Richard Moll famously shaved his head to portray the character of Hurok, a formidable warrior in the 1983 science fiction film Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn. This decision was made specifically for his role in the movie, which coincidentally led to his iconic appearance in his most well-known television role.
The Genesis of His Iconic Look
Moll's distinct bald head, which became a signature feature of his character "Bull" Shannon on the hit sitcom Night Court, originated from this earlier film engagement. When he auditioned for the role of Shannon on Night Court, created by Reinhold Weege, he still maintained the shaved head required for Metalstorm. The production team for Night Court found his look compelling and fitting for the character, remarking that "Richard, the shaved head looks good." This positive reception ultimately contributed to his casting and the establishment of his memorable appearance for the duration of the long-running series.
- Film Requirement: Richard Moll initially shaved his head for his role as Hurok in the 1983 sci-fi movie Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn.
- Audition Impact: He retained the shaved head when auditioning for the role of Bull Shannon on Night Court.
- Iconic Character: The producers of Night Court liked his bald look, which played a part in him securing the role and creating one of television's most recognizable characters.
