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{{short description|American actor (born 1947)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = John Ratzenberger
| name = John Ratzenberger
| image = John Ratzenberger 2011 Shankbone.JPG
| image = John Ratzenberger (27978487885) (cropped).jpg
| imagesize =
| caption = Ratzenberger in 2016
| birth_name = John Dezso Ratzenberger<ref name="about" /><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/158252%7C192988/John-Ratzenberger/#overview | title=John Ratzenberger }}</ref>
| caption = Ratzenberger at the 2011 [[Time 100]] gala
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1947|4|6}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1947|4|6}}
| birth_place = [[Bridgeport, Connecticut]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Bridgeport, Connecticut]], U.S.
| alma_mater = [[Sacred Heart University]]
| occupation = Actor, voice actor, entrepreneur
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 1976–present
| years_active = 1973–present
| birth_name = John Deszo Ratzenberger<ref name="about"/>
| other_names =
| agent = {{plainlist|
* Saskia Delp-Kullock
| website = http://www.ratzenberger.com/
* Global Artists
| spouse = Georgia Stiny (1985-2004; divorced)
}}
}}
| spouse = {{ubl|{{marriage|Georgia Stiny|1984|2004|reason=divorced}}|{{marriage|Julie Blichfeldt|November 2012}}}}
| children = 2
| party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| honours = PhD, Humane Letters, Sacred Heart University
| website = {{URL|Ratzenberger.com}}
}}
'''John Dezso Ratzenberger''' (born April 6, 1947)<ref name="about">[http://www.ratzenberger.com/about-john.php About John] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100409020908/http://www.ratzenberger.com/about-john.php |date=April 9, 2010 }} from Ratzenberger's official website</ref> is an American actor. He is best known for playing the character [[Cliff Clavin]] on the comedy series ''[[Cheers]]'', for which he earned two [[Emmy Award|Primetime Emmy]] nominations. Ratzenberger reprised the role in the short-lived spin-off ''[[The Tortellis]]'', an episode of ''[[Wings (1990 TV series)|Wings]],'' as well as in an episode of ''[[Frasier]]''. He has voiced various characters in several [[Pixar]] animated feature films including [[List of Toy Story characters#Hamm|Hamm]] in the [[Toy Story (franchise)|''Toy Story'' franchise]], [[List of Monsters, Inc. characters#Yeti|The Abominable Snowman]] in the [[Monsters, Inc. (franchise)|''Monsters, Inc.'' franchise]], [[List of Cars characters#Mack|Mack]] in the [[Cars (franchise)|''Cars'' franchise]], [[List of The Incredibles characters#The Underminer|The Underminer]] in [[The Incredibles (franchise)|''The Incredibles'' franchise]], Fritz in the [[Inside Out (franchise)|''Inside Out'' franchise]], and many others.


Ratzenberger began his entertainment career while living in London in the 1970s. He acted in and wrote film and television through the 1970s and early 1980s before returning to America. At an audition for a role in a new sitcom, Ratzenberger created the character of Cliff Clavin. ''Cheers'' (1982–1993) was a success and went on to run for 11 years. After ''Cheers'', he began voicing characters for Pixar; Ratzenberger's first role was Hamm in Pixar's debut feature film ''[[Toy Story]]'' (1995), and he would continue to voice characters in many subsequent Pixar films. Including voice acting and cameos, he is the [[List of highest-grossing actors#All roles|third highest-grossing actor of all time]].
'''John Deszo Ratzenberger''' (born April 6, 1947)<ref name="about">[http://www.ratzenberger.com/about-john.php About John] from Ratzenberger's official website</ref> is an American actor, [[voice actor]], and entrepreneur. He is best known for his role as [[Cliff Clavin]] in ''[[Cheers]]'', as well as for being the only actor to voice a part in all animated feature films by [[Pixar]].


==Early life==
==Early life==
Ratzenberger was born in [[Bridgeport, Connecticut]], the son of Bertha ([[married and maiden names|née]] Grohowski) and Deszo Alexander Ratzenberger.<ref>[http://www.filmreference.com/film/91/John-Ratzenberger.html John Ratzenberger Biography (1947–)<!-- Bot generated title -->] from filmreference.com</ref> He attended St. Ann's School in Bridgeport and [[Sacred Heart University]] in Fairfield, Connecticut.<ref name="about"/> In 1969 Ratzenberger was a tractor operator at the [[Woodstock Festival]].<ref>{{cite video
John Dezso Ratzenberger was born on [[Easter|Easter Sunday]], April 6, 1947,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tlarsen2.tripod.com/thomaslarsen/easterdates.html|title=Easter Sunday Dates 1700 - 2299|website=tlarsen2.tripod.com}}</ref> in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the son of Bertha Veronica (''[[née]]'' Grochowski), and Dezso Alexander Ratzenberger, a WWII veteran who had been a [[Combat Engineer|combat engineer]] in the Philippines.<ref name="filmreference">[http://www.filmreference.com/film/91/John-Ratzenberger.html John Ratzenberger Biography (1947–)<!-- Bot generated title -->] from filmreference.com</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1545936_20015453,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328173150/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1545936_20015453,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 28, 2007|title=Last Night's Dancing with the Stars: What You Didn't See|work=People}}</ref> John's father, Dezso, was of Austrian and Hungarian descent, and John's mother was of Polish ancestry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ratzenberger.net/genealogy/databases/descendants_of_daniel_ratzenberger/d1.htm#i551|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012165535/http://www.ratzenberger.net/genealogy/databases/descendants_of_daniel_ratzenberger/d1.htm#i551|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-10-12|title=The Ratzenberger Attic}}</ref> Ratzenberger attended St. Ann's School and Bassick High School in Bridgeport and then [[Sacred Heart University]] in Fairfield, Connecticut.<ref name="about" /> In 1969, Ratzenberger worked at the [[Woodstock Festival]] as a heavy equipment operator and as part of the crew building the stage.<ref>{{cite video|date =May 8, 2008|title =The Mark Levin Show|url =mms://abcrad.wmod.llnwd.net/a49/external/0102cABAAHQAAAAcDle6yKhvE1c0LnEJnNwFajD8QD92LOnSD/levin/levin_insider/levin05082008.wma|format =wma|medium =Radio|access-date =December 6, 2008}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> John moved to London in 1971, where he began his acting, writing, and directing career.<ref name="about" />
|people = |date= 2008-05-08
|title = The [[Mark Levin]] Show
|url = mms://abcrad.wmod.llnwd.net/a49/external/0102cABAAHQAAAAcDle6yKhvE1c0LnEJnNwFajD8QD92LOnSD/levin/levin_insider/levin05082008.wma
|format = wma |medium = Radio
|publisher = |location =
|accessdate = 2008-12-06
|time = |id = |isbn = |oclc = |quote =
}}</ref> He moved to London in 1971, living there for ten years.<ref name="about"/>


