Celebrity Info
Larry Bishop, the son of legendary comic Joey Bishop, was practically born into the world of showbiz. Growing up, Larry wasn’t just exposed to entertainment—he was immersed in it, with his father’s close-knit circle including icons like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin from the famed “Rat Pack.” Naturally, the allure of the spotlight drew Larry Bishop toward acting. But despite early appearances, his journey through Hollywood was anything but fast-tracked. For over two decades, Larry Bishop floated through a string of minor roles, often going unnoticed in the background of bigger productions.
It wasn’t until the 1990s that Larry Bishop began to carve out a more distinctive path for himself—not just as an actor, but as a writer and director. Taking matters into his own hands, he started crafting screenplays, many of which delved into gritty mob narratives. His breakthrough came with Mad Dog Time (1996), a film he wrote, starred in, and directed—marking his official debut behind the camera. The movie, centered on a mob boss freshly released from a mental institution, earned solid critical praise and was eventually picked up by MGM/UA, proving that Larry Bishop had more than just star power; he had vision.
That same year, 1997, saw the release of another project penned by Larry Bishop: Underworld, in which he also took on a role. It was clear that writing his own material allowed him to step into more compelling, layered characters—the kind studios weren’t offering him before.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey, just across the Hudson from Manhattan, Larry Bishop eventually moved to Beverly Hills by high school. There, he crossed paths with future Hollywood heavyweights like Richard Dreyfuss, Rob Reiner, and Albert Brooks. Together, they dabbled in improvisational theater after graduation, though the group didn’t last long. Still, those early creative sparks set the foundation for what was to come.
Larry Bishop made his feature film debut in Wild in the Streets (1968), a low-budget cult favorite from American International Pictures about a youth-led revolution. That same year, he appeared in two other AIP films—The Savage Seven and The Devil’s Eight—though his parts remained small. Through the 70s, Larry Bishop continued taking on supporting roles: a pilot in Angel Unchained (1970), a biker in Shanks (1974), and various guest spots on TV shows like I Dream of Jeannie and Kung Fu. In 1979, he co-starred in a CBS pilot titled Beane’s of Boston, which unfortunately never made it to series. He also appeared in TV movies such as High Midnight (CBS, 1970) and The Girl From Left Field (ABC, 1973).
By 1978, there was a glimmer of momentum when Richard Dreyfuss cast Larry Bishop in a featured role in The Big Fix, a film Dreyfuss both starred in and produced. But soon after, opportunities dwindled. By 1982, Larry Bishop was reduced to playing a minor guard in The Sting II—a sign that traditional routes in Hollywood weren’t working for him.
Rather than fade into obscurity, Larry Bishop chose reinvention. Like many actors before him, he realized that if he wanted meaningful roles, he’d have to create them himself. And unlike so many others who try and fail, Larry Bishop actually pulled it off. With determination and resourcefulness, he raised the funds independently to produce Mad Dog Time, a bold move that paid off both critically and creatively. In doing so, Larry Bishop didn’t just revive his career—he redefined it.
When it comes to Larry Bishop’s career in film, fans and critics alike often point to The Big Fix (1978) as his standout work—widely regarded as Larry Bishop’s highest rated movie. It really marked a strong moment early on in Larry Bishop’s journey, showcasing his talent in a way that resonated with audiences and reviewers. On the other end of the spectrum, Hell Ride (2008) tends to receive more mixed or negative feedback, making it Larry Bishop’s lowest rated film to date. While Larry Bishop brought his signature style to the project, it just didn’t connect the same way. Overall, Larry Bishop’s filmography reflects a varied path, with clear highs like The Big Fix and more challenging entries like Hell Ride.
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Austria
