Cliff Emmich, a talented and engaging character actor, was born on December 13, 1936, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He spent his childhood in Los Angeles, California, where his father, Clifford, was a renowned exotic car dealer, boasting an impressive clientele that included Hollywood legends Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, and Ozzie Nelson.
After graduating from John Muir High School, Emmich served in the air force for four years as a photo technician. Following his military service, he began his acting career on stage, taking Keenan Wynn's advice to enroll at the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse. Emmich honed his craft at the Pasadena Playhouse for eight months before embarking on a nationwide tour with the American Repertory Players.
He also spent a summer performing in summer stock at the Pink Garter Theatre in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Emmich made his film debut in Gaily, Gaily (1969),marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career in Hollywood.
Throughout his career, Emmich has appeared in numerous memorable roles, including a coroner in Invasion of the Bee Girls (1973),a sexist business executive in Jackson County Jail (1976),a bumbling small-town deputy in Barracuda (1978),an ill-fated hospital security guard in Halloween II (1981),an asylum doctor in the cult classic Hellhole (1985),and a small-town sheriff in Digital Man (1995).
In addition to his film work, Emmich has had a prolific career in television, appearing in popular shows such as Crossing Jordan (2001),Walker, Texas Ranger (1993),Nash Bridges (1996),Coach (1989),Baywatch (1989),Murder, She Wrote (1984),Knots Landing (1979),Night Court (1984),Hunter (1984),Riptide (1984),Simon & Simon (1981),CHiPs (1977),Knight Rider (1982),The Incredible Hulk (1977),Vega$ (1978),Fantasy Island (1977),Happy Days (1974),Little House on the Prairie (1974),Charlie's Angels (1976),Baretta (1975),Police Woman (1974),and Starsky and Hutch (1975).
Emmich is a member of both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, a testament to his enduring contributions to the world of entertainment.
