Okay, let’s be honest for a second. When someone asks, “How old is Rich Little today?” the first thing that pops into my head isn’t a number. It’s a voice — specifically, his spot-on impression of Johnny Carson saying, “How old is Rich Little today?” That’s the magic of the man. He’s been in our living rooms (or on our radios, for the older crowd) for so long that he feels like a timeless, shape-shifting uncle who just happens to be able to mimic everyone from John Wayne to Kermit the Frog.
So, let’s do the math, shall we? The legendary impressionist, comedian, and voice actor was born on November 26, 1938. That means, as of today, the man is 86 years old. Yes, you read that right — 86! And before you start doing the "wow, that's ancient" dance, just know that Rich Little is probably out there somewhere, doing a spot-on Donald Trump impression to a bewildered waiter, just to keep his skills sharp. Age is just a number, but talent is forever.
The Human Jukebox of Voices
Think about it: 86 years on this planet, and he’s spent most of them collecting voices like other people collect stamps. We’re not just talking about one or two. We’re talking about over 200 different celebrity impressions. That’s more voices than most people use in a lifetime of arguing with their GPS. He’s the original voice note, long before smartphones were a thing.
My favorite mental image is Rich Little as a kid, sitting by the radio in the 1940s, listening to newsreels and just practicing. “I think I can do that guy,” he probably said, before launching into a perfect impersonation of some senator. Meanwhile, I can’t even do a decent British accent without sounding like a pirate who swallowed a wasp. So, yeah, he’s a different breed.
He rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s, becoming a staple on The Ed Sullivan Show and then hosting his own specials. For a generation, he was the voice of every celebrity who didn't want to do their own promo. He famously impersonated Richard Nixon, and then President Nixon actually invited him to the White House to perform. Imagine being so good at pretending to be a president that the president thinks, “This guy gets me.” That’s the ultimate flex.
Is He Still at It?
Here’s the best part: Rich Little hasn’t retired. He’s still doing shows, especially in Las Vegas, where he’s basically a permanent fixture. At 86, he’s still hitting the stage, doing his routine, and making audiences lose it with a flawless Robin Williams or a grumpy Clint Eastwood. It’s honestly inspiring. He’s not shuffling around with a walker; he’s probably walking on stage wearing a walker while doing a Phil Donahue impression, just to mess with us.
His secret? He once said in an interview that he never actually tries to “become” the person. He just listens for one or two signature quirks and amplifies them. It’s like he’s a cartoonist, but with his mouth instead of a pen. And at 86, that pen (or mouth) shows no signs of running out of ink. He’s a living testament to the idea that laughter is the best anti-aging cream, even if it comes with a side of "Georgie" from Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (you know the one).
A Quick Reality Check
Let’s put 86 into perspective for a second. When Rich Little was born, World War II was about to start, color TV wasn't a thing, and a "viral video" meant a guy on a street corner shouting news. He’s outlived the Cold War, the Berlin Wall, the Y2K panic, and even the King of Queens finale. And yet, he still shows up to work with the energy of a guy who just discovered espresso.
How is Rich Little up to today? About His Wife, Net Worth, Health
People often ask, “Does he ever not do impressions?” I imagine he goes to a restaurant and orders a steak. The waiter asks, “How would you like it?” and Rich replies, “Like this,” and then proceeds to narrate the next 20 minutes as James Mason. The waiter leaves with a confused tip. But honestly, that’s dedication. He’s been making people laugh for over six decades, and that’s not a fluke. That’s the result of loving your craft more than you love sleeping in.
So, What's the Takeaway?
Here’s the deal: Rich Little might be 86 years old, but his spirit is perpetually 25. He’s proof that age is less about your birth certificate and more about your ability to make a room full of strangers laugh until they cry. He’s not “old” in the way we usually think of old. He’s old in the way a classic car is old — a little polished, a little vintage, but still roaring down the highway with a gleam in its headlights.
So, the next time you catch yourself feeling weird about getting a gray hair or a new wrinkle, just think of Rich Little. He’s out there, probably doing a spot-on Sean Connery greeting his golf buddy, and he’s having the time of his life. He reminds us that growing older is mandatory, but growing up is optional. And if you can’t remember your age, just lie and say you’re “Rich Little years young.” I promise you, it’ll get a laugh.
Here’s to 86 years of voices, laughter, and pure, unadulterated silliness. He’s not just a comedian; he’s a time capsule of every funny voice we’ve ever loved. And honestly? He’s probably just getting warmed up. The man is an absolute treasure, and I hope he keeps doing impressions until he’s 120. Because if there’s one thing we all need more of, it’s a good laugh — and a perfect voice you’d swear was the real deal.
So, how old is Rich Little today? Old enough to know better, but young enough to not care. And that, my friend, is the secret to everything.