Iconic Night Court Character, Bull Shannon, Portrayed by Actor Richard Moll, Passes Away at 80
Iconic Night Court Character, Bull Shannon, Portrayed by Actor Richard Moll, Passes Away at 80 In a piece of sad news for fans of the hit TV show Night Court, actor Richard Moll has bid adieu to the world at the age of 80.
His passing took place peacefully in his Big Bear Lake home on Thursday, October 26, as confirmed by a representative for the actor. However, the exact cause of his demise has not been disclosed.
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A Californian Born and Berkeley Alumnus Richard Moll
Richard Moll, originally hailing from Pasadena, California, was the younger of two siblings. He set out on his educational journey, eventually earning a degree in History from the University of California, Berkeley. Following this, he embarked on a career in acting, which would come to define his legacy.
Bull Shannon – A Fan Favorite Richard Moll
Moll’s most iconic role was that of Bull Shannon, the towering bailiff in the TV series Night Court, which ran from 1984 to 1992. For this role, Richard Moll famously shaved his head and brought us the unforgettable catchphrase,
“Ooo-kay,” a humorous response to his own blunders. Fans of the show couldn’t get enough of this quirky character. Interestingly, Night Court made a return to NBC for the 2022-23 season, but Richard Moll was notably absent from the reboot.
Saturn Award Nominee and a Versatile Voice Richard Moll
Moll’s talents extended beyond the courtroom. In 1985, he received a Saturn award nomination for his performance in House. He also lent his distinctive voice to two well-known characters: Harvey Dent/Two-Face in The Adventures of Batman & Robin and Scorpion in Spider-Man: The Animated Series.
His screen presence was not limited to television, as he appeared in films like The Flintstones, Jingle All the Way, Casper Meets Wendy, and Scary Movie 2, among others.
A Fond Farewell from Fans Richard Moll
News of Richard Moll’s passing triggered an outpouring of emotions from fans on social media. Former journalist Danny Deraney, for instance, paid tribute to the actor, referring to him as “Bull from Night Court.” He poignantly described Richard Moll as standing at an imposing height of 6’8″ but possessing the gentle presence of a kitten.
In the comments, fans expressed their shock and shared their personal connections to the beloved actor. One fan couldn’t believe the news, exclaiming, “Noooo Not Bull ? He was my favorite character on #NightCourt.” Another fan, who had just started watching Night Court again, felt the loss deeply, saying, “I love him so much.. may he rest in peace if this is real.”
A Treasured Legacy Richard Moll
Richard Moll’s departure from this world left many nostalgic for the good old days of Night Court. He will be remembered as a gifted actor who could make us laugh and, in some moments, even shed a tear. His unique charm and talents have left a lasting imprint on the hearts of his fans, who will continue to cherish his work.
Moll is survived by his children, Chloe and Mason Moll, his former wife Susan Moll, and his stepchildren, Cassandra Card and Morgan Ostling. Though he may have left the courtroom, his legacy in the world of entertainment will continue to resonate with fans, old and new.
