John Larroquette

John Larroquette
Name	John Larroquette
Caption	Larroquette in 2013
Birth name	John Bernard Larroquette
Birth date	25 November 1947
Birth place	New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1974–present
Spouse	Elizabeth Ann Cookson, 1975

John Larroquette is an American actor renowned for his comedic and dramatic roles across television, film, and stage. He achieved widespread fame for his portrayal of the lecherous assistant district attorney Dan Fielding on the long-running NBC sitcom Night Court, a role for which he won four consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards. His career spans decades, featuring notable work on series such as The John Larroquette Show and Boston Legal, as well as a celebrated tenure in the Broadway revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Early life and education

John Bernard Larroquette was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Berthalla Oramous, a department store clerk, and John Edgar Larroquette, a United States Navy chief petty officer. He was raised in the city's Ninth Ward and developed an early interest in radio and acting. He attended Holy Cross School before graduating from Alcee Fortier High School. His initial professional foray was as a disc jockey for the underground radio station WTUL, the student-run station of Tulane University. He later moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, studying at the Beverly Hills Playhouse.

Career

Larroquette's early career included a memorable role as a narrator in the cult horror film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. He gained significant recognition with a recurring role on the sitcom Happy Days and appearances on shows like The Tony Randall Show. His career-defining role came in 1984 as Dan Fielding on the hit series Night Court, where his performance earned him immense critical acclaim. Following the show's conclusion, he starred in the self-titled sitcom The John Larroquette Show on NBC, which explored darker comedic themes. He later delivered acclaimed dramatic performances, including a role on the legal drama Boston Legal alongside James Spader and William Shatner, and a guest arc on the medical drama The Practice, which earned him another Primetime Emmy Award. He has also provided voice work for animated series such as Justice League Unlimited and Phineas and Ferb.

Personal life

Larroquette married Elizabeth Ann Cookson in 1975, and the couple has three children. He has been open about his past struggles with alcoholism, which he has stated he overcame in the early 1980s. A lifelong bibliophile, he owns an extensive personal library and has served on the board of the Mystery Writers of America. He maintains a residence in Los Angeles but retains strong ties to his hometown of New Orleans, where he supports various cultural institutions.

Filmography

Larroquette's film career includes roles in comedies such as Stripes, Summer Rental, and Madhouse. He starred in the science fiction comedy Star Trek III: The Search for Spock as the Klingon officer Maltz. Other notable film credits include Blind Date with Bruce Willis, Second Sight alongside Bronson Pinchot, and the holiday film Richie Rich's Christmas Wish. On television, beyond his iconic series work, he has guest-starred on shows like Chuck, The Good Wife, and The Librarians, and had a recurring role on the Fox series The Crazy Ones.

Stage work

Larroquette has a distinguished career in theatre, making his Broadway debut in 2011 in the revival of the musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, playing the role of J. B. Biggley. For this performance, he won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. His other stage credits include performances at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles and the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts. He has also performed in productions for the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C..

Awards and nominations

Larroquette has received numerous accolades, most notably four consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on Night Court from 1985 to 1988. He later won a fifth Primetime Emmy Award for a guest appearance on The Practice. For his Broadway work in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, he received the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. He has also been nominated for Golden Globe Awards and Satellite Awards for his television performances.

Category:American male television actors Category:American male film actors Category:Tony Award winners Category:Primetime Emmy Award winners Category:Actors from New Orleans Category:1947 births Category:Living people