==Career==
==Career==
[[File:Made in America film set.jpg|alt=Ratzenberger filming Made in America|right|thumb|Ratzenberger on the set of the series "Made in America"]]
Ratzenberger was a house [[framer]]<ref name=scifiwire>{{cite news|author=Ian Spelling|title=John Ratzenberger, Pixar's good luck charm, on Up, Bugs and Toys 3|work=[[Sci Fi Wire]]|date=2009-05-21|url=http://scifiwire.com/2009/05/john-ratzenberger-pixars.php|accessdate=2009-05-22}}</ref> living in London when he began his career in the performing arts.<ref name="about"/> His first role was a patron in ''[[The Ritz (film)|The Ritz]]'' (1976). Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s Ratzenberger appeared in various minor roles in major feaure films, including'' [[Firefox (film)|Firefox]]''; ''[[A Bridge Too Far (1977 film)|A Bridge Too Far]]''; ''[[Superman (film)|Superman]]'' as a missile controller; ''[[Superman II]]'' as the [[NASA]] control man; ''[[Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back]]'' as "Major [[List of Star Wars characters#D|Bren Derlin]]"; ''[[Motel Hell]]'' as a drummer; [[Outland (film)|''Outland'']] as a doomed mine worker named Tarlow; and ''[[Gandhi (film)|Gandhi]]'', playing an American Lieutenant.
Ratzenberger began his career in the performing arts while living in London, England.<ref name="about" /> Through the 1970s, he performed with Ray Hassett as the comedic theatrical duo Sal's Meat Market, which toured throughout Europe for eight years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unfinishedhistories.com/history/companies/sals-meat-market/ |title=Sal's Meat Market | work=Unfinishedhistories.com |access-date=2016-12-20}}</ref> Sal's Meat Market heavily influenced [[Peter Richardson (British director)|Peter Richardson]] and [[Nigel Planer]] as a duo in ''The Outer Limits'' and in ''[[The Comic Strip]]''.<ref name= Wilmut-1989>{{cite book|last=Wilmut|first= Roger|title=Didn't You Kill My Mother in Law?- the story of alternative comedy in Britain from the Comedy Store to Saturday Night Live|year=1989|publisher=Methuen|location=UK|isbn=0-413-17390-9|page=58|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mrQqAAAAMAAJ}}</ref> His first role in a major feature film was as a patron in ''[[The Ritz (film)|The Ritz]]'' (1976). Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Ratzenberger appeared in various roles in feature films throughout Europe including: ''[[A Bridge Too Far (1977 film)|A Bridge Too Far]]'', filmed in Holland, as Lieutenant [[James Megellas]]; ''[[Superman (1978 film)|Superman]]'', as a missile controller; ''[[Superman II]]'', as the [[NASA]] control man; ''[[The Empire Strikes Back|Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back]]'' as Major Derlin; [[Outland (film)|''Outland'']] as a doomed mine worker named Tarlow; and ''[[Gandhi (film)|Gandhi]],'' filmed in India, playing an American lieutenant.


=== ''Cheers'' ===
Ratzenberger's work for [[Pixar]], as well as his parts in ''[[Superman (film)|Superman]]'' and ''[[The Empire Strikes Back]]'', makes him the 4th most successful actor of all time, as measured by a total box office of over $3,000,000,000. He's also the actor with the most Oscar-nominations for his movies.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.the-numbers.com/people/records/| title=All Time Top 100 Stars at the Box Office| publisher=The Numbers accessdate=2008-12-06}}</ref>
Ratzenberger played mail carrier [[Cliff Clavin]] on the sitcom ''[[Cheers]]''. As an improv artist, he asked the producers if they had written a bar know-it-all character; the producers decided it was a great idea, and the character of Cliff Clavin was born.<ref>''Toasting Cheers'', Dennis A. Bjorklund, p.7</ref> Ratzenberger also came up with the idea for Cliff's trademark white socks, which he wore as a tribute to French comedian [[Jacques Tati]].<ref name="joecookprogram.wordpress.com">[http://joecookprogram.wordpress.com/2012/07/26/john-ratzenberger-interview/ The Joe Cook Program (Radio)]. July 26, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2012.</ref> Cliff became known for his outlandish stories, trivia, and his trademarked (and oft repeated), "It's a little known fact..." Cliff and Norm, the primary customer characters of the iconic bar, Cheers, played buddies who met at Cheers to talk about the day or nothing in particular. Ratzenberger was nominated for an [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series|Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series]] in 1985 and again in 1986.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1985/outstanding-supporting-actor-in-a-comedy-series|title=Nominees/Winners|work=Television Academy|access-date= 2018-01-30|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1986/outstanding-supporting-actor-in-a-comedy-series|title= Nominees/Winners|work=Television Academy|access-date=2018-01-30|language=en}}</ref> Ratzenberger provided the voice for an animated version of Cliff on [[The Simpsons (season 6)|''The Simpsons'' sixth-season]] episode "[[Fear of Flying (The Simpsons)|Fear of Flying]]". He also played the role in the short-lived spin-off ''[[The Tortellis]]'' and in an episode of ''[[Wings (1990 TV series)|Wings]]'', which was made by the same creators.


===''Cheers''===
===Voice work===
Ratzenberger has contributed voice work for several animated projects, most notably [[Pixar]] productions.
[[File:John Ratzenberger on the red carpet at the 1992 Emmy Awards.jpg|thumb|right|Ratzenberger at the [[44th Primetime Emmy Awards|1992 Primetime Emmy Awards]]]]
Ratzenberger is well known for playing mail carrier [[Cliff Clavin]] on the sitcom ''[[Cheers]]''. He had read for the part of [[Norm Peterson]], but after the audition, he could tell they weren't going to give him the part. Sensing an opportunity, he asked if they had written a bar know-it-all, which the producers decided was a great idea.<ref>''Toasting Cheers'', Dennis A. Bjorklund, p.7</ref> Cliff became known for his outlandish stories of plausible half-truths, uninteresting trivia, and [[misinformation]], and in general for being a pretentious blowhard. Cliff and Norm, the primary customer characters, became iconic bar buddies. Ratzenberger provided the voice for an animated version of Cliff on [[The Simpsons (season 6)|''The Simpsons'' 6th season]] episode "[[Fear of Flying (The Simpsons)|Fear of Flying]]".


