It's off the laugh meter!
Louie De Palma is a cantankerous, acerbic taxi dispatcher in New York City. He tries to maintain order over a collection of varied and strange characters who drive for him. As he bullies and insults them from the safety of his “cage,” they form a special bond among themselves, becoming friends and supporting each other through the inevitable trials and tribulations of life.
Ran for 5 seasons.
Main Cast of Taxi
Judd Hirsch
Alex Reiger (114 episodes)
Judd Hirsch delivered a nuanced and iconic performance as Alex Reiger in the hit television series "Taxi," which aired from 1978 to 1983. As the beleaguered yet endearing taxi driver and reluctant father figure to his eccentric coworkers at the Sunshine Cab Company, Hirsch masterfully balanced Alex's world-weary cynicism with a deep-seated compassion and resilience. His portrayal was laced with impeccable comedic timing, bringing a sense of authenticity and heart to the role that resonated with audiences. Hirsch's Alex was the emotional anchor of the show, often serving as the voice of reason amidst the chaos of his colleagues' personal dramas. His performance was marked by a naturalistic acting style that made Alex feel like a genuine everyman, juggling the pressures of supporting his daughter and navigating the trials of everyday life with a mix of dry wit and an underlying sense of hope. Judd Hirsch's turn as Alex Reiger earned him two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, solidifying his character as one of the most beloved in television history and a testament to his exceptional talent as an actor.
Jeff Conaway
Bobby Wheeler (69 episodes)
Jeff Conaway's portrayal of Bobby Wheeler in the television series "Taxi" was a standout performance that brought both humor and heart to the ensemble cast. As the struggling actor with a penchant for getting too emotionally involved in his roles, Conaway delivered a character that was equal parts endearing and comical. His timing and delivery were impeccable, often providing the show with some of its most memorable moments. Whether he was sparring with Louie De Palma (Danny DeVito) or sharing tender scenes with his fellow cabbies, Conaway's Bobby Wheeler was a character that viewers could root for, a dreamer in the concrete jungle of New York City, whose ambition and vulnerability resonated with the everyday struggles of the audience. His performance was a testament to his range as an actor, as he effortlessly transitioned between the character's theatrical aspirations and the more grounded, relatable aspects of Bobby's life as a taxi driver. Jeff Conaway's embodiment of Bobby Wheeler remains a highlight of "Taxi," contributing significantly to the show's enduring legacy as a classic of American sitcom television.
Danny DeVito
Louie De Palma (114 episodes)
Danny DeVito's portrayal of Louie De Palma in the television series "Taxi" is a masterclass in character acting and comedic timing. As the cantankerous, diminutive dispatcher at the Sunshine Cab Company, DeVito's Louie is a tour de force of acerbic wit and cynicism, serving as the perfect foil to the eclectic ensemble of characters that populate the show. With his raspy voice, fierce scowl, and a heart that he tries desperately to keep hidden, DeVito crafts Louie into a figure that is both hilariously outrageous and surprisingly relatable. His performance is layered with a complex blend of humor and pathos; while Louie is often the instigator of pranks and the source of sarcastic one-liners, DeVito ensures that the audience catches glimpses of his vulnerability, adding depth to the character. DeVito's Louie is a highlight of the series, earning him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1981, and solidifying his status as a beloved figure in television history.
Marilu Henner
Elaine O'Connor-Nardo (114 episodes)
Marilu Henner delivered a memorable performance as Elaine O'Connor-Nardo in the hit television series "Taxi," which aired from 1978 to 1983. As the dispatcher at the Sunshine Cab Company, Henner brought a vibrant energy and a strong, independent spirit to the role, making Elaine a standout character in an ensemble cast that included comedy legends like Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito, and Andy Kaufman. Elaine's character was notable for her assertiveness and quick wit, often serving as a stabilizing force in the male-dominated workplace while navigating her complex personal life, which included a tumultuous on-again, off-again marriage to Tony Danza's character, Tony Banta. Henner's portrayal of Elaine was both endearing and empowering, showcasing her versatility as an actress and contributing significantly to the show's enduring charm and comedic legacy. Her performance earned her several Golden Globe nominations, and her chemistry with the cast helped "Taxi" garner numerous awards, including multiple Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Tony Danza
Tony Banta (114 episodes)
Tony Danza's portrayal of Tony Banta in the television series "Taxi" is a testament to his versatile acting skills and innate charm. As the affable and occasionally hot-tempered boxer who works as a cab driver, Danza brought a magnetic energy to the screen that resonated with audiences. His character, often embroiled in comedic situations and grappling with the ups and downs of his boxing career, showcased Danza's ability to blend humor with a more sensitive side, creating a character that was both relatable and endearing. Tony Banta's loyalty to his friends and his dockside philosophy, delivered with Danza's warm and genuine demeanor, made him a standout character in an ensemble cast that included some of the era's most talented comedic actors. Danza's performance was a key ingredient in the show's success, earning "Taxi" a place in television history as one of the most beloved sitcoms of its time.
