Remembering Little Richard’s Movie Moments

Another legend has left us with word that Little Richard has died at the age of 87 of bone cancer. Over the coming days there will rightfully be an avalanche of articles about how the iconic performer — born Richard Wayne Penniman in 1932 — shaped music and pop culture as we know it. Indeed, his impact on our world is immeasurable as everything from rock to fashion took many cues from his considerable talent. The world will be a less fun place without him, because perhaps more than anything Little Richard was always joyous. Songs like “Tutti Frutti”and “Good Golly Miss Molly” are guaranteed to raise a smile, as were his many film and TV performances in which he appeared as himself over the years.

Little Richard’s most beloved film work was in 1986’s Down and Out in Beverly Hills, in which he hilariously portrayed a heightened version of himself. (You can see his best scene in the film here, although be warned that it is NSFW).

He also performed “Great Gosh A’Mighty” on the film’s soundtrack:

He also appeared in a music video for the King Ralph soundtrack. Here he is performing “Good Golly Miss Molly,” joined by the film’s star John Goodman:

We ask that you share you remembrances of Little Richard’s music and pop culture moments below as we reflect on the life of this singular talent.