Ratzenberger has voiced characters in 23 Pixar films.<ref>[http://www.slate.com/id/2257378/ "Pixar's secret weapon: John Ratzenberger], Slate.com</ref> His roles include:
When [[Paramount Television]] licensed the look of the Cheers bar to the [[Host International]] subsidiary of [[Host Marriott Services]] for use in airports in the U.S. and New Zealand, the group also created [[animatronic]] barflies. They were called "Hank" and "Bob"; Ratzenberger and [[George Wendt]] claimed Hank and Bob resembled them, and in January 1993 sued Host for using their likenesses without permission.<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=115037 Norm and Cliff Fight Cheers Robots] from [[ABC News]]</ref> The case languished in court for eight years before all sides settled in 2001.<ref>[http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,131242,00.html Bar Association Plus, Norm and Cliff settle ''Cheers'' robot lawsuit] from the ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' website</ref>
*[[List of Toy Story characters#Hamm|Hamm]] the [[piggy bank]] in the [[Toy Story (franchise)|''Toy Story'' series]] ([[Toy Story|1995]], [[Toy Story 2|1999]], [[Toy Story 3|2010]], [[Toy Story 4|2019]])
*P.T. Flea, the Circus Ring Leader in ''[[A Bug's Life]]'' (1998)
*[[Yeti|Yeti the Abominable Snowman]] in the [[Monsters, Inc. (franchise)|''Monsters, Inc.'' series]] ([[Monsters, Inc.|2001]], [[Monsters University|2013]])
*The school of [[Silver moony|Moonfish]] in ''[[Finding Nemo]]'' (2003)
*[[The Underminer]] in [[The Incredibles (franchise)|''The Incredibles'' series]] ([[The Incredibles|2004]], [[Incredibles 2|2018]])
*[[Mack (Cars)|Mack the truck]] in the [[Cars (franchise)|''Cars'' series]] ([[Cars (film)|2006]], [[Cars 2|2011]], [[Cars 3|2017]])
*Mustafa the waiter in ''[[Ratatouille (film)|Ratatouille]]'' (2007)
*John the Axiom passenger in ''[[WALL-E]]'' (2008)
*Tom the construction worker in ''[[Up (2009 film)|Up]]'' (2009)
*Gordon the Dunbroch palace guard in ''[[Brave (2012 film)|Brave]]'' (2012)
*Fritz the mind worker in the [[Inside Out (franchise)|''Inside Out'' series]] ([[Inside Out (2015 film)|2015]], [[Inside Out 2|2024]])
*Earl the [[Velociraptor]] in ''[[The Good Dinosaur]]'' (2015)
*Bill the crab in ''[[Finding Dory]]'' (2016)
*Juan Ortodoncia the deceased dental patient in ''[[Coco (2017 film)|Coco]]'' (2017)
*Fennwick the [[cyclops]] construction worker in ''[[Onward (film)|Onward]]'' (2020)
According to Ratzenberger, Pixar's tradition of including him as a good luck charm in every film beginning with the studio's first film, ''[[Toy Story]]'', was due to him being good friends with former Pixar filmmaker [[John Lasseter]],<ref name=Ratz>{{Cite web|last=Milo|first=Mr|date=2024-05-18|title=EXCLUSIVE: JOHN RATZENBERGER REVEALS WHY HE STOPPED DOING PIXAR CAMEOS
|url=https://www.piratesandprincesses.net/exclusive-john-ratzenberger-reveals-why-he-stopped-doing-pixar-cameos/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=exclusive-john-ratzenberger-reveals-why-he-stopped-doing-pixar-cameos|access-date=2024-06-20|website=Pirates & Princesses|language=en-US}}</ref> who directed or executive-produced each of the first 20 Pixar films. Ratzenberger's tenure at Pixar was parodied during the end credits of ''[[Cars (film)|Cars]]'', where his character, Mack, watches car-themed versions of Pixar films (''Toy Car Story'', ''Monster Trucks, Inc.'', and ''A Bug's Life'', the latter of which references the [[Volkswagen Beetle]]). Mack notes that all the characters that John Ratzenberger has played had excellent voice actors until he realizes that they are performed by the same actor, at which point he remarks, "They're just using the same actor over and over," and asks, "What kind of a cut-rate production is this?!" Ratzenberger stated his favorite Pixar role was Hamm from the [[Toy Story (franchise)|''Toy Story'' series]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yOqXCiR5FIw|title=John Ratzenberger sharing his favorite character he has voiced and doing an impression|website=[[YouTube Shorts]]|date=August 1, 2022|access-date=June 20, 2024}}</ref> and he has given honorable mention to P.T. Flea from ''[[A Bug's Life]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=What's John Ratzenberger's Favorite Pixar Voice?|url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/news/video/john-ratzenbergers-favorite-pixar-voice-27763099|date=December 22, 2014|access-date=June 20, 2024|website=Good Morning America}}</ref>


Following Lasseter's exit from Pixar, Ratzenberger revealed he was not a fan of the regime that replaced Lasseter or the studio's subsequent films, claiming "[...] they suck", and disliked the political messaging that he felt was being placed in the films.<ref name=Ratz/> Pixar's 23rd feature film, ''[[Soul (2020 film)|Soul]]'' (2020), was the first Pixar film that did not involve Ratzenberger himself, though it did instead feature a character animated in his likeness as a cameo according to the film’s co-director [[Kemp Powers]];<ref>{{cite news|title= The John Ratzenberger Easter Egg in Pixar's 'Soul' has Been Found!|url=https://www.pixarpost.com/2021/01/john-ratzenberger-soul-easter-egg.html|access-date=January 5, 2020|newspaper=Pixar Post|date=January 1, 2020|author=Julie & T.J.}}</ref> the cameo was also confirmed by director [[Pete Docter]] on the film's [[audio commentary]] track. After having voiced a character in every Pixar film from ''Toy Story'' (1995) through ''[[Onward (film)|Onward]]'' (2020), Ratzenberger would not have another role in any Pixar film until their 28th feature film, ''[[Inside Out 2]]'' (2024).<ref name=Ratz/><ref>{{cite web|last=Palmer|first=Roger|date=March 7, 2024|title=First Look At Pixar's "Inside Out 2" New Emotions |url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/first-look-at-pixars-inside-out-2-new-emotions/|access-date=March 7, 2024|website=What's On Disney Plus?}}</ref>
===Pixar===
Ratzenberger has had a voice part in all of [[List of Pixar films|Pixar's feature films]] made to date.<ref>[http://www.slate.com/id/2257378/ "Pixar's secret weapon: John Ratzenberger], Slate.com slideshow</ref> His roles include:
* [[List of Toy Story characters#Hamm|Hamm the Piggy Bank]] in the [[Toy Story (franchise)|''Toy Story'' series]] (1995, 1999, 2010)
* P.T. Flea, the Circus Ring Leader in ''[[A Bug's Life]]'' (1998)
* [[Yeti|The Abominable Snowman]] in ''[[Monsters, Inc.]]'' (2001)
* The school of Moonfish in ''[[Finding Nemo]]'' (2003)
* [[The Underminer]] in ''[[The Incredibles]]'' (2004)
* [[List of Cars characters#Mack|Mack]] the truck in the [[Cars (franchise)|''Cars'' series]] (2006, 2011)
* Mustafa the waiter in ''[[Ratatouille (film)|Ratatouille]]'' (2007)
* John in ''[[WALL-E]]'' (2008)
* Tom the construction worker in ''[[Up (2009 film)|Up]]'' (2009)
* unknown in ''[[Brave (2012 film)|Brave]]'' (2012)


