---
name: "Charles Fleischer"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/charles-fleischer"
fi1m_id: "charles-fleischer"
imdb_id: "nm0281486"
tmdb_id: 12826
wikidata_id: "Q658690"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "27 August 1950"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 7
average_fi1m_score: 80
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 7
updated: "2026-10-05T03:29:42.601746+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Charles Fleischer

## Identity

Charles Fleischer

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/charles-fleischer
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** charles-fleischer
- **IMDb ID:** nm0281486
- **TMDB ID:** 12826
- **Wikidata ID:** Q658690
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Fleischer, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q658690, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0281486/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/12826

Actor. Born 27 August 1950 in Washington, DC, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 27 August 1950, Washington, DC, USA
- **Active:** 1981–2011
- **Average Fi1m score:** 80, as actor, over 7 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 83 (4), 2000s 74 (2), 2010s 77 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 79 to 74 across 6 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 2 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 4 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Adventure 3, Animation 3, Comedy 3, Crime 3, Family 2, Fantasy 2
- **Screen time:** 11 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,390m across 6 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Fleischer, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q658690, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0281486/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/12826

## Streaming the US now

- **Paramount+:** [*Zodiac*](https://film.one/film/zodiac.md) (91)
- **Disney+:** [*Who Framed Roger Rabbit*](https://film.one/film/who-framed-roger-rabbit.md) (89)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Charles Fleischer

> Charles Fleischer makes cartoon panic funny by letting it become exhausting. We rate his Roger Rabbit highly, especially against Bob Hoskins's steadiness; his smaller live-action roles suggest that a familiar comic performer can also be an unsettling presence.

Roger Rabbit stutters and flutters his way through a sentence as though speaking were hard physical work. In *Who Framed Roger Rabbit* (1988), Fleischer makes that effort funny, though Roger is an exhausting companion. We laughed at the cheek-fluttering delivery because he sounds unable to contain his own distress. The danger is that such a voice can wear out its welcome before the joke has finished. Fleischer needs the contrast with Bob Hoskins's Eddie Valiant, whose steady attention makes the animated character seem worth listening to.

Robert Zemeckis gets that relationship right, and Kathleen Turner's controlled Jessica Rabbit provides another useful contrast. Fleischer does not have to soften Roger to keep the comedy working. Animation director Richard Williams helped develop the delivery, and the result makes the voice feel as physically expressive as the character. Fleischer also voices Benny the Cab, Greasy and Psycho. Those extra parts matter less to our enjoyment than the sustained effort of making Roger's agitation funny without making it comfortable.

His earlier work in stand-up and television helps explain how confidently he puts an outlandish voice to comic use. There were live-action parts too, including Dr. King in *A Nightmare on Elm Street* (1984), before Roger made him widely recognisable. Afterwards, Terry in *Back to the Future Part II* (1989) was another supporting appearance, and supporting parts and voice work continued to dominate. The frustration is that there are so few leading live-action roles in which to test what he can sustain.

*Zodiac* (2007) gives him a different use. As Bob Vaughn in David Fincher's patient crime thriller, he makes a small live-action part unsettling. For us, knowing him from comedy adds to the discomfort. Fincher makes that limited screen time count, though it is not enough to tell us what a larger dramatic role might yield. Watch *Who Framed Roger Rabbit* first, and do not expect *Zodiac* to offer the same sort of company.

## Biography

Charles Fleischer is an American actor, stand-up comedian and voice artist. Born in Washington, D.C. on 27 August 1950, he began performing stand-up comedy as a child and later studied acting at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago. He moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s and appeared on television programmes including Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In and as Carvelli in Welcome Back, Kotter.

Fleischer is best known for voicing Roger Rabbit, Benny the Cab, Greasy and Psycho in Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988). His other film roles include Dr. King in A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), Terry in Back to the Future Part II (1989) and Bob Vaughn in Zodiac (2007). He has provided voices for The Polar Express (2004), Rango (2011) and Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022), and has continued occasional stand-up and television work.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (7)

- *Rango* (2011), Fi1m 77, as Elbows (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/rango.md)
- *Zodiac* (2007), Fi1m 91, as Bob Vaughn — [page](https://film.one/film/zodiac.md)
- *The Polar Express* (2004), Fi1m 58, as Elf General — [page](https://film.one/film/the-polar-express.md)
- *Back to the Future Part II* (1989), Fi1m 74, as Terry — [page](https://film.one/film/back-to-the-future-part-ii.md)
- *Who Framed Roger Rabbit* (1988), Fi1m 89, as Roger Rabbit / Benny the Cab / Greasy / Psycho (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/who-framed-roger-rabbit.md)
- *A Nightmare on Elm Street* (1984), Fi1m 83, as Dr. King — [page](https://film.one/film/a-nightmare-on-elm-street.md)
- *Hill Street Blues* (1981), Fi1m 86, Actor — [page](https://film.one/tv/hill-street-blues.md)

