Rao Gopal Rao who got instant recognization for his negative role in Muthayala Muggu was a great character artist. His unique style of dialogs are very popular and were sold on records at that time. His other popular movies include Yamagola, Yamudiki Mogudu, Gharana Mogudu, Gang Leader, Aa Okkati Adakku etc. He acted as a villain opposite both top telugu heros NTR and Chiranjeevi.

Kala Prapoorna and Natavirat are his awards/titles. Rao Gopal Rao's last movie was Prema & Co which was released after his death. His son Rao Ramesh is seen in movies like Gamyam and Kotha Bangarulokam (Professor)