Ratzenberger has continued to work with Lasseter, who produces all feature films and executive-produces all series at [[Skydance Animation]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=February 17, 2021|title=Apple & Skydance Animation Set Multi-Year Feature Film & TV Deal|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/apple-skydance-animation-set-multi-year-feature-tv-deal-1234695506/|access-date=June 20, 2024|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|language=en-US}}</ref> His roles include:
He also voiced the bathhouse's assistant manager, Aniyaku, in the English [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|dub]] of ''[[Spirited Away]]'', a film whose U.S. executive producer was Pixar's CEO [[John Lasseter]].
*Rootie the bad luck root in ''[[Luck (2022 film)|Luck]]'' (2022),<ref>{{cite web |last=Giardina |first=Carolyn |title=Skydance, Apple Push Back 'Luck' to August, Set Additional Voice Cast |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/skydance-apple-luck-aug-5-1235081549/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=February 3, 2022 |date=January 26, 2022}}</ref> the studio's first feature film
*Caruncle the alien in the first season of ''[[WondLa (TV series)|WondLa]]'' (2024),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjlmCQ6-BDc&t=4m5s|title=Teri Hatcher, Jeanine Mason: ''WondLa Cast & Creatives Talk Stunning Animation, Sci-Fi World, & More''|website=[[YouTube]]|date=June 14, 2024|access-date=June 20, 2024}}</ref> the studio's first series
*Milo the monster handler in ''[[Spellbound (2024 film)|Spellbound]]'' (2024),<ref>{{Cite web|last=Reif|first=Alex|date=2024-11-21|title=From “Shrek” to “Spellbound:” Vicky Jensen Discusses Her Return to Animated Fairytales |url=https://www.laughingplace.com/enwiki/w/entertainment/spellbound-vicky-jensen-interview/|access-date=2024-11-21|website=LaughingPlace.com|language=en-US}}</ref> the studio's second feature film


Aside from the Pixar and Skydance productions, Ratzenberger voiced Harland the jet tug in [[Disneytoon Studios]]' ''[[Planes (film)|Planes]]'' (2013)<ref name=JHMPremiere>{{cite news|last=Hill|first=Jim|title=World premiere of Disney "Planes" turns Hollywood Boulevard into a celebrity-filled landing strip|url=http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2013/08/06/disney-quot-planes-quot-world-premiere.aspx|access-date=January 24, 2014|newspaper=Jim Hill Media|date=August 6, 2013}}</ref> and Brodi the plane in its sequel, ''[[Planes: Fire & Rescue]]'' (2014),<ref name= BFIPlanes2>{{cite web|title=Planes Fire & Rescue (2014)|url=http://explore.bfi.org.uk/53c99d98514fb|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514084301/http://explore.bfi.org.uk/53c99d98514fb|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 14, 2015|publisher=British Film Institute| access-date= August 24, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/03/25/planes-dane-cook/1998599/|title=Look! Up in the sky! It's an exclusive peek at 'Planes'!| work= USA Today}}</ref> which are spin-offs of Pixar's [[Cars (franchise)|''Cars'' series]] and executive-produced by Lasseter.<ref name="SKStills">{{cite news|title=Disney's "Planes" Hi-res Stills, Fun Facts and Activity Sheets|url=http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disney-planes-stills-fun-facts-activity-sheets-62551/|access-date= May 11, 2013|newspaper=Stitch Kingdom|date=May 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630145040/http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disney-planes-stills-fun-facts-activity-sheets-62551/|archive-date=June 30, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Additionally, Ratzenberger provided the voice for Aniyaku the assistant manager in the English dub version of [[Studio Ghibli]]’s ''[[Spirited Away]]'' (2002),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jimhillmedia.com/the-making-of-hayao-miyazakis-spirited-away-part-3/|title=The Making of Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" — Part 3|last1=Hill|first1=Jim|newspaper=Jim Hill Media|date=16 April 2003|access-date=3 March 2024}}</ref> which Lasseter also executive-produced.
Ratzenberger had the chance to make fun of his tenure at Pixar during the end credits of ''Cars'', where his character, Mack, watches car-themed versions of Pixar movies ("Toy Car Story", "Monster Trucks, Inc.", and "A [[Volkswagen Beetle|Bug]]'s Life"). Mack notes that all the characters Ratzenberger has played were excellent, until he realizes that they're performed by the same actor, at which point he remarks, "They're just using the same actor over and over. What kind of cut-rate production is this?"


Ratzenberger also reprised his role as Yeti (now named Adorable) and voiced a new character named Bernard in the [[Disney Television Animation]] series ''[[Monsters at Work]]'' (2021-24), which is set after the main events of Pixar's ''[[Monsters, Inc.]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/monsters-voice-cast-return-disney-series-1200367/|title='Monsters, Inc.' Voice Cast to Return for Disney+ Series (Exclusive)|first=Lesley|last=Goldberg|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=April 9, 2019}}</ref>
Ratzenberger's favorite of his Pixar characters was P.T. Flea, because "in real life I always get a kick out of those kinds of characters, people who just go into a rage for [no] explicable reason. He was always on edge. His blood pressure was always way over the top, and everything that he did was done in a panicked state. So it was a lot of fun to play him."<ref name=scifiwire/>


===Reality show appearances===
During [[Last Comic Standing 6|season 6 of ''Last Comic Standing'']], Ratzenberger was a talent scout with his former ''Cheers'' co-star [[George Wendt]].

On March 2, 2007, it was announced that Ratzenberger would replace [[Vincent Pastore]] on the [[Dancing with the Stars (US season 4)|fourth season of the American version]] of ''[[Dancing with the Stars (US TV series)|Dancing with the Stars]]''.<ref name="dancing">{{cite news |title='Dancing' adds Cliff from 'Cheers'|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/03/02/people.ratzenberger.ap/index.html|work=[[Associated Press]] |publisher=CNN.com|date=February 20, 2007|accessdate=2007-03-02 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070304064956/http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/03/02/people.ratzenberger.ap/index.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-03-04}}</ref> He was partnered with professional ballroom dancer [[Edyta Sliwinska]], who had been Pastore's partner; the two were the sixth couple to be eliminated from the show.

On December 3, 2009, Ratzenberger appeared on an episode of [[American Chopper]] to help promote awareness of the [[Iraq Star Foundation]].

===Additional voice, TV and film work===

* appeared in the [[sitcom]] ''[[Sabrina,_the_Teenage_Witch_(TV_series)|Sabrina the Teenage Witch]]'' as ''Bob'' or Santa Claus.

* hosted the [[Travel Channel]] TV series ''[[John Ratzenberger's Made in America]]'', about things made in the USA ({{As of|2003|alt=2003–2008}}).

* guest-starred in four episodes of the first season of [[John Ritter|John Ritter's]] sitcom ''[[8 Simple Rules]]'' as Paul Hennessy's neighbor.

* hosts the Wildcard section in the PC version of the board game, ''[[Trivial Pursuit]]''.

* also appeared on ''[[That '70s Show]]'' as Glen, a man stuck in an awful marriage with his high school sweetheart whose negative example gives Eric second thoughts about marrying Donna.

* played Thomas Foy in the TV movie ''The Pennsylvania Miners' Story''.

* and Shelly Cole star in ''[[The Village Barbershop]]'' (2008), written and directed by Chris Ford.<ref name=Village>[http://www.thevillagebarbershop.com/]</ref>

* made an appearance in ''[[Bill_Nye,_the_Science_Guy|Bill Nye, The Science Guy]]''.

* provided the voice of Rigger in the animated series ''[[Captain Planet and the Planeteers]]''.

* made an appearance on British show ''[[Live from Studio Five]]'' (February 17, 2010).

