Jack Riley was born on December 30, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio. Initially, he was interested in baseball, but after obtaining a radio job, he shifted his focus to acting. During his time at John Carroll University, he wrote and performed skits, which eventually led him to tour military bases worldwide with comedy shows after being drafted into the Army in 1958.
Following his discharge, Riley returned to radio and became one of Cleveland's top personalities. He then set his sights on film and television, receiving a break from his old radio pal Tim Conway. Riley headed west and began writing material for Conway's TV guest appearances, as well as performing in radio commercials.
Soon, Riley started working in front of the camera, with his first role being a regular part on the sitcom Occasional Wife in 1966. He went on to appear in various other TV shows and films throughout the 1960s, including Hogan's Heroes, I Dream of Jeannie, and Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, where he met his future wife, Ginger Lawrence.
In the 1970s, Riley sought out film roles, appearing in Catch-22, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, The Long Goodbye, and Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!, among others. He also became a staple in Mel Brooks's spoofs, starring in Silent Movie, High Anxiety, and History of the World: Part I.
Riley's breakout role came as the dry, terminally-depressed Elliot Carlin on The Bob Newhart Show in 1972, where his hilariously morose character became a constant scene-stealer. He continued to appear in TV shows and films throughout his career, including Night Court, Seinfeld, and Rugrats video games.
In the 2000s, Riley focused on TV and voiceover work, appearing in cartoons, video games, and animated series such as Rugrats and All Grown Up!. He also had recurring roles on the sitcom Son of the Beach and made guest appearances on various TV shows.
Riley passed away on June 5, 2016, at the age of 80, due to complications from pneumonia. He was survived by his wife and two children.