## Complete filmography (95)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Cognitive* (2025), Actor
- *Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers* (2022), as Roger Rabbit / Chipmunks TV Announcer (voice)
- *Reality Queen!* (2020), as Talk Show Host
- *Hanukkah* (2019), as Amon Feist
- *Dimension 404* (2017), series, as Professor Dobkin
- *Mozart in the Jungle* (2014), series, as Dr. Tashoff
- *Dystopia* (2013), as Homeless Leader
- *Rango* (2011), as Elbows (voice) — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/rango.md)
- *Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy* (2010), series, Actor
- *Waking Sleeping Beauty* (2009), as Roger Rabbit (voice) (archive footage)
- *Funny People* (2009), as Charles Fleischer
- *Ratko: The Dictator's Son* (2009), as Professor Kroninger
- *Women's Murder Club* (2007), series, Actor
- *Zodiac* (2007), as Bob Vaughn — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/film/zodiac.md)
- *Freddie* (2005), series, as Adam
- *The Polar Express* (2004), as Elf General — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/the-polar-express.md)
- *Balto III: Wings of Change* (2004), as Boris / White Mountain Postmaster (voice)
- *The 4th Tenor* (2002), as Alphonse
- *For the People* (2002), series, as Coroner
- *Balto: Wolf Quest* (2002), as Boris (voice)
- *The Backlot Murders* (2002), as Henry
- *Man and Cat* (2001), as Police Officer
- *Disney's House of Mouse* (2001), series, as Benny the Cab (voice)
- *Buzz Lightyear of Star Command* (2000), series, as Monumentus (voice), Monumentus / Thug #1 (voice), Monumentus / Varko (voice)
- *God, the Devil and Bob* (2000), series, Actor
- *Bel Air* (2000), Actor
- *Genius* (1999), as Dr. Krickstein
- *Palmer's Pick-Up* (1999), as Sarah
- *Rusty: A Dog's Tale* (1998), as Bart Bimini
- *Permanent Midnight* (1998), as Allen from Mr. Chompers
- *Ground Control* (1998), as Randy
- *Big Monster on Campus* (1998), as Mr. Stockton
- *The Weird Al Show* (1997), series, as Buford, Eggman (voice)
- *Bone Chillers: Art Intimidates Life* (1997), as Arnie
- *Gridlock'd* (1997), as Mr. Woodson
- *Bone Chillers: Frankenturkey* (1996), as Arnie
- *Bone Chillers* (1996), series, as Arnie
- *The Best of Roger Rabbit* (1996), as Roger Rabbit (voice) (archive footage)
- *Baywatch Nights* (1995), series, as Carl Fleisher
- *The Drew Carey Show* (1995), series, as Dr. Kresheck
- *Sherman Oaks* (1995), series, as Margog / Duane
- *Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight* (1995), as Wally Enfield
- *Weird Science* (1994), series, Actor
- *My Girl 2* (1994), as Cab Driver
- *We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story* (1993), as Dweeb (voice)
- *Partners* (1993), as Evan Crow
- *Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman* (1993), series, as Dr. Voyle Grumman
- *Trail Mix-Up* (1993), as Roger Rabbit (voice)
- *Carry On Columbus* (1992), as Pontiac
- *Straight Talk* (1992), as Tony
- *The Prince and the Pauper* (1990), Writer
- *Beverly Hills, 90210* (1990), series, as Costume Store Clerk — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/beverly-hills-90210.md)
- *Tiny Toon Adventures* (1990), series, Actor
- *Disney's Sing-Along Songs: Disneyland Fun* (1990), as Roger Rabbit (voice) (uncredited)
- *Disneyland's 35th Anniversary Celebration* (1990), as Various Characters
- *Dick Tracy* (1990), as Reporter
- *Roller Coaster Rabbit* (1990), as Roger Rabbit (voice)
- *Back to the Future Part II* (1989), as Terry — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/back-to-the-future-part-ii.md)
- *Tummy Trouble* (1989), as Roger Rabbit (voice)
- *Tales from the Crypt* (1989), series, as Carl Rechek
- *One Night Stand* (1989), series, Actor
- *Mickey's 60th Birthday* (1988), as Stagehand Charlie / Roger Rabbit (voice)
- *Who Framed Roger Rabbit* (1988), as Roger Rabbit / Benny the Cab / Greasy / Psycho (voice) — Fi1m 89, [page](https://film.one/film/who-framed-roger-rabbit.md)
- *Somethin's Cookin'* (1988), as Roger Rabbit (voice)
- *Bad Dreams* (1988), as Ron the Pharmacist
- *Ponce de Leon* (1986), as Balboa
- *Roger Rabbit Screen Test* (1986), as Roger Rabbit (voice)
- *Deadly Friend* (1986), as BB (voice)
- *Fast Times* (1986), series, as Mr. Amsterdam
- *Tall Tales & Legends* (1985), series, as Balboa
- *George Burns Comedy Week* (1985), series, as Dr. Bernard
- *A Nightmare on Elm Street* (1984), as Dr. King — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/a-nightmare-on-elm-street.md)
- *Punky Brewster* (1984), series, Actor
- *Night Court* (1984), series, as Man in Holding Cell
- *The House of God* (1984), as Hyper Hooper
- *Reading Rainbow* (1983), series, as Luke (voice)
- *Knight Rider* (1982), series, as Hitchhiker
- *Night Shift* (1982), as Prisoner
- *Simon & Simon* (1981), series, as Chester Wright
- *The Hand* (1981), as David Maddow
- *Aloha Paradise* (1981), series, as Everett
- *Hill Street Blues* (1981), series, Actor — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/hill-street-blues.md)
- *Die Laughing* (1980), as Charlie
- *Hart to Hart* (1979), series, Actor
- *Crisis in Sun Valley* (1978), as Shuyler
- *The Richard Pryor Show* (1977), series, Actor
- *Sugar Time!* (1977), series, Actor
- *One on One* (1977), as High School Student (uncredited)
- *The Death of Richie* (1977), as Brick
- *Laverne & Shirley* (1976), series, as Chuck
- *Welcome Back, Kotter* (1975), series, as Carvelli
- *Barney Miller* (1975), series, as Floyd
- *Chico and the Man* (1974), series, as Charlie
- *Hawkins* (1973), series, as 2nd Confederate
- *The Wonderful World of Disney* (1954), series, as Haunted Mansion Attendant /Coconut Charlie /Balloon Vendor

