Robert Ridgely

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

Early life Ridgely was born in Teaneck, New Jersey. Before becoming an actor, he worked as a cabaret entertainer.

Career He served as a talk show host with Woody Woodbury. Ridgely 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". He guest starred in TV series such as Sea Hunt and the Warner Bros. Television series Maverick, Lawman, and Surfside 6. He landed a regular role as Lieutenant Kimbro in the short-lived World War II series The Gallant Men. After the series was cancelled, he made guest appearances in shows, including Bonanza, WKRP in Cincinnati, Coach, Night Court, Wings, and Designing Women.

He appeared in various films, including two productions directed by Robert Altman early in his career, Nightmare in Chicago and Countdown. He also appeared in several Mel Brooks productions, including Blazing Saddles (1974), High Anxiety (1977), Life Stinks (1991) and Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993). Ridgley starred in other films, including Something Wild (1986), Beverly Hills Cop II (1987), Philadelphia (1993), and Boogie Nights (1997). He put his strong voice to use in voice-over roles in films like Down and Dirty Duck (1974) and television specials such as Thanksgiving in the Land of Oz (aka Dorothy in the Land of Oz) (1980). He did a great deal of voice work in animated series as well, including the titular heroes in Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle, The New Adventures of Flash Gordon, and Thundarr the Barbarian. From 1985 to 1996, Ridgely was one of ABC's main primetime promo announcers. He also voiced the Peculiar Purple Pieman in the 1980s Strawberry Shortcake specials, Rex Charger in The Centurions, Thunderbolt Ross in The Incredible Hulk (1982), Finch in Daisy-Head Mayzie, and Commander Chief in Dexter's Laboratory.

Death Ridgely died of cancer on February 8, 1997,

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 1964 Nightmare in Chicago Dan McVeay 1971 Chrome and Hot Leather Sergeant Mack 1974 Blazing Saddles Boris, the hangman 1974 The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat The Devil (voice) 1974 Down and Dirty Duck Car Salesman (voice) 1977 High Anxiety Flasher 1977 Prime Time a.k.a. American Raspberry Celebrity Sportsman Host 1977 The Mouse and His Child Jack-in-the-Box (voice) 1980 Melvin and Howard Wally 'Mr. Love' Williams 1983 Heart Like a Wheel Bob Morton, 'Sportsline' 1984 The Wild Life Craig Davis 1986 Something Wild Richard Graves 1987 Beverly Hills Cop II Mayor Ted Egan 1988 The Dirk Diggler Story Jack Horner Short film 1993 Philadelphia Walter Kenton 1993 Robin Hood: Men in Tights Hangman 1994 The Ref Bob Burley 1996 Hard Eight Keno Bar Manager 1996 Multiplicity Laura's Father 1996 That Thing You Do! Hollywood Showcase Announcer 1997 Fire Down Below Simon Posthumous release 1997 Boogie Nights Colonel James Posthumous release; final film role

Television