Remembering Richard Moll: The Lovable Giant Of 'Night Court'

Jimmy Henton
Oct 28, 2023
Oct 28, 2023

In the world of television, there are characters who leave an indelible mark on our hearts. One such character was Bull Shannon, the towering bailiff from 'Night Court' whose lovable, dimwitted charm endeared him to millions of viewers. On October 26, 2023, we bid farewell to the actor who brought Bull Shannon to life, Richard Moll.

His four-decade-long career was a testament to his versatility, but it's his role on 'Night Court' that we'll cherish forever. Join us as we journey through the life and career of the 6-foot-8 gentle giant who made us laugh and cry, and left an everlasting legacy in the world of Entertainment.

#1. The Early Days Of Richard Moll:

Source: Alice S. Hall/NBC, via Getty Images

Richard Charles Moll was born in Pasadena, California, on January 13, 1943. Despite earning a degree in history from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1964, Moll decided to follow his true passion: acting.

He began his journey with theater work, treading the boards in Shakespearean plays in California. It was a slow and steady start, but the entertainment world was about to witness his meteoric rise.

#2. Becoming Bull Shannon:

Source: IMDb

Richard Moll's defining moment came when he auditioned for 'Night Court.' It was a role that would change the course of his career. The producers asked him a pivotal question: "Are you willing to shave your head for the part?"

Moll's response was filled with enthusiasm, "I'll shave my legs for the part. I'll shave my armpits. I don't care." His dedication to the character was unwavering, and it paid off.

#3. The Magic Of 'Night Court':

Source: Getty

'Night Court' was a sitcom that stood out from the crowd. Set in a fictional municipal night court in Manhattan, the show revolved around Judge Harry Stone, played by the late Harry Anderson, and the hilarious prosecutor Dan Fielding, portrayed by John Larroquette.

Bull Shannon, played by Richard Moll, brought an air of lighthearted innocence to the courtroom. His dimwitted persona and childlike charm were the heart and soul of the series, making it an unforgettable part of 1980s television.

#4. Beyond 'Night Court':

Source: Getty

After 'Night Court' wrapped in 1992, Richard Moll's career continued to flourish. He lent his distinctive voice to a variety of animated characters, such as Two-Face in "Adventures of Batman & Robin" and Scorpion in "Spider-Man: The Animated Series."

Moll was not confined to comedy; he also made appearances in horror and science-fiction films, proving his versatility as an actor.

#5. A Lasting Legacy:

Source: Jordin Althaus/NBC

Richard Moll's impact extended beyond the screen. His final notable appearance was in the 2010 live-action film "Scooby-Doo: Curse of the Lake Monster," where he played the mysterious lighthouse keeper Elmer Uggins.

Even after retiring to the serene Big Bear Lake in Southern California, Moll continued to enjoy life's simple pleasures, particularly bird-watching.

Conclusion:

Richard Moll's passing leaves a void in the world of entertainment, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who laughed, cried, and grew fond of Bull Shannon on 'Night Court.' He was a gentle giant both on and off-screen, and his childlike charm made him unforgettable.

As we bid farewell to this iconic actor, we remember the magic he brought into our lives through his incredible talent and the enduring character of Bull Shannon. Richard Moll will forever be cherished for the laughter and joy he brought to our screens.