Biography
With recent appearances in JackAss, The
Bonnie Hunt Show and next in Rob Reiner's
new movie Loosely Based on a True Love Story,
the legendary King of Confetti, Rip Taylor, has been introduced
to a new generation of fans which is another reason he has a star
on Hollywood Boulevard for movies, film and television.
Although most of his new admirers don't realize it, Rip
Taylor has dazzled audiences worldwide in a career that has spanned
over forty years. A master of comedic timing and consummate showman,
Rip has headlined in Las Vegas, appeared on hundreds of television
shows, played the lead in various plays and musicals, and frequently
taken a dramatic turn in feature films. It is no exaggeration to
say that Rip Taylor has succeeded in every facet of the entertainment
industry.
The phenomenon that is Rip Taylor began when Ed
Sullivan could not remember the young comedian's name, he introduced
Rip as "The Crying Comedian." Ed Sullivan accidentally
stumbled upon Rip's niche, and after that appearance Rip found himself
booked solid for months. This taught the young performer the importance
of having a memorable hook.
Bright costumes, outrageous props, wacky wigs and
colorful confetti soon followed - and Rip Taylor became a pop culture
sensation.
Rip is one of television's most recognizable celebrities.
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.
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."
For decades, Rip has maintained his status as one
of the top headliners in Las Vegas. He has been named "Entertainer
of the Year" three times in a row, spent a year headlining
The Flamingo Hotel's Rockettes Extravaganza, and
in the 2002 brought Rip Taylor's Christmas Spectacular
to the Rio.
Additionally, Rip has played on Broadway and toured
the country as the lead role in plays such as Sugar Babies,
Anything Goes, Oliver, Peter Pan, and A Funny Thing
Happened on the Way to the Forum. He is currently writing
and producing a one-man-show entitled Let'er Rip.
In addition to comedy and music, Rip is an accomplished
"legitimate" actor. He played Demi Moore's surly boss
in Indecent Proposal, and plays Kate Hudson's father
in the soon-to-be-released Rob Reiner film, Loosely Based
on a True Love Story.
In a career that has spanned five remarkable decades,
Rip Taylor feels fortunate to have become a madcap mainstay in show
business. He frequently donates his time and talents to numerous
charitable causes including The Thalians, The Screen Actors Guild,
The Actors Home, The Friars Charitable Trust and many, many more.
Like his career, things change daily for Rip. For
up to date information about appearances, actions or activities
- previous or current - just follow the paper trail and ask him
personally on his website: www.RipTaylor.com.
"Let'er Rip!"
Page 2 --- "This Is my Life"
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