Biography

Ellis Rabb was born on June 20, 1930 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. He was an actor and director, known for Great Performances (1971), The Dain Curse (1978) and The Royal Family (1977). He was married to Rosemary Harris. He died on January 11, 1998 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.

His theatrical vocal intonations were Kelsey Grammer's primary inspiration for the voice of Sideshow Bob. Both appeared in Cheers: Rabb as a guest star in the first season, and Grammer as a series regular from the third season on.

He was nominated for a 1978 Joseph Jefferson Award for Guest Artist for his performance in "Twelfth Night" at the Academy Festival Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.

Won Broadway's 1976 Tony Award as Best Director (Play) for a revival of "The Royal Family." He had been previously nominated as Best Director (Dramatic) in 1966 for a revival of "You Can't Take It with You."

He and Diana Maddox were awarded the 1981 Drama Logue Award for Outstanding Direction for "Twelfth Night" at the Mark Taper Forum Theatre in Los Angeles, California.