Raised in New Jersey and New York, Overton comes from a musical family. His father, Hall Overton, was Thelonious Monk's big band arranger as well as a music teacher at the Juilliard Institute. His mother, Nancy Overton aka Ann Swain Overton, sang in personal appearances as a member ofthe Chordettes, the girl group most famous for their singles "Lollipop" and "Mr. Sandman". Rick has dabbled in the music industry himself as he plays the harmonica occasionally with local blues bands. Rick began his standup career while in high school as one half of the comedy team "Overton & Sullivan" but eventually went solo as he broke in at the New York Improvisation in the early 1970s.
Avid motorcyclist for 20 years, performs at many charity rides including the annual Muscular Dystrophy ride, the Love Ride. Major hobby is model-building, with a twist: he creates his own designs, using parts from various model kits and often household items as well. Has won awards at Sci-Fi conventions.