Robert Ridgely

Robert Ridgely
Born December 24, 1931
Teaneck, New Jersey, United States
Died February 8, 1997(1997-02-08) (aged 65)
Toluca Lake, California, United States
Cause of death Cancer
Occupation Actor, voice artist
Years active 1960–1997, his death
Spouse(s) Patricia Ridgely (19??-1997; his death)

Robert Ridgely (December 24, 1931 – February 8, 1997) was an American actor and voice artist, known for both on-camera roles and extensive voice-over work.

Life and career

Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, Ridgely, began his entertainment career as a cabaret entertainer.[1]

Ridgley started his Hollywood career in the late 1960s, serving as co-host to talk show host Woody Woodbury. He also appeared in commercials, including a classic McDonald's commercial, staged as a Broadway production number, where he sings; "there is nothin' so clean - as my burger machine".

Ridgley guest starred on such 1960s TV series as Maverick, Sea Hunt, Lawman, and Surfside 6. He landed a regular role as Lieutenant Kimbro in the short-lived World War II ABC series, The Gallant Men. After the series was cancelled, he continued with guest appearances on such shows as Bonanza, WKRP in Cincinnati, Coach, Night Court, Wings and Designing Women.

Ridgley appeared in various films - including several Mel Brooks productions, amongst them; Blazing Saddles (1974), High Anxiety (1977), Life Stinks (1991), and Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993). Ridgley also worked in films, including; Something Wild (1986), Beverly Hills Cop II (1987), Philadelphia (1993), and Boogie Nights (1997).

Ridgely put his strong voice to use in voice-over roles in movies like Down and Dirty Duck (1974), television specials such as Thanksgiving in the Land of Oz, (aka Dorothy in the Land of Oz) (1980), and the video game Blazing Dragons (1996). He did a great deal of voice work on television as well, including the titular hero in Thundarr the Barbarian.

From 1985 until 1996, Ridgely was one of ABC's main primetime show promo announcers.

Death

On February 8, 1997, Ridgely died of cancer at his Toluca Lake, Los Angeles home.[1] His death occurred only two days after that of his longtime ABC announcing colleague, Ernie Anderson, who also succumbed to cancer. Both Anderson and Ridgely were last heard on ABC only months apart, in 1995 and early 1996, respectively. In addition to his wife, he was survived by a brother, Dr. William Ritterbusch of Germany.[1]

Film roles

Year Title Role Notes
1971Chrome and Hot LeatherSergeant Mack
1974Blazing SaddlesBorisUncredited
1974The Nine Lives of Fritz the CatVoice
1977High AnxietyFlasher
1977RaspberryCelebrity Sportsman Host
1980Melvin and HowardWally 'Mr. Love' Williams
1983Heart Like a WheelBob Morton, 'Sportsline'
1984The Wild LifeCraig Davis
1986Something WildRichard Graves
1993PhiladelphiaWalter Kenton
1994The RefBob Burley
1996Hard EightKeno Bar Manager
1996MultiplicityLaura's Father
1996That Thing You Do!Hollywood Showcase Announcer
1997Fire Down BelowSimon
1997Boogie NightsThe Colonel James

References

  1. 1 2 3 Staff. "Robert Ridgely, 65, Film and TV Actor", The New York Times, February 16, 1997. Accessed December 4, 2013. "Mr. Ridgely, a native of Teaneck, N.J., began as a cabaret artist."
Preceded by
Ron Ely		 Actors to portray Tarzan
1976-1981		 Succeeded by
Miles O'Keeffe
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