Larry Manetti, a versatile American actor, became a household name for his portrayal of Orville “Rick” Wright on the long-running hit television series Magnum, P.I.. With a career spanning several decades, Manetti has captivated audiences with his charm, wit, and effortless screen presence. His work on Magnum, P.I., where he played Thomas Magnum’s loyal friend and bar owner, solidified his place in television history. Manetti’s acting career, however, goes beyond Magnum, P.I., and he has contributed to a variety of roles across television and film. Known for his charismatic demeanor, Larry Manetti continues to be a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Born Lawrence Francis Manetti on July 23, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, Larry grew up in a large Italian-American family. His Chicago upbringing played a significant role in shaping his personality and career. The son of a bookie, Manetti often reminisces about the colorful characters and larger-than-life personalities he encountered growing up, experiences that later influenced his acting career. His early life in Chicago was far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, but his ambition to pursue a career in show business pushed him toward a path that would eventually lead to his breakout role on Magnum, P.I.
Early Life and Start in Acting
Larry Manetti’s path to acting began in his hometown of Chicago, where he developed a fascination with performance at a young age. His entry into the entertainment world was initially unconventional. After serving in the Army National Guard, he considered various career paths before ultimately deciding to pursue acting seriously. Eager to break into Hollywood, Manetti left Chicago for Los Angeles in the early 1970s, determined to make his mark.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Manetti found work as a young actor eager to take on any role. He studied under the guidance of well-known acting coaches, honing his craft and learning the ins and outs of the entertainment industry. His early work primarily consisted of guest appearances on television shows, where he began to make a name for himself as a reliable character actor.
Manetti’s first significant break came when he was cast in Chase, a short-lived crime drama series that aired in 1973. The show may not have lasted long, but it gave Manetti much-needed exposure in the competitive world of television. His role on Chase led to other guest spots on popular shows, including The Streets of San Francisco, Emergency!, and Baa Baa Black Sheep (also known as Black Sheep Squadron). The latter would prove to be particularly important, as it introduced Manetti to producer Donald P. Bellisario, who would later cast him in the role that would define his career.
Magnum, P.I. and the Role of Rick Wright
Larry Manetti’s most iconic role came in 1980 when he was cast as Orville “Rick” Wright in the CBS series Magnum, P.I.. Created by Donald P. Bellisario and Glen A. Larson, the show starred Tom Selleck as Thomas Magnum, a private investigator living in Hawaii. Manetti’s character, Rick, was one of Magnum’s closest friends, along with helicopter pilot T.C. (played by Roger E. Mosley). Rick owned a bar called Rick’s Place and had connections to the local social and criminal underworld, often using his contacts to help Magnum solve cases.
Manetti’s portrayal of Rick Wright was characterized by his easy-going charm and quick wit. Rick was suave, street-smart, and had a penchant for fine suits and luxury. Though he had a somewhat mysterious past tied to organized crime, he was a loyal and trustworthy friend to Magnum. The chemistry between Manetti, Selleck, and Mosley was a key part of the show’s success, and their camaraderie on screen was a reflection of the real-life friendships that developed among the cast members.
Over the course of eight seasons, Magnum, P.I. became one of the most popular shows on television, making Larry Manetti a familiar face to millions of viewers around the world. The role of Rick Wright allowed Manetti to showcase his comedic talents as well as his ability to play more serious scenes when needed. While Tom Selleck’s Magnum was the focus of the series, Rick’s character provided a crucial balance, often serving as both comic relief and a reliable ally in Magnum’s dangerous investigations.
Manetti’s portrayal of Rick Wright earned him widespread recognition, and his performance remains one of the defining elements of the series. The show’s mix of action, mystery, and humor, combined with the tropical setting of Hawaii, made Magnum, P.I. a cultural phenomenon of the 1980s. Even after the show ended in 1988, its reruns continued to attract new fans, keeping Manetti’s portrayal of Rick alive in popular culture.
Post-Magnum, P.I. Career and Other Ventures
After Magnum, P.I. ended, Larry Manetti continued to work steadily in television and film. While he never found another role as iconic as Rick Wright, he appeared in a variety of guest-starring roles on shows such as Quantum Leap, Walker, Texas Ranger, Renegade, and JAG. His ability to play both comedic and dramatic characters kept him in demand as a character actor.
In addition to his acting career, Manetti pursued other ventures in the entertainment industry. He authored a memoir, Aloha Magnum, in which he chronicled his experiences working on Magnum, P.I., sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights about his time on the show. The book provided fans with a unique look at the making of the iconic series and solidified Manetti’s place in Magnum, P.I. lore.
Manetti also explored his love of food and cooking, something that had been a lifelong passion for him. In his later years, he became involved in the restaurant business, opening several eateries in Southern California. His foray into the culinary world allowed him to showcase another side of his personality, as he shared his Italian heritage and love of good food with the public.
Personal Life and Legacy
Larry Manetti has always been known for his down-to-earth personality and strong family values. He married actress Nancy DeCarl in 1980, and the couple has a son together. Manetti has often spoken about the importance of family in his life and how his marriage has been a source of stability throughout his long career.
In addition to his work in entertainment and business, Manetti has been involved in various charitable endeavors over the years. He has supported numerous causes, including those related to veterans and children’s hospitals, using his platform to give back to the community.
Larry Manetti’s legacy in Hollywood is closely tied to his role on Magnum, P.I., but his contributions to television and film extend far beyond that iconic series. His career as a versatile actor, memoirist, and restaurateur demonstrates his passion for both performance and life outside of the spotlight. While Rick Wright may be the role that defined him, Manetti’s charm, warmth, and commitment to his craft have ensured that he remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Return to Magnum, P.I.
In recent years, Manetti has enjoyed a resurgence of attention thanks to the reboot of Magnum, P.I., which debuted in 2018. Although he did not reprise his role as Rick in the reboot, Manetti made a guest appearance on the show in 2019, delighting fans with his return to the world that had made him famous. His cameo was a nostalgic moment for longtime viewers of the original series, and it demonstrated that, even after decades, Larry Manetti remains an important part of the Magnum, P.I. legacy.
Throughout his long career, Larry Manetti has proven himself to be a versatile and dedicated actor, capable of bringing both humor and heart to his roles.