Music – 1979 – Rich Little – It Is Fun To Walk Talk Sing Dance And Act Like Celebrities

One of Rich Little’s best-known impressions is of US President Richard Nixon….while providing the voice of Tricky Dick reprising in 1991 the role of Nixon as ideal sperm donor in Gina’s fantasies on the soap opera Santa Barbara….as during the 1970’s, Little made many television appearances portraying Nixon. He was also a regular guest on The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts in the 1970’s….where he roasted celebrities such as Don Rickles, Jack Benny, Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Stewart and Kirk Douglas.

Little was also a semi-regular on the Emmy-winning ABC-TV variety series The Julie Andrews Hour in 1972–73….and in response to his imitation of Jack Benny…..the comedian sent Little an 18-carat gold money clip containing this message….”With Bob Hope doing my walk and you doing my voice, I can be a star and do nothing.” Rich Little was named “Comedy Star of the Year” by the American Guild of Variety Artists in 1974.

Little’s best-known for his continuing TV series The Kopycats….hour-long segments of The ABC Comedy Hour….with the first broadcast in 1972….which were taped in England….as these comedy-variety shows consisted entirely of celebrity impersonations….with the actors in full costume and makeup for every sketch….with a cast that included Little, Frank Gorshin, Marilyn Michaels, George Kirby, British comedian Joe Baker, Fred Travalena, Charlie Callas and Peter Goodwright. The Rich Little Show in 1976 and The New You Asked for It in 1981 were attempts to present Little in his own person, away from his gallery of characterizations. Little also appeared on a second season episode of The Muppet Show. In 1981 Little appeared in a comedy LP called The First Family Rides Again, which was the fourth and final of the “First Family” comedy LP’s originally created by Bob Booker and Earle Doud….where Little starred along with Melanie Chartoff, Michael Richards, Shelly Black, Jenilee Harrison, Earle Doud, and Vaughn Meader…. while making light of US President Ronald Reagan’s years in the White House.

Little has starred in various HBO specials including the 1978 one-man show, Rich Little’s Christmas Carol, in which Little portrayed famous comedians in established roles such as W. C. Fields as Ebenezer Scrooge, Paul Lynde as Bob Cratchit, et al.  He has also appeared in several movies and released nine albums. 

In this video herewith….a clip from another HBO special in 1979….as in this piece, Little performs a song “It Is Fun To Walk Talk Sing Dance And Act Like Celebrities”….as he shows his wonderful talents as he strolls down the halls of celebrity fame in song and impersonation. Great Stuff!!