* appeared in television commercials promoting the [[Pitney Bowes]] personal post office. His sign off tag line is "Hey, I look good in red!"

* appeared in commercials for [[Choice Hotels#Brands|Quality Hotels]] and [[Zaxby's]] restaurant chain (2010).

* plays Mike the Angel in ''[[What_If..._(film)|What If...]]'', a [[Pure Flix Entertainment]]/Jenkins Entertainment movie release in 2010, also starring Kevin Sorbo, Kristy Swanson, and Debby Ryan.<ref name=WhatIf>[http://thewhatifmovie.com/]</ref>

* guest starred in ''[[Frasier]]'' as an old friend.

* hosted the documentary, ''[[Industrial Tsunami]]'', intended to wake Americans up to the shortage of skilled workers threatening the existence of American companies and entire industries

==Other work==
[[File:JohnRatzenberger08RIIFF.jpg|thumb|Ratzenberger at the 2008 [[Rhode Island International Film Festival]]]]
[[File:JohnRatzenberger08RIIFF.jpg|thumb|Ratzenberger at the 2008 [[Rhode Island International Film Festival]]]]
Ratzenberger developed a packaging-alternatives product made from biodegradable and non-toxic recycled paper as a safe alternative to [[styrofoam]] "peanuts" and plastic bubble wrap and then sold the Eco-Pak Company.<ref name=Peanuts>[http://www.ratzenberger.com/about-john.php About John: Innovator] from Ratzenberger's official website</ref>

Ratzenberger co-authored ''We've Got it Made in America: A Common Man's Salute to an Uncommon Country'' (ISBN 1-931722-84-6), published in 2006.

Ratzenberger co-founded the Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs Foundation,<ref>[http://www.nutsandboltsfoundation.org/ Official website] of the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Foundation</ref> dedicated to raising awareness of skilled trades and engineering disciplines among young people.<ref>"Early recruitment: Foundation draws youth to careers in manufacturing". ''Industrial Engineer''. May 2009. p. 12.</ref>

In 2010, Ratzenberger became affiliated with and now represents the Foundation for Fair Civil Justice to further develop his work and increase awareness about the skilled worker shortage facing the United States and the changes needed to positively impact and increase the number of skilled workers.<ref name=Ratz2>[http://www.ratzenberger.com]</ref> He joined the Foundation for Fair Civil Justice, as a Board Member in 2010. [http://www.foundationforfairciviljustice.org www.foundationforfairciviljustice.org]. <ref name>[http://www.ratzenberger.com][</ref>] "The Foundation for Fair Civil Justice (FFCJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization. Their mission is to "educate, motivate and empower the American people to understand they have the greatest stake in removing obstacles to a fair civil justice system, innovation, entrepreneurism, and job creation."<ref name=FFCJ>[http://www.foundationforfairciviljustice.org/site/about/]</ref>
FFCJ creates multi-media educational programs, publications and website features that reach millions of Americans through radio, television and the internet. "<ref name="FFCJ"/>

Ratzenberger is also on the University Board at Pepperdine University and the Board of Directors at Sacred Heart University.


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Ratzenberger lived in London for 10 years.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity/revealed-cheers-star-john-ratzenbergers-1051299 | title=Revealed: Cheers star John Ratzenberger's secret love.. The bagpipes | date=February 22, 2010 }}</ref> Since 1994, he has lived in [[Vashon, Washington]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Payne |first=Patti |date=August 26, 2016 |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2016/08/26/patti-paynes-cool-pads-4m-vashon-island-waterfront.html |title=Patti Payne's Cool Pads: $4M Vashon Island waterfront compound 'Cheers' actor John Ratzenberger built hits market |work=Puget Sound Business Journal}}</ref> Ratzenberger married Georgia Stiny in 1984; during their 20-year marriage they had two children together before divorcing in 2004.<ref name="filmreference" /> He then married Julie Blichfeldt in November 2012.<ref name=UPIMarriedJulie>{{cite web|title=John Ratzenberger weds Julie Blichfeldt|url=http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2012/11/30/John-Ratzenberger-weds-Julie-Blichfeldt/UPI-23841354326181/|publisher=UPI|access-date=September 19, 2014|date=November 30, 2012}}</ref>
Ratzenberger has two children, James John born in 1987, and Nina Kathrine born in 1989, both from a 19-year marriage to Georgia Stiny that ended in divorce in 2004.


Ratzenberger developed a packaging-alternatives product made from biodegradable and non-toxic recycled paper as a safe alternative to [[foam peanut]]s and plastic bubble wrap. This product, SizzlePak, was manufactured by his company Eco-Pak Industries, which Ratzenberger co-founded in 1989.<ref name="Chicago Trib 11/10/92">{{cite web |last1=Bukro |first1=Casey |title=Packaging Gets Leaner, 'Greener'At Technology Expo |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-11-10-9204120054-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=4 June 2020 |date=November 10, 1992 |quote="I jumped on the environmental bandwagon in 1967", says Ratzenberger, who in 1989 co-founded Eco-Pak Industries in Kent, Wash.}}</ref> In 1992, he sold Eco-Pack to Ranpak Corp.<ref name="Chicago Trib 11/10/92" />
==Political activity==
Ratzenberger, a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]], has been asked to consider [[United States Senate election in Connecticut, 2012|running for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut in 2012]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/politics/69137852.html?page=1&c=y|title=Pawlenty draws wallets fat ... and famous|author=Rachel E. Stassen-Berger|work=[[Star Tribune|Minneapolis Star Tribune]]|date=November 5, 2009}}</ref>