Andy Kaufman
Latka Gravas (114 episodes)
Andy Kaufman's portrayal of Latka Gravas in the television series "Taxi" was a standout performance that showcased his unique comedic talent and range as an actor. Latka, a mechanic of indeterminate Eastern European origin with a thick accent, was a character that allowed Kaufman to employ his signature style of anti-humor and absurdist comedy. Initially, Latka was written as a one-dimensional, stereotypical foreigner character, but Kaufman infused him with depth and unpredictability, often breaking the fourth wall and addressing the audience directly. His performance was marked by a blend of innocence and eccentricity, as Latka navigated the world around him with a sense of wonder and confusion, often leading to humorous situations. Kaufman's Latka could switch from sweet and endearing to manic and bewildering, keeping both the live audience and viewers at home on their toes. His ability to improvise and his commitment to the character's quirks, such as speaking in a made-up language or suddenly adopting new personas like the obnoxious lounge singer Tony Clifton, made Latka Gravas an unforgettable part of "Taxi" and a highlight of Kaufman's legacy in television comedy.
Secondary Cast of Taxi
Dee Wallace
Joyce (1 episode)
Dee Wallace (born 14 December 1948) is an American actress and comedienne. She is perhaps best known for her roles...
Tom Hanks
Gordon (1 episode)
Thomas Jeffrey Hanks (born July 9, 1956) is an American actor and filmmaker. Known for both his comedic and dramatic...
Dwight Woody
Opponent (1 episode)
Carlos Palomino
Welterweight Champion of the World Carlos Palomino (1 episode)
John Lehne
Hamlet's Owner (1 episode)
Robert Phalen
Tom Jeffries (1 episode)
Paula Victor
Mrs. Hazeltine (2 episodes)
Treva Silverman
Party Guest (1 episode)
Bill Foster
William 'The Fox' Foster (1 episode)
Sheila Rogers
Mrs. Caruthers (1 episode)
Angelo Gnazzo
George Wilson (1 episode)
Ellen Regan
Suzanne Caruthers (1 episode) , Suzanne Burns (1 episode)
Sandy Holt
Woman (1 episode)
Marshall Jay Kaplan
Student (uncredited) (1 episode)
James Randolph
INS Agent (1 episode)
Woody Eney
INS Agent (1 episode)
Michele Bernath
Woman in Cab (1 episode)
George Reynolds
Cab Driver (1 episode)
Rusdi Lane
Waiter (1 episode) , Rudy (1 episode)
Chris Barnes
Kid (1 episode)
Rod Browning
Father (1 episode)
Darren Milton
Chorus Member (1 episode)
Aharon Ipalé
Ramon (1 episode)
Liz Miller
Dominique (1 episode)
Susan Heldfond
Jill (1 episode)
Mavis Neal Palmer
Restaurant Patron (1 episode)
William C. Poore
Restaurant Patron (1 episode)
Sherrie Wills
Girl in cab (1 episode)
Rik Colitti
Cook (1 episode)
Christine Dickinson
Lea (1 episode)
Michael Hershewe
Jason Nardo (1 episode)
Carl Byrd
Crista's Father (1 episode)
Tan Adams
Crista (1 episode)
Suzanne Carney
Marilu Hartman (1 episode)
T.J. Castronovo
Tommy Jeffries (uncredited) (4 episodes) , Tommy Jeffries (14 episodes)
Richard Beauchamp
Mechanic (1 episode)
Michael Mann
Peter Nicholson (1 episode) , Businessman #2 (1 episode)
Kres Mersky
Sister Number Two (1 episode)
Jean Hayworth
The Old Lady (1 episode)
Nancy Steen
Maid (1 episode)
Camila Ashland
Mrs. Sherman (1 episode)
Armando Muniz
Benny Foster (1 episode)
Marc Anthony Danza
Brian Sims (2 episodes)
Mary Betten
The Maid (1 episode)
Shane Butterworth
Tommy (1 episode)
Teresa Baxter
Third Woman (1 episode)
Paul Loving
Young Cabbie (1 episode)
Beverly Ross
The Instructress (1 episode)
John Petlock
Waiter (1 episode) , Chairman of the Board (1 episode)
