Celebrity Info
He was a tall, lanky comic character actor whose sharp wit and unique presence made him stand out—especially during his early days on “Saturday Night Live,” where he first gained widespread attention. That moment came when he famously dropped the f-word on live television, a stunt that ultimately led to his firing from the long-running sketch show. But even after that controversial exit, Rocket didn’t slow down. In fact, he went on to build an impressive career across film, television, and even voice work in cartoons and video games.
Over the years, Rocket became known for his memorable performances in both recurring and guest roles. He brought depth and humor to characters like Richard Addison—the brother of Bruce Willis’s private investigator—on the hit series “Moonlighting.” Fans also recognized him from his appearances on the inventive “Max Headroom,” the uplifting “Touched By an Angel,” and as a regular cast member on the legal drama “The Home Court” (1995–1996). Later, he added another layer to his resume with a role on the John Goodman-led sitcom “Normal, Ohio” in 2000.
Rocket had a knack for playing certain types—often slimy white-collar types or bumbling, good-hearted losers. His film roles reflected that range: in “Earth Girls Are Easy” (1989), he played a sleazy doctor eager to experiment on friendly aliens; in “Dances With Wolves” (1990), he took a softer turn as a kind Calvary officer; and in Robert Altman’s “Short Cuts” (1993), he appeared as yet another one of Frances McDormand’s on-screen boyfriends. Then came his standout role in the comedy smash “Dumb and Dumber” (1994), where he hilariously portrayed the dimwitted villain.
Throughout his decades-long career, Rocket consistently delivered strong performances no matter the medium. Whether it was live-action, animation, or interactive media, he left a mark. Tragically, on October 7, 2005, Rocket was found dead near his home in Canterbury, Connecticut. He was just 56 years old. Authorities ruled the cause as an apparent suicide—a heartbreaking end to the life of a talented performer who brought laughter and complexity to every role he played.
When it comes to Charles Rocket’s career in film, one standout performance comes from Short Cuts (1993), which is widely regarded as his highest-rated movie. Critics and audiences alike have praised the ensemble cast and Robert Altman’s direction, and Charles Rocket’s role in the film definitely contributed to its success. On the other hand, not every project he was involved in received the same level of acclaim. In fact, Wagons East! (1994) ended up being Charles Rocket’s lowest rated film—often cited for its lackluster humor and underwhelming reception. While Charles Rocket brought talent to both projects, it’s clear that Short Cuts shines much brighter in his filmography. Overall, Charles Rocket’s body of work reflects a range of experiences, but it’s Charles Rocket’s performance in Short Cuts that continues to stand out the most.
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