===Political views===
During the [[United States presidential election, 2008|2008 presidential race]], Ratzenberger [[John McCain presidential campaign, 2008|campaigned]] for [[John McCain]], appearing with former ''Cheers'' co-star [[Kelsey Grammer]] at several [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican party]] events.<ref>John Ratzenberger and [[Kelsey Grammer]] greeted McCain supporters, called voters on behalf of the Republican ticket, participated in voter-registration activities at the local campaign headquarters, and held a McCain victory rally in [[Henderson, Nevada]]. {{cite news|url=http://www.lvrj.com/news/30835704.html|title= Political emissaries descend on valley: Richardson, Grammer rally voters at events|publisher=[[Las vegas review journal|Las Vegas Review-Journal]]|date=2008-10-11|accessdate=2008-10-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kvbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=9161824&nav=15MUUi4B|title= Stars stump in Las Vegas Valley|publisher= [[NBC]]-affiliated [[KVBC]] website|date=2008-10-11|accessdate=2008-10-16}}</ref> He also has been outspoken in opposition of the [[Health Care Reform in the United States|2009 health care reform bill]], referring to it as [[socialism]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/11/05/tea-party-activists-hit-the-hill-arrested-outside-pelosis-office/|title= Tea Party activists hit the Hill, arrested outside Pelosi's office|publisher= CNN Political Ticker|date=2009-11-05|accessdate=2009-11-05}}</ref>
Ratzenberger is a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]. During the [[2008 United States presidential election|2008 presidential race]], Ratzenberger [[John McCain 2008 presidential campaign|campaigned]] for [[John McCain]], appearing with former ''Cheers'' co-star [[Kelsey Grammer]] at several Republican party events.<ref>Ratzenberger and Grammer greeted McCain supporters, called voters on behalf of the Republican ticket, participated in voter-registration activities at the local campaign headquarters, and held a McCain victory rally in [[Henderson, Nevada]]. {{cite news|url=http://www.lvrj.com/news/30835704.html|title= Political emissaries descend on valley: Richardson, Grammer rally voters at events|publisher=[[Las vegas review journal|Las Vegas Review-Journal]]|date=October 11, 2008|access-date=October 16, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kvbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=9161824&nav=15MUUi4B|title=Stars stump in Las Vegas Valley|publisher=[[NBC]]-affiliated [[KSNV-DT|KVBC]] website|date=October 11, 2008|access-date=October 16, 2008|archive-date=December 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220060840/http://www.kvbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=9161824&nav=15MUUi4B|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ratzenberger was outspoken in opposition of the [[Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010|2010 health care reform bill]], referring to it as [[socialism]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/11/05/tea-party-activists-hit-the-hill-arrested-outside-pelosis-office/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091107063752/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/11/05/tea-party-activists-hit-the-hill-arrested-outside-pelosis-office/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 7, 2009|title= Tea Party activists hit the Hill, arrested outside Pelosi's office|publisher= CNN Political Ticker|date=November 5, 2009|access-date=November 5, 2009}}</ref> On January 17, 2010, he appeared and endorsed [[Scott Brown (politician)|Scott Brown]] for the United States Senate at [[Mechanics Hall (Worcester, Massachusetts)|Mechanics Hall]] in [[Worcester, Massachusetts]]. Ratzenberger campaigned for Republican [[Josh Mandel]] of Ohio for state treasurer in [[2010 Ohio elections|2010]] and served as master of ceremonies for Mandel's inauguration into the position in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.the-review.com/story/news/2011/01/11/cheer-s-john-ratzenberger/19252850007/|title='Cheer's' John Ratzenberger helps treasurer take oath|work=[[The Alliance Review]]|date=January 10, 2011}}</ref> He considered [[2012 United States Senate election in Connecticut|running for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut in 2012]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/politics/69137852.html?page=1&c=y|title=Pawlenty draws wallets fat ... and famous|author=Rachel E. Stassen-Berger|work=[[Star Tribune|Minneapolis Star Tribune]]|date=November 5, 2009|access-date=November 6, 2009|archive-date=July 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725073147/http://www.startribune.com/politics/69137852.html?page=1&c=y|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Ratzenberger endorsed [[Mitt Romney]] in [[2012 United States presidential election|2012]].<ref>[https://archive.today/20130128150443/http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_21877306/obama-romney-turn-star-power-help-nv Obama, Romney turn to star power for help in NV – San Jose Mercury News]</ref> He appeared on ''[[Your World with Neil Cavuto]]'' to support [[Donald Trump]]'s [[Donald Trump 2016 presidential campaign|candidacy]] during the [[2016 United States presidential election|2016 presidential race]], shortly after Trump was declared the presumptive Republican nominee.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2016/05/11/pixar-voice-actor-john-ratzenberger-supports-donald-trump|title='The Only Candidate for Me': Pixar Icon Throws Support Behind Donald Trump|work=Fox News Insider|date=May 11, 2016|access-date=November 18, 2016}}</ref> He praised his performance as president in 2017, saying he had done "a wonderful job as far as manufacturing is concerned".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-critics-will-apologize-in-four-years-cheers-actor-john-ratzenberger|title=Trump critics will apologize in four years: 'Cheers' actor John Ratzenberger|work=[[Fox Business]]|date=August 15, 2017}}</ref>
On January 17, 2010, he appeared and endorsed [[Scott Brown]] for the United States Senate at [[Mechanics Hall (Worcester, Massachusetts)|Mechanics Hall]] in Worcester, MA.


During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Ratzenberger expressed his support for the [[United States Postal Service]] (USPS) in 2020 via [[Cameo (website)|Cameo]] and suggested people who wished to help them donate and buy presents for Christmas early.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/08/17/usps-postal-service-taylor-swift-tom-hanks-mark-hamill/5598559002/|title='The Postman' star Kevin Costner calls for US Postal Service support amid mail-in voting concerns|first=Hannah|last=Yasharoff|website=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/john-ratzenberger-played-mailman-cliff-201436525.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819195443/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/john-ratzenberger-played-mailman-cliff-201436525.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 19, 2020|title=Rolling Stone on Yahoo! - "John Ratzenberger, Who Played Mailman Cliff on 'Cheers,' Has a Plan to Help USPS"}}</ref>
Ratzenberger campaigned for Republican Josh Mandel of Ohio for the State Treasurer position during the 2010 election and on January 10, 2011, served as master of ceremonies for Mandel's swearing into office.


