Robert Ridgely

Robert Ridgely (December 24, 1931 – February 8, 1997) was an American actor and voice artist, known for both on-camera roles and extensive voice-over work.

Life and career
Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, Ridgely, began his entertainment career as a cabaret entertainer.

Ridgley started his Hollywood career in the late 1960s, serving as co-host to talk show host Woody Woodbury. He also appeared in commercials, including a classic McDonald's commercial, staged as a Broadway production number, where he sings; "there is nothin' so clean – as my burger machine".

Ridgley guest starred on such 1960s TV series as Maverick, Sea Hunt, Lawman, and Surfside 6. He landed a regular role as Lieutenant Kimbro in the short-lived World War II ABC series, The Gallant Men. After the series was cancelled, he continued with guest appearances on such shows as Bonanza, WKRP in Cincinnati, Coach, Night Court, Wings and Designing Women.

Ridgley appeared in various films - including several Mel Brooks productions, amongst them; Blazing Saddles (1974), High Anxiety (1977), Life Stinks (1991), and Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993). Ridgley also worked in films, including; Something Wild (1986), Beverly Hills Cop II (1987), Philadelphia (1993), and Boogie Nights (1997).

Ridgely put his strong voice to use in voice-over roles in movies like Down and Dirty Duck (1974), television specials such as Thanksgiving in the Land of Oz, (aka Dorothy in the Land of Oz) (1980), and the video game Blazing Dragons (1996). He did a great deal of voice work on television as well, including the titular hero in Thundarr the Barbarian.

From 1985 until 1996, Ridgely was one of ABC's main primetime show promo announcers.

Death
On February 8, 1997, Ridgely died of cancer at his Toluca Lake, Los Angeles home. His death occurred only two days after that of his longtime ABC announcing colleague, Ernie Anderson, who also succumbed to cancer. Both Anderson and Ridgely were last heard on ABC only months apart, in 1995 and early 1996, respectively.