Marvin Newman
The Auctioneer (1 episode)
Richard Minchenberg
Dwight (1 episode)
Andrew Bloch
The French Waiter (1 episode)
Harvey Miller
The Attendant (1 episode)
Carlo U. Quinterio
Carlos Consuelos (1 episode)
Michael Pritchard
Kenny (1 episode)
David Daniel
Bar Patron (1 episode)
Jill Jaress
Sally (1 episode) , Airline Attendant (1 episode)
Barbara Deutsch
Lila Caldwell (1 episode)
John Eames
The Butler (1 episode)
James Staszkiel
Producer #1 (1 episode)
Michael DeBartolo
Tony Danza Look-Alike (uncredited) (1 episode)
Ed. Weinberger
Boxing Fan (uncredited) (1 episode) , Producer #2 (1 episode) , Suicidal Man (uncredited) (1 episode)
Harvey Vernon
The Guide (1 episode)
Wally Amos
Famous Amos (1 episode)
Hector Britt
Gus Bates (1 episode)
John Yates
The Airline Pilot (1 episode)
Jon St. Elwood
The Boxer (1 episode)
Mauricio Aldana
Alberto Martinez (1 episode)
Vince Delgado
Referee (1 episode)
Julia DeVito
Gabriella De Palma (2 episodes)
Iris Korn
Edith Tremayne (1 episode)
Sam DeFazio
Louie's Lawyer (1 episode)
Joe 'Flash' Riley
The Judge (1 episode)
Robert Balderson
Mr. Barrett (1 episode)
Bill Wiley
George Givens (1 episode)
Howie Allen
Kid #1 (1 episode)
Dana Halsted
Ms. Lang (1 episode)
Heather Hobbs
Kid #2 (1 episode)
Clint Young
The Guard (1 episode)
Robin Klein
Karen (1 episode)
J.P. Bumstead
Guy #1 (1 episode)
Bob Larkin
Guy #2 (1 episode)
Charles Thomas Murphy
Customer (1 episode) , Restaurant Patron (1 episode)
G. Rockett Phillips
Todd Bentley (1 episode)
Robert L. Hughes
Waiter (1 episode)
Patch Mackenzie
Woman on Plane (1 episode)
Wendy Goldman
Lynne (1 episode)
John Christy Ewing
Dr. Frazier (1 episode)
Chuck James
Bill Thompson (1 episode)
Nat Bernstein
Dr. Stewart (1 episode)
Andrew Winner
Dr. Baker (1 episode)
Tony Gaetano
The Waiter (1 episode)
John Mengatti
The Boy (1 episode)
Audrey Berindey
The Girl (1 episode)
Tony La Torre
Terry (1 episode)
Rebecca Clemons
Mrs. Booth (1 episode)
Ian Praiser
Dr. Harmon (1 episode) , Soap Opera Actor (voice) (uncredited) (1 episode)
Jimmy Lennon Sr.
Jimmy Lennon (uncredited) (1 episode) , Announcer (1 episode) , The Ring Announcer (1 episode) , Ring Announcer (1 episode)
Karen Anders
The Drunk Woman (1 episode)
Sari Price
The Customer (1 episode)
Frances Welter
Woman #1 (1 episode)
Torill
Woman #2 (1 episode)
John Steve
Burke (1 episode)
Jim Brooks
Boxing Fan (uncredited) (1 episode)
Robert G. Denison
Earl (1 episode)
Anthony Eldridge
Boy #1 (1 episode)
Melanie Gaffin
Jennifer (3 episodes)
Gary Quinn
The Bellman (1 episode) , The Toy Soldier (1 episode)
Murphy Cross
Judy Griffith (2 episodes)
Al Rosen
Cabbie (1 episode) , Cabbie (uncredited) (2 episodes)
Santos Morales
Perez (1 episode)
Richard Monahan
Winslow (1 episode)
Thom Koutsoukos
The Guard (1 episode)
Jim Pollack
The Man at Table (1 episode)
Patrick 'Grampy' Davis
Gramps (1 episode)
Joseph Brennan
The Messenger (1 episode)
Hillary Carlip
The Fruitcake (1 episode)
Robert Moberly
The Waiter (1 episode) , Waiter (1 episode)
Paul Napier
Mr. Blount (1 episode)
Elizabeth Hill
Benny's Mother (1 episode)
Brad Kesten
Bulldog Greg (1 episode)
Martin Azarow
Armed-wrestling Cabbie (1 episode)
David Young
Dr. Gordon (1 episode)
Wendy Jewell
Woman Cabby (1 episode)
Charles Bouvier
Customer (1 episode)
Peter Iacangelo
Inspector Donovan (1 episode)
The person Peter Iacangelo was born on August 13, 1948 and is currently 76 years old.
Rose Marie Klespitz
Pretty Blonde (1 episode)
Howard Witt
Immigration Officer (1 episode)
Crew of Taxi
Full backstage crew list →