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
===Film===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;"
|- style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;"
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
! Year
! Film
! Role
! Notes
|-
|-
|[[1976 in film|1976]]
| 1976 || ''[[The Ritz (film)|The Ritz]]'' || Patron ||
|''[[The Ritz (film)|The Ritz]]''
|Patron
|
|-
|-
| rowspan = "3" |1977 || ''[[Twilight's Last Gleaming]]'' || Sgt. Kopecki ||
|[[1977 in film|1977]]
|''[[A Bridge Too Far (film)|A Bridge Too Far]]''
|Lt James Megellas
|
|-
|-
| ''[[A Bridge Too Far (film)|A Bridge Too Far]]'' || Lt. [[James Megellas]] ||
|[[1978 in film|1978]]
|''[[Superman (film)|Superman: The Movie]]''
|Missile controller
|rowspan=2|[[Cameo appearance|Cameo]]
|-
|-
| ''[[Valentino (1977 film)|Valentino]]'' || Newshound ||
|rowspan=3|[[1980 in film|1980]]
|''[[Superman II]]''
|[[NASA]] control man
|-
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 1978 || ''[[Warlords of Atlantis]]'' || Fenn ||
|''[[Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back]]''
|Major Bren Derlin
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Superman (1978 film)|Superman]]'' || Missile controller ||
|''[[Motel Hell]]''
|Drummer
|
|-
|-
| rowspan = "4" | 1979 || ''[[Hanover Street (film)|Hanover Street]]'' || Sergeant John Lucas ||
|[[1982 in film|1982]]
|''[[Firefox (film)|Firefox]]''
|N/A
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Arabian Adventure]]'' || Achmed ||
|1982-1993
|''[[Cheers]]''
|Cliff Clavin
|TV Series
|-
|-
| ''[[Yanks]]'' || Corporal Cook ||
|1990-1992
|''[[Captain Planet and the Planeteers]]''
|Rigger
|Voice<br>TV Series
|-
|-
|[[1995 in film|1995]]
| ''[[The Bitch (film)|The Bitch]]'' || Hal Leonard ||
|''[[Toy Story]]''
|[[List of Toy Story characters#Hamm|Hamm, the piggy bank]]
|Voice
|-
|-
| rowspan = "3" | 1980 || ''[[The Empire Strikes Back]]'' || Major Bren Derlin ||
|1996-2003
|''[[Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (TV series)|Sabrina, the Teenage Witch]]''
|Bob/[[Santa Claus]]
|TV Series
|-
|-
| ''[[Motel Hell]]'' || Drummer ||
|[[1998 in film|1998]]
|''[[A Bug's Life]]''
|P.T. Flea, the Circus Ring Leader
|rowspan=3|Voice
|-
|-
| ''[[Superman II]]'' || Controller No. 1 ||
|[[1999 in film|1999]]
|''[[Toy Story 2]]''
|Hamm, the piggy bank
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|[[2001 in film|2001]]
| rowspan = "4" | 1981 || ''[[Outland (film)|Outland]]'' || Tarlow ||
|''[[Monsters, Inc.]]''
|[[Yeti|The Abominable Snowman]]
|-
|-
|''[[That '70s Show]]''
| ''[[Ragtime (film)|Ragtime]]'' || Policeman ||
|Glen <ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0720100/]</ref>
|rowspan=2|TV Series
|-
|-
| ''[[Reds (film)|Reds]]'' || Communist Leader ||
|2002-2005
|''[[8 Simple Rules]]''
|Paul Hennessy's neighbor
|-
|-
| ''[[The Good Soldier (1981 film)|The Good Soldier]]'' || Jimmy ||
|[[2003 in film|2003]]
|''[[Finding Nemo]]''
|School of Fish
|rowspan=5|Voice
|-
|-
| rowspan = "3" | 1982 || ''[[Battletruck]]'' || Rusty || AKA ''Warlords of the 21st Century''
|[[2004 in film|2004]]
|''[[The Incredibles]]''
|[[List of The Incredibles characters#The Underminer|The Underminer]]
|-
|-
| ''[[Firefox (film)|Firefox]]'' || Chief Peck ||
|rowspan=2|[[2006 in film|2006]]
|''[[Cars (film)|Cars]]''
|rowspan=2|[[List of Cars characters#Mack|Mack the truck]]
|-
|-
| ''[[Gandhi (film)|Gandhi]]'' || American Lieutenant ||
|''[[Mater and the Ghostlight]]''
|-
|-
| 1984 || ''[[Protocol (film)|Protocol]]'' || Security Guard on TV || rowspan = "2" | Uncredited
|[[2007 in film|2007]]
|''[[Ratatouille (film)|Ratatouille]]''
|Mustafa the waiter
|-
|-
| 1985 || ''[[The Falcon and the Snowman]]'' || Detective
|rowspan=2|[[2008 in film|2008]]
|''[[The Village Barbershop]]''
|Art Leroldi
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1987 || ''[[House II: The Second Story]]'' || Bill ||
|''[[WALL-E]]''
|John
|rowspan=5|Voice
|-
|-
| ''[[Timestalkers]]'' || General Joe Brodsky ||
|[[2009 in film|2009]]
|''[[Up (2009 film)|Up]]''
|Tom, the construction worker
|-
|-
| 1988 || ''[[She's Having a Baby]]'' || Himself ||
|[[2010 in film|2010]]
|''[[Toy Story 3]]''
|rowspan=2|Hamm, the piggy bank
|-
|-
| 1995 || ''[[Toy Story]]'' || [[List of Toy Story characters#Hamm|Hamm]] || Voice
|rowspan=2|[[2011 in film|2011]]
|''[[Hawaiian Vacation]]''
|-
|-
| rowspan = "3" | 1997 || ''[[That Darn Cat (1997 film)|That Darn Cat]]'' || Dusty ||
|''[[Cars 2]]''
|-
|Mack the truck
| ''[[Bad Day on the Block]]'' || Al Calavito ||
|-
| ''[[One Night Stand (1997 film)|One Night Stand]]'' || Phil ||
|-
| 1998 || ''[[A Bug's Life]]'' || P.T. Flea || rowspan="6" | Voice
|-
| 1999 || ''[[Toy Story 2]]'' || Hamm
|-
| 2001 || ''[[Monsters, Inc.]]'' || [[Yeti]]
|-
| 2002 || ''[[Spirited Away]]'' || Aniyaku
|-
| 2003 || ''[[Finding Nemo]]'' || Fish School
|-
| 2004 || ''[[The Incredibles]]'' || The Underminer
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 2006 || ''[[Something New (film)|Something New]]'' || Brian's Father ||
|-
| ''[[Cars (film)|Cars]]'' || Mack; Hamm Truck, Abominable Snowplow, P.T. Flea Car || Voice; Additional Voices
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 2007 || ''[[Ratatouille (film)|Ratatouille]]'' || Mustafa || Voice
|-
| ''[[Your Friend the Rat]]'' || P.T. Flea || Voice; Short film; direct-to-video; archive footage from ''A Bug's Life''
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 2008 || ''[[The Village Barbershop]]'' || Art Leroldi ||
|-
| ''[[WALL-E]]'' || John || rowspan = "3" | Voice
|-
| 2009 || ''[[Up (2009 film)|Up]]'' || Construction Foreman Tom
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 2010 || ''[[Toy Story 3]]'' || Hamm
|-
| ''[[What If... (2010 film)|What If...]]'' || Mike ||
|-
| rowspan = "3" | 2011 || ''[[Hawaiian Vacation|Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation]]'' || Hamm || Voice; Short film
|-
| ''[[Cars 2]]'' || Mack || Voice
|-
| ''[[Small Fry (film)|Toy Story Toons: Small Fry]]'' || Hamm || Voice; Short film
|-
| rowspan = "3" | 2012 || ''The Woodcarver'' || Ernest ||
|-
| ''[[Brave (2012 film)|Brave]]'' || Gordon || Voice
|-
| ''[[Partysaurus Rex|Toy Story Toons: Partysaurus Rex]]'' || Hamm || Voice; Short film
|-
| rowspan = "4" | 2013 || ''[[Monsters University]]'' || Yeti || rowspan = "2" | Voice
|-
| ''[[Planes (film)|Planes]]'' || Harland
|-
| ''[[Super Buddies (film)|Super Buddies]]'' || Marvin "Gramps" Livingstone || [[Direct-to-video]]
|-
| ''[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3040412/ In the Name of God]'' || Reverend Thomas ||
|-
| 2014 || ''[[Planes: Fire & Rescue]]'' || Brodie || Voice
|-
| rowspan = "3" | 2015 || ''Russell Madness'' || Mick Vaughn ||
|-
| ''[[Inside Out (2015 film)|Inside Out]]'' || Fritz || rowspan = "3" | Voice
|-
| ''[[The Good Dinosaur]]'' || Earl
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 2016 || ''[[Finding Dory]]'' || Husband Crab (Bill)
|-
| ''Pup Star''<ref name="btva">{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/John-Ratzenberger/|title = John Ratzenberger (Visual voices guide)}}</ref> || Mutt || rowspan = "2" | Voice; direct-to-video
|-
| rowspan = "3" | 2017 || ''Pup Star: Better 2Gether''<ref name="btva"/> || Salty
|-
| ''[[Cars 3]]'' || Mack || rowspan="2" | Voice
|-
| ''[[Coco (2017 film)|Coco]]'' || Juan Ortodoncia
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 2018 || ''[[Shifting Gears (film)|Shifting Gears]]'' || Conrad Baines ||
|-
| ''[[Incredibles 2]]'' || The Underminer || rowspan="6" | Voice
|-
| 2019 || ''[[Toy Story 4]]'' || Hamm
|-
| 2020 || ''[[Onward (film)|Onward]]'' || Construction Worker Fennwick
|-
| 2022 || ''[[Luck (2022 film)|Luck]]'' || Rootie
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 2024 || ''[[Inside Out 2]]'' || Fritz
|-
| ''[[Spellbound (2024 film)|Spellbound]]'' || Milo the Monster Handler
|}

