Biography
While serving his two-year hitch in the Army, Jack Riley performed in "Rolling Along of 1960," a military travelling show. After his discharge, Riley attended John Carroll University, then resumed his show-business activities as an actor, comedian, and "special material" writer for such stars as
Mort Sahl, Rowan and Martin and
Don Rickles. He made his film debut in 1962's The Days of Wine and Roses, and has since essayed eccentric roles in such laugh-spinners as
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (1979). Active in television since 1966, Riley was a comedy-ensemble player in Keep on Truckin' (1975) and The Tim Conway Show (1980 edition), and occasionally popped up on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, impersonating Lyndon Johnson. His most celebrated TV role was the supremely paranoid Elliot Carlin in
The Bob Newhart Show (1972-78), a role he has since reprised (under various character names) in such series as
Alf and St. Elsewhere. He was also cast as TV station manager Leon Buchanan in the two-episode sitcom
Roxie (1987), and has been heard as the voice of Stu Pickles on the animated series
Rugrats (1991- ). Extremely active in the LA theatrical scene, Jack Riley has starred in such stage productions as
12 Angry Men and Small Craft Warnings. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide