Active on screen since 1983, Rippy has appeared in numerous films and recurring roles on television.
Rippy's acting career developed through appearances in regional theatrical productions.
His non-acting occupations have included working with a circus and as a foreman of a cattle ranch.
[1] Rippy has worked with Roland Emmerich on seven movies: Moon 44 (1990), Eye of the Storm (1991), Universal Soldier (1992), Stargate (1994), The Thirteenth Floor (1999), The Patriot (2000), and Eight Legged Freaks (2002).
His television appearances include a guest role on Star Trek: The Next Generation ("The Neutral Zone"), Quantum Leap, Walker, Texas Ranger, Werewolf, Leverage, Six Feet Under, and Deadwood, an HBO series in which he played Tom Nuttall.