Back in the late 1970s, Larry Wilcox became a household name, skyrocketing to fame as the clean-cut California motorcycle cop Jon Baker on the hit TV series CHiPs. Airing on NBC from 1977 to 1983, the show quickly gained a massive following, thanks in no small part to the dynamic between Larry Wilcox’s level-headed character and Erik Estrada’s flashy, larger-than-life Frank Poncharello. Together, they brought a mix of light-hearted action and just a touch of camp that kept audiences tuning in week after week. For five solid years, Larry Wilcox was front and center, enjoying the kind of spotlight most actors only dream of.
But by 1982, Larry Wilcox made the bold decision to step away from the role that had defined his career up to that point. He wanted to explore new opportunities behind the camera, setting his sights on producing. And he did just that—taking the helm of the critically acclaimed Ray Bradbury Theater, which aired first on HBO and later on the USA Network between 1985 and 1992. The project earned praise and awards, proving that Larry Wilcox had more than just on-screen charisma.
Over time, though, Larry Wilcox drifted into a series of business ventures that were less transparent and ultimately led to serious legal trouble. In 2010, he was convicted of conspiracy related to securities fraud—a major fall from grace for someone who had once been seen as such a positive figure on television. When he was sentenced in 2011, it marked a painful chapter in the life of a man many still remembered fondly as the dependable officer Jon Baker. Despite the setbacks, Larry Wilcox remains a notable figure in pop culture history, with a legacy shaped as much by his early success as by the challenges that followed.
So, when it comes to Larry Wilcox’s career highlights, one film in particular stands out—Larry Wilcox’s highest rated movie is National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1 (1993). Interestingly enough, the same title also happens to be his lowest rated film. Yeah, that’s right—Larry Wilcox appears in National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1 (1993), and despite the mixed reception, it remains a notable point in his filmography. It’s kind of funny when you think about it—Larry Wilcox being part of a movie that holds both the top and bottom spot in his rating history. While opinions on the film may vary, there’s no denying that Larry Wilcox’s role contributes to its cult following over the years.