'Night Court' star Richard Moll has died aged 80

Richard Moll - an iconic figure best known for his unforgettable role in Night Court - has passed away at the age of 80.

The news was confirmed by the actor's representative to PEOPLE, revealing that Moll passed away peacefully in his residence at Big Bear Lake on Thursday (October 26).

Born in the sunny city of Pasadena, California, on January 13, 1943, Moll was the youngest of three siblings. Following his graduation from the University of California, Berkeley with a major in History, Moll embarked on his journey into the world of acting.

However, his towering height of 6 feet 8 inches initially proved to be a hurdle in landing diverse roles.

But as destiny would have it, his unique stature and distinct deep voice would land him a role that cemented Moll as a household name in the US. From 1984 to 1992, Richard Moll played the character of Bull Shannon, the beloved bailiff in the Night Court.

The Emmy-nominated NBC sitcom - which enjoyed a nine-season run - chronicled the amusing cases dealt with by young judge Harold "Harry" T. Stone (played by Harry Anderson) in a Manhattan Criminal Court during nighttime.

Moll's catchphrase "Ooo-kay" - delivered whenever Shannon became aware of a blunder on his part - swiftly became a fan favorite. While Moll was absent from the 2022-23 reboot of Night Court, his legacy as Bull remains untarnished.

His towering 6-foot-8 frame also led to roles that mirrored his unique persona. Audiences might remember him as the abominable snowman in Caveman (1981) alongside Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach, and the hauntingly decomposed Vietnam veteran in the horror film House (1986). His performance in House earned Moll a Saturn Award nomination in 1985.

Venturing beyond live-action, Moll extended his talents into the realm of animation. He voiced iconic characters such as Harvey Dent/Two-Face in The Adventures of Batman & Robin and Scorpion in Spider-Man: The Animated Series.

His diverse filmography includes roles in The Flintstones, Jingle All the Way, Casper Meets Wendy, and Scary Movie 2. TV fans will also fondly remember his appearances in series like Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, 7th Heaven, Smallville, Cold Case, and Headless Horseman.

While Moll often embraced roles as the "bad guy", he showcased his versatility by playing against type as a gay man guiding suspected queer teenagers in the satirical rom-com But I’m a Cheerleader in 1999.

A passionate birdwatcher and nature lover, Moll eventually chose a peaceful retirement in Big Bear Lake's mountain community.

Richard Moll is survived by his children, Chloe and Mason Moll, ex-wife Susan Moll, and stepchildren Cassandra Card and Morgan Ostling.

The entertainment industry may have lost a towering talent - both figuratively and literally - but the memories Richard Moll leaves behind will continue for generations to come. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and fans at this time.

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