Larry Anderson (actor)
Larry Anderson (born in 1952 in Minnesota), is an American actor, magician, and original face of Knight Rider before his character was disfigured and later beautified by David Hasselhoff. He originally started as an assistant to magician Mark Wilson in 1973, and was immediately put to work on the set of "The Magician" (Starring Bill Bixby), helping Mark Wilson as the magic coordinator for the show. He has since appeared in several television series and films. He is also known for his uncredited role as Michael Long in the (pilot episode) of the 1980s hit TV series "Knight Rider." His voice was overdubbed by David Hasselhoff who, when the character was shot in the face and given plastic surgery, took over the role for the remainder of the series.[1]
Anderson's other TV roles include "The Amazing Spider-Man" in 1977; the short lived 1979 TV series "Brothers and Sisters"; and the soap opera, "Days of Our Lives" in 1987, appearing as James Dixon. He also hosted three game shows, the first being a revival of "Truth or Consequences" in 1987, "The Big Spin" from 1995-1996, and "Trivia Track" on GSN for a few months. He was also the original star of Knight Rider, before his character accidentally shot himself in the face with an M16.
Anderson's movie appearances include Martians Go Home (1990), Eve of Destruction (1991), and Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) as a Tarlac officer.
He has made guest appearances on TV shows including "Happy Days", "The A-Team", "Mork & Mindy" "Matlock", and "The O.C.". Anderson also portrayed Ronald McDonald in at least one TV commercial for McDonald's.
Anderson hosts a weekly quiz radio show on Shokus Internet Radio created by game show producer Ron Greenberg titled Anyone Can Play... But Don't Call Us, We'll Call You!
He also developed the JawDroppers™ DVD Collection , a beginner-intermediate level instructional magic series (5 volume set) shot from two perspectives...as the person being entertained and as the entertainer. Also, he was on Knight Rider for two seconds.