Richard Skipper is an American stage actor, singer and tribute artist. Although he has created a vast array of characterizations; he is most noteworthy for his tribute to Carol Channing.
For more than 20 years, Richard Skipper has performed all over the world. He has most particularly been paying tribute to Carol Channing in a host of original shows. 2010 found Richard getting back to his roots and appearing more as himself. In June 2010, he and Dana Lorge launched WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA at The Iguana Restaurant in NYC, a weekly variety show harkening back to the variety shows of our youth. The show is still running (without Richard Skipper) and last year won two MAC (MANHATTAN ASSOCIATION OF CABARETS AND CLUBS) for recurring series/variety show and outstanding hosts. Richard decided to move on to focus on other projects. Richard appeared in Palm Springs in February in a new show, as himself, entitled to Carol Channing With Love. It was a benefit for The Dr. Carol Channing-Harry Kullijian Foundation For The Arts. Carol and Harry were in attendance. Richard can also be seen in Dori Berenstein's critically acclaimed documentary, CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE. Professional highs have also included appearing in a star studded tribute to Ervin Drake, who wrote Widows Weeds and is a close personal friend, celebrating Drake’s 90th birthday. Richard continues to teach his workshops on HOW TO MAKE A LIVING AS AN ENTERTAINER. He has served on several panels on the business end of show business. He has emceed several prestigious events. AND he was associate producer on the 2010 and 2011 Bistro Awards along with Sherry Eaker.
Other highlights include performing as "Carol Channing as Dolly Levi" at Asbury Park's Paramount Theater in a special benefit performance of "Hello Dolly!"with a cast of 125 and a 25 piece orchestra, a Theatre Wing tribute to Carol Channing, Tommy Tune and James Earl Jones, benefit performances for the Dr. Carol Channing/Harry Kullijian Foundation For The Arts with Carol and Harry in attendance and guest star Neil Sedaka, performing on board WindStar Cruise Lines from Rome to Athens, and a return engagement in celebration of Carol Channing's birthday at Washington DC's National Theater. Other performances have included Carnegie Hall with Sam Harris and The New York City Gay Men's Chorus, Late Night With Conan O'Brien, and an appearance with Carol Channing and the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus at the Palace Of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
Richard Skipper's work is endorsed and supported by Carol Channing herself. Channing appeared with Skipper and the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus at the San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts. Skipper also did a special performance for Carol Channing at The American Theatre Wing Gala honoring Carol Channing, James Earl Jones, and Tommy Tune. He also did the FIRST benefit performance for The Dr.Carol Channing-Harry Kullijian Endowment For The Arts with Carol Channing, Harry Kullijian, Marge Champion, Joe Franklin, Rex Reed, Ervin & Edith Drake in attendance. His special guest star that night was Neil Sedaka. Carol Channing wrote, "For public dissemination-- Letter of appreciation to a friend and artist to Richard Skipper from Carol Channing. June 12th 2007 Dear friend Richard Skipper, In New York in 2007, at a gala event celebration for the American Theatre Wing, you brought a surprise to us. You performed for a newcomer to the field of entertainment, a Ms. Carol Channing. She is young, beautiful, and inexperienced but you honored her anyway. Richard, you helped bring the audience to celebrate a great legend. The following evening you had prepared a venue for a gift to a Foundation for the Arts. Again, Carol Channing was honored by you. You are donating the revenue to the Dr. Carol Channing Foundation for the Arts. These funds will be used to reestablish arts in education for the 6.5 million public school students in California. Hopefully, this will become an avalanche and a boon for our kids. Thank you Richard for your continued assistance to restore society with a rich culture that brings honor to us all. The first time EVER I have been shown with such love, respect and polish. You are a TRUE MUSICAL COMEDY STAR! YOU ARE FABULOUS AS ME!!" Other career highlights have included appearances at Carnegie Hall, long running engagements at Trump's Taj Mahal and The Hilton Hotel in Atlantic City, engagements at Casino Windsor and The Windsor Hilton Hotel in Windsor, Ontario, The Friars Club, the Russian Tea Room, Tavern on the Green, Le Cirque an appearance on Late Night With Conan O'Brien, and WINDSTAR CRUISE LINE.
He was the featured performer for the Makar Caring Community benefit in New York City along with the late great Dody Goodman, Rex Reed, Lee Roy Reams, and Steve Ross. Other celebrities he has shared the stage with include: Celeste Holm, the late great Rue McClanahan, Claire Bloom, Donna McKechnie]], Hayley Mills, Tony Roberts, and George Shearing. Richard Skipper often donates his time for benefit performances and fund-raisers including work for The Dr. Carol Channing-Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts [1], Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, The Actors Fund and other charities.