studied history and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and graduated in 1964. Following his graduation, Moll initially worked as a deputy probation officer in Alameda County before pursuing his passion for acting.

Moll's acting career took off in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with notable appearances on popular television shows such as Welcome Back, Kotter, The Rockford Files, and various Garry Marshall-created shows. His talent and versatility were showcased in films like Caveman (1981), House (1986), and the sci-fi film Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn (1983), where he sported a shaved head to portray the character Hurok.

In addition to his on-screen work, Moll lent his distinctive voice to numerous projects, including the syndicated series Mighty Max, where he played the immortal bodyguard Norman, and as Harvey Dent/Two-Face in three Batman cartoons. His voice work showcased his range as an actor and added depth to his already impressive career.

Moll's contributions to the entertainment industry went beyond his appearances on Night Court. He made guest appearances on popular shows like Highlander, Babylon 5, Married... With Children, and Anger Management, while also making memorable appearances in films like The Flintstones (1994), But I'm a Cheerleader (1999), and Scary Movie 2 (2001).

Outside of acting, Moll had a passion for nature and was an avid bird watcher. He was married and divorced twice, and survivors include his children Chloe and Mason, as well as his stepchildren Cassandra and Morgan. His second wife, Susan, was the daughter of legendary comedian Milton Berle's third and last wife, Lorna Adams.

Though Moll did not participate in the recent Night Court reboot, his legacy as Bull Shannon will forever be remembered by fans of the show. His towering presence and tender-hearted portrayal of the character touched the hearts of viewers worldwide.

The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Richard Moll, a talented actor whose contributions to the world of television and film will be cherished for years to come.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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