Richard Libertini was born in East Cambridge, Massachusetts, to parents who had emigrated from southern Italy. This unique background allowed him to grow up in a household where both Italian and English were spoken, fostering an ear for foreign accents that would later prove to be a valuable asset in his performances.
Upon graduating from Emerson College in Boston, Libertini pursued a career as a trumpet player in the Boston area, earning a living through his musical talents. However, he eventually made the move to New York City, where he teamed up with two former college classmates, MacIntyre Dixon and Lynda Segal, to create an off-Broadway revue called "Stewed Prunes." This show was a significant success, running for a year in New York before being taken on the road. During this time, Libertini had the opportunity to perform in the same city as legendary musician Bob Dylan, who was playing at a nearby coffee house.
The success of "Stewed Prunes" led to Libertini being asked to join the renowned Second City Improvisational Theatre Group, an association that has continued to the present day. After several years of stage work in New York, Libertini eventually made the move to Los Angeles, where he began to focus on his film career.
Throughout his career, Libertini has appeared in a wide range of films, including Woody Allen's "Don't Drink the Water" (1969) and Paul Sills' "Story Theatre" (1971). He is perhaps most well-known for his memorable characters in "The In-Laws" (1979),"All of Me" (1984),and "Best Friends" (1982). Libertini has also appeared in other notable films, such as "Fletch" (1985) and "Popeye" (1980),alongside notable actors like Chevy Chase and Robin Williams.
