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Rich Little Quotes

Powerful Rich Little for Daily Growth

About Rich Little

Rich Little, born Richard Donald Yule on March 26, 1938, in Toronto, Canada, is renowned for his exceptional talent in celebrity impression and comedy. Known as the "man of a thousand voices," he has entertained audiences worldwide with his uncanny ability to imitate famous personalities spanning decades and continents. Little's passion for impersonations ignited early when, at just five years old, he was captivated by Eddie Cantor on television. As he grew older, he found inspiration in comedians such as Danny Kaye, Charlie Chaplin, and Groucho Marx. In the late 1950s, Little began his career in radio and then moved to television, where he honed his skills on local shows in Canada. In 1963, Little made his first appearance on American television when he guest-starred on "The Ed Sullivan Show." This breakthrough led to numerous appearances on various TV programs throughout the '60s and '70s, including "The Dean Martin Show," "The Hollywood Palace," and "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In." He also made memorable impressions of U.S. Presidents from Richard Nixon to Bill Clinton during their tenures. Little gained further recognition for his portrayal of John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Arthur Godfrey in the award-winning television movie "The Day Nixon Changed America." In 1986, he became a regular on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" as an impressionist, where he worked alongside comedy legends such as Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd. Throughout his career, Little has been nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards and won the Cable ACE Award for Best Standup Comedy Special in 1987. His major works include "The Rich Little Show" (1976-1977), "The Rich Little Comedy Hour" (1980), and his autobiography, "Finding the Funny: My Decade of Humor, Hollywood, and Hilarity" (2005). Even today, Rich Little continues to perform live shows across America, captivating audiences with his remarkable talent for impersonation and making them laugh with his timeless humor.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I don't mimic people I met. I mimic people I saw."

This quote suggests that Rich Little doesn't imitate individuals he has personally encountered, but rather, he impersonates characters or public figures he has observed through media or other public appearances. Essentially, he takes inspiration from the persona they present to the world, not their private selves.

"Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional."

This quote by Rich Little suggests that while aging is an inevitable part of life, maturity or emotional development is a personal choice. It encourages individuals to continue learning, growing, and evolving past the physical stages of adulthood, emphasizing that wisdom and character can be cultivated throughout one's lifetime.

"Imitation is the sincerest form of television."

This quote, attributed to Rich Little, humorously suggests that imitating others on television (or in any media) is a genuine and honest approach to entertainment. It implies that the act of imitation is not merely a shallow copy but rather an expression of admiration, appreciation, or even respect for those being imitated. This perspective underscores the importance of paying tribute to talents that have come before while also acknowledging the creative process involved in bringing new life and interpretation to established characters or styles.

"My mother never wanted me to become a comedian. She wanted me to become a millionaire first."

This quote suggests that the speaker's mother desired financial stability for them before they pursued a career in comedy, an unpredictable and often financially unstable field. The humor lies in the contrast between her aspirations of wealth and the nature of stand-up comedy, which is typically associated with lower income. It also implies a parent's concern for their child's future security.

"I don't imitate people I dislike, I prefer to impersonate people I admire."

This quote highlights the distinction between imitation and impersonation as perceived by comedian Rich Little. Instead of imitating people he dislikes, which could potentially involve mockery or ridicule, he prefers to impersonate those he admires. He finds more joy in mimicking respected individuals, suggesting a positive approach towards humor and entertainment. It implies that admiration can serve as a source of inspiration and creativity in comedy, leading to more authentic and respectful performances.

Frank Sinatra taught me how to do him. It took me seven years to master him. He would tell me, tap your foot, Rich, and don't forget to grasp your sleeve.

- Rich Little

Frank, Took, Tap, None

Not too many people are - were as good as Bob Hope. George Burns was great at thinking, you know, on the spot. Steve Allen was marvelous, and so was George Burns. But Bob may be the king of them all, you know.

- Rich Little

Hope, Allen, George Burns, Marvelous

Jimmy Carter as President is like Truman Capote marrying Dolly Parton. The job is just too big for him.

- Rich Little

Big, Like, Truman Capote, None

Ross Perot. I could have had a ball with him.

- Rich Little

Ball, Could, Had, None

If I have a rough day, and I'm angry, I'll just go into Kirk Douglas and throw over a table. And when I need to lift my spirits, Kermit can always do the trick.

- Rich Little

Always, Over, Rough, Table

I'm not really a political satirist. I don't kid myself. I'm more interested in doing the mannerisms and the personality.

- Rich Little

Doing, Kid, More, Mannerisms

If you become president, you're guaranteed to develop some nervous habit.

- Rich Little

Some, Nervous, Guaranteed, Habit

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