kids encyclopedia robot

Charles Fleischer facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Charles Fleischer
Charles Fleischer.jpg
Fleischer performing at the Improv at Harrah's in Las Vegas on July 26, 2011
Born (1950-08-27) August 27, 1950 (age 74)
Other names Charlie Fleischer
Alma mater Long Island University
Occupation
  • Actor
  • stand-up comedian
  • musician
  • writer
Years active 1972–present
Spouse(s)
Sheryl Strassman
(m. 1977; div. 2006)
Children 2

Charles Fleischer (born August 27, 1950) is an American actor, comedian, musician, and writer. He is best known for his voice work, especially as the cartoon character Roger Rabbit. He also appeared in many popular movies and TV shows.

Some of his famous roles include Carvelli in Welcome Back, Kotter and appearances in films like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Polar Express, and Rango. He also had a small role in Back to the Future Part II.

Early Life and Education

Charles Fleischer was born in Washington, D.C., on August 27, 1950. He first studied medicine at Southampton College. This college was part of Long Island University.

Later, he decided to change his path. He transferred to the Goodman School of Drama to study acting. This school was then part of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Career Highlights

Charles Fleischer is most famous for his voice acting in the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit. In this film, he provided the voices for several characters. These included Roger Rabbit himself, Benny the Cab, Greasy, and Psycho.

After the movie was a big hit, he continued to voice Roger Rabbit. He did this for various Disney TV shows and theme park attractions. He also voiced Roger in three short films that followed the movie.

Other Voice Roles

Fleischer's voice can also be heard in other animated movies. He was in The Polar Express and We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story. More recently, he voiced Roger Rabbit again in the 2022 movie Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers.

On-Screen Acting

Besides voice acting, Charles Fleischer has appeared in live-action roles. He was in the movie Back to the Future Part II. He also had a role in the film Gridlock'd.

On television, he had a regular role as Carvelli in the 1970s TV series Welcome Back, Kotter. He also played Chuck on the ABC series Laverne & Shirley. In the Disney cartoon series House of Mouse, he voiced Benny the Cab.

Comedy and Music

Charles Fleischer started his career performing comedy in clubs. His first big TV appearance was on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In in 1973. He even played musical instruments he made himself from everyday items.

He later appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He was also a regular on the show Keep on Truckin'. Fleischer is also a musician and songwriter. He has performed as a guest harmonica player with the group Blues Traveler.

He is known for a famous quote: "If you remember the '60s, you really weren't there." This quote is often mistakenly given to other celebrities.

Personal Life

Charles Fleischer married Sheryl Strassman in 1977. They later divorced in 2006. They have two daughters together.

Film and TV Appearances

Charles Fleischer has been in many films and TV shows. Here are some of them:

  • Barney Miller (1975) as Floyd Spears
  • One on One (1977) as High School Student
  • Die Laughing (1980) as Charlie
  • Hill Street Blues (1981) as Malibu
  • The Hand (1981) as David Maddow
  • Night Shift (1982) as Prisoner
  • A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) as Dr. King
  • Deadly Friend (1986) as BB (voice)
  • Bad Dreams (1988) as Ron the Pharmacist
  • Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) as Roger Rabbit / Benny the Cab / Greasy / Psycho (voice)
  • Mickey's 60th Birthday (1988) as Stagehand Charlie / Roger Rabbit (voice)
  • Tummy Trouble (1989) as Roger Rabbit (voice)
  • Back to the Future Part II (1989) as Terry
  • Dick Tracy (1990) as Reporter
  • Roller Coaster Rabbit (1990) as Roger Rabbit (voice)
  • Straight Talk (1992) as Tony
  • Carry On Columbus (1992) as Pontiac
  • Trail Mix-Up (1993) as Roger Rabbit (voice)
  • We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (1993) as Dweeb (voice)
  • My Girl 2 (1994) as Cab Driver
  • Demon Knight (1995) as Wally Enfield
  • Gridlock'd (1997) as Mr. Woodson
  • Ground Control (1998) as Randy
  • Permanent Midnight (1998) as Allen from Mr. Chompers
  • Rusty: A Dog's Tale (1998) as Bart Bimini
  • Genius (1999) as Dr. Krickstein
  • Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (2000) as Monumentus (voice)
  • House of Mouse (2001) as Benny the Cab (voice)
  • Balto II: Wolf Quest (2002) as Boris (voice)
  • The 4th Tenor (2002) as Alphonse
  • Balto III: Wings of Change (2004) as Boris / White Mountain Postmaster (voice)
  • The Polar Express (2004) as Elf General (voice)
  • Zodiac (2007) as Bob Vaughn
  • Funny People (2009) as Himself
  • Chain Letter (2009) as Frank Wiggins
  • Rango (2011) as Elbows (voice)
  • Prop Culture (2020) as Himself, Episode: "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"
  • Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022) as Roger Rabbit / Chipmunks TV Announcer (voice)

Video Games

  • The Universe According to Virgil Reality (1996)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Charles Fleischer para niños

kids search engine
Charles Fleischer Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.