John Larroquette: Movies & Box Office

John Bernard Larroquette (born November 25, 1947) is an American actor whose career spans more than five decades, encompassing television, film, and stage. Raised in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, he discovered his love for acting during his senior year at Francis T. Nicholls High School and turned down a scholarship to LSU to pursue the craft. His first Hollywood gig was the iconic opening narration of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), a favor to director Tobe Hooper that was famously paid in marijuana. He broke into television as 2nd Lt. Bob Anderson on the 1970s NBC series Baa Baa Black Sheep, and later solidified his star status as the sardonic Assistant District Attorney Dan Fielding on Night Court (1984‑1992, 2023‑2025), a role that earned him four consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards from 1985‑1988 – a record at the time. Larroquette’s talent for blending dry wit with pathos shone in his eponymous sitcom The John Larroquette Show (1993‑1996), where he tackled personal demons such as alcoholism, earning critical praise despite modest ratings. He continued to diversify his portfolio with memorable guest turns on The Practice (winning a fifth Emmy), Boston Legal, The Librarians, and numerous Hallmark mystery films, while also maintaining a steady presence in cinema with roles in Stripes, Blind Date, Richie Rich, and Second Sight.*

**Beyond the screen, Larroquette has earned accolades on Broadway, winning both a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for his turn as J.B. Biggley in the 2011 revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. He later starred in revivals of The Best Man and Nantucket Sleigh Ride, demonstrating his versatility as a stage actor. Married to Elizabeth Ann Cookson since July 4, 1975, he is a devoted father to three children and a vocal advocate for sobriety, having quit drinking in 1982 after a lengthy battle with alcoholism. His enduring influence and distinctive baritone continue to make him a beloved figure in American entertainment.