David Rappaport, English-American actor (b. 1951)

David Stephen Rappaport, an accomplished English actor born on November 23, 1951, carved out a distinctive niche in the entertainment industry before his untimely passing on May 2, 1990. Known for his charismatic presence and versatile performances, Rappaport lived with achondroplasia, a common form of short-limbed dwarfism, standing at a height of 3 feet 11 inches (1.19 meters). Rather than letting his stature define him restrictively, he leveraged his unique physical characteristics to deliver memorable and often compelling portrayals across various platforms, challenging conventional perceptions of leading and character roles.

His career truly blossomed with a series of notable appearances that left a lasting impact on audiences. On the silver screen, Rappaport is perhaps best remembered for his captivating role as Randall, the quick-witted and somewhat exasperated leader of the dwarves in Terry Gilliam's whimsical 1981 fantasy adventure, Time Bandits. This performance, brimming with both humor and depth, endeared him to a global audience. He also featured in the 1985 film The Bride, an adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein story, showcasing his range alongside a diverse cast.

Beyond film, Rappaport made significant contributions to television. He was a familiar face in the popular legal drama L.A. Law, where he appeared as the recurring character Dr. Stanley Keyes. Children and families enjoyed his imaginative adventures as the titular star of the fantasy series The Wizard, where he played a kindly inventor who traveled the country helping people with his ingenious contraptions. Later in his career, his voice brought to life an important character in the environmentally conscious animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers, further expanding his reach and legacy.

David Stephen Rappaport's life and career, though tragically cut short, demonstrated a profound talent and an unwavering spirit, paving the way for greater diversity and representation in media. His legacy endures through his body of work, continuing to inspire and entertain generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About David Rappaport

Who was David Rappaport?

David Stephen Rappaport was an English actor celebrated for his vibrant performances in film and television during the 1980s. He was known for his distinctive screen presence and his ability to transcend conventional casting, despite living with achondroplasia.

What was David Rappaport's height?

David Rappaport stood at a height of 3 feet 11 inches, which is approximately 1.19 meters.

What notable films did David Rappaport appear in?

He is most famous for his role as Randall in the 1981 fantasy film Time Bandits. He also appeared in the 1985 film The Bride.

What television series did David Rappaport star in?

On television, he was featured in L.A. Law, starred as the lead in The Wizard, and lent his voice to the animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers.

What condition did David Rappaport have?

David Rappaport had achondroplasia, a genetic disorder that is a common cause of short-limbed dwarfism.

When did David Rappaport pass away?

David Rappaport passed away on May 2, 1990.