## Gallery

- ![Charles Fleischer, actor and comedian, at GalaxyCon San Jose in San Jose, CA August, 28, 2026](https://film.one/media/person/99540/gallery-54f4296c8d7d.jpg) Charles Fleischer, actor and comedian, at GalaxyCon San Jose in San Jose, CA August, 28, 2026 — John Manard, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Charles_Fleischer_GalaxyCon_San_Jose_August-28-2026_730.jpg/1280px-Charles_Fleischer_GalaxyCon_San_Jose_August-28-2026_730.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Charles Fleischer](https://film.one/media/person/99540/gallery-5d7f64e2a61f.jpg) Charles Fleischer — John Manard, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Charles_Fleischer_GalaxyCon_San_Jose_August-28-2026_731.jpg/1280px-Charles_Fleischer_GalaxyCon_San_Jose_August-28-2026_731.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Charles Fleischer, actor and comedian, at GalaxyCon San Jose in San Jose, CA August, 29, 2026](https://film.one/media/person/99540/gallery-bc341445a419.jpg) Charles Fleischer, actor and comedian, at GalaxyCon San Jose in San Jose, CA August, 29, 2026 — John Manard, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Charles_Fleischer_GalaxyCon_San_Jose_August-29-2026_491.jpg/1280px-Charles_Fleischer_GalaxyCon_San_Jose_August-29-2026_491.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Charles Fleischer, actor and comedian, at GalaxyCon San Jose in San Jose, CA August, 29, 2026](https://film.one/media/person/99540/gallery-7f0a9025bc55.jpg) Charles Fleischer, actor and comedian, at GalaxyCon San Jose in San Jose, CA August, 29, 2026 — John Manard, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/Charles_Fleischer_GalaxyCon_San_Jose_August-29-2026_492.jpg/1280px-Charles_Fleischer_GalaxyCon_San_Jose_August-29-2026_492.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Charles Fleischer](https://film.one/media/person/99540/gallery-799052a21f00.jpg) Charles Fleischer — Image via TMDB
- ![Charles Fleischer](https://film.one/media/person/99540/gallery-ee4055b4101b.jpg) Charles Fleischer — Image via TMDB
- ![Charles Fleischer](https://film.one/media/person/99540/gallery-13cac5c947e4.jpg) Charles Fleischer — Image via TMDB
- ![Charles Fleischer, actor and comedian, at GalaxyCon San Jose in San Jose, CA August, 29, 2026](https://film.one/media/person/99540/gallery-80d032d9f87f.jpg) Charles Fleischer, actor and comedian, at GalaxyCon San Jose in San Jose, CA August, 29, 2026 — John Manard, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b3/Charles_Fleischer_GalaxyCon_San_Jose_August-29-2026_493.jpg/1280px-Charles_Fleischer_GalaxyCon_San_Jose_August-29-2026_493.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/charles-fleischer