Engaging character actor Cliff Emmich first began acting on stage. Veteran character actor Keenan Wynn advised Emmich to enroll at the Pasadena Playhouse. He studied at the Pasadena Playhouse for eight months. Emmich then toured the country with the American Repertory Players and spent a summer performing in summer stock at the Pink Garter Theatre in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He made his film debut in Gaily, Gaily (1969).