===Television===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;"
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
|-
| 1979 || ''[[Secret Army (TV series)|Secret Army]]'' || Staff Sergeant Drexler || Episode: "The Execution"
|-
| 1980 || ''[[ITV Playhouse]]'' || Tom Phillips || Episode: "Friends in Space"
|-
| rowspan = "4" | 1981 || ''[[The Good Soldier (1981 film)|The Good Soldier]]'' || Jimmy || rowspan = "2" | [[Television film]]
|-
| ''[[Goliath Awaits]]'' || Bill Sweeney
|-
| ''[[Private Schulz]]'' || American Newsreel Commentator || Uncredited voice; episode #1.5
|-
| ''[[Code Red (U.S. TV series)|Code Red]]'' || Inspector Ray Allen || Episode: "All That Glitters"
|-
| 1982 || ''[[Hill Street Blues]]'' || Phony Cop || Episode: "Some Like it Hot-Wired"
|-
| 1982–93 || ''[[Cheers]]'' || [[Cliff Clavin]] || 274 episodes; directed 4 episodes
|-
| 1983 || ''[[Wizards and Warriors (TV series)|Wizards and Warriors]]'' || Archie || Episode: "The Dungeon of Death"
|-
| 1984 || ''[[Magnum, P.I.]]'' || Walt Brewster || Episode: "The Legacy of Garwood Huddle"
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 1985 || ''[[St. Elsewhere]]'' || Cliff Clavin || Episode: "Cheers"
|-
| ''[[The Love Boat]]'' || Marty Elder || Episode: "A Day in Port"
|-
| 1986 || ''[[Combat Academy]]'' || Mr. Barnett || rowspan = "2" | Television film
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 1987 || ''[[Timestalkers]]'' || General Joe Brodsky
|-
| ''[[The Tortellis]]'' || Cliff Clavin || Episode: "Frankie Comes to Dinner"
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 1988 || ''[[Small World (UK TV series)|Small World]]'' || Morris Zapp || 6 episodes
|-
| ''[[Mickey's 60th Birthday]]'' || rowspan = "4" | Cliff Clavin || Television film
|-
| rowspan = "4" | 1990 || ''[[Walt Disney anthology television series|Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color]]'' || Episode: "Disneyland's 35th Anniversary Celebration"
|-
| ''[[Wings (1990 TV series)|Wings]]'' || Episode: "The Story of Joe"
|-
| ''[[The Earth Day Special]]'' || rowspan = "2" | Television film
|-
| ''[[Camp Cucamonga]]'' || Marvin Schector
|-
| 1990–92 ||''[[Captain Planet and the Planeteers]]'' || Rigger || Voice; 24 episodes
|-
| 1992 || ''[[Nurses (American TV series)|Nurses]]'' || Mr. Hafner || Episode: "Illicit Transfers"
|-
| 1993 || ''[[Moon Over Miami (TV series)|Moon Over Miami]]'' || Norman Rust || Episode: "Farewell, My Lovelies"
|-
| 1994, 2014 || ''[[The Simpsons]]'' || [[Cliff Clavin]], CGI [[Homer Simpson]] || Voices; 2 episodes: "[[Fear of Flying (The Simpsons)|Fear of Flying]]", "[[Treehouse of Horror XXV]]"
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 1995 || ''[[Murphy Brown]]'' || Felix || Episode: "A Rat's Tale"
|-
| ''[[Sister, Sister (TV series)|Sister, Sister]]'' || Gus Kiamilikimaka || 2 episodes
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 1996 || ''[[Caroline in the City]]'' || Mr. Berman || Episode: "Caroline and Richard's Mom"
|-
| ''[[Toy Story (franchise)#Toy Story Treats (1996)|Toy Story Treats]]'' || Hamm || Voice; Interstitials
|-
| rowspan = "3" | 1997 || ''[[Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child]]'' || Hinky || Voice; episode: "The Pied Piper"
|-
| ''[[Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996 TV series)|Sabrina, the Teenage Witch]]'' || Bob/[[Santa Claus]] || Episode: "Sabrina Claus"
|-
| ''[[The Detectives (1993 TV series)|The Detectives]]'' || Edsel || Episode: "Go West Old Man"
|-
| 1998 || ''[[Remember WENN]]'' || Mr. Abernathy || Episode: "And If I Die Before I Sleep"
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 2000 || ''[[Touched by an Angel]]'' || Merl || Episode: "Monica's Bad Day"
|-
| ''Pigs Next Door'' || Ike Stump || Recurring voice
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 2001 || ''[[That '70s Show]]'' || Glen || Episode: "Holy Craps"
|-
| ''[[The Drew Carey Show]]'' || Himself/Various || Episode: "Drew Live III"
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 2002 || ''[[Frasier]]'' || Cliff Clavin || Episode: "Cheerful Goodbyes"
|-
| ''[[The Pennsylvania Miners' Story]]'' || Thomas "Tucker" Foy || Television film
|-
| 2003 || ''[[8 Simple Rules]]'' || Fred Doyle || 4 episodes
|-
| 2004–08 || ''[[Made in America (TV program)|Made in America]]'' || rowspan="2" | Himself || Host; 97 episodes
|-
|rowspan = "2" | 2006 || ''[[Rodney (TV series)|Rodney]]'' || Episode: "Celebrity"
|-
| ''[[Mystery Woman|Mystery Woman: Redemption]]'' || Jim Carter || rowspan="2" | Hallmark movie
|-
| 2008 || ''Our First Christmas'' || Joe Noll
|-
| 2011 || ''[[Melissa & Joey]]'' || Arnie || Episode: "A House Divided"
|-
| 2012 || ''Matchmaker Santa'' || George || Hallmark movie
|-
| 2012–14 || ''[[Drop Dead Diva]]'' || Larry Kaswell || 3 episodes
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 2013 || ''[[Bones (TV series)|Bones]]'' || Bill Schumacher || Episode: "The Cheat in the Retreat"
|-
| ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'' || Stu Kirchoff || Episode: "Torch Song"
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 2013, 2014 || ''[[Legit (2013 TV series)|Legit]]'' || Walter Nugent || 10 episodes
|-
| ''[[Franklin & Bash]]'' || Judge Elliot Reid || 3 episodes
|-
| 2014 || ''[[How Murray Saved Christmas]]'' || Officer Bender || Voice; television special
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 2015 || ''[[The McCarthys]]'' || Charlie Ellis || Episode: "Hall of Fame"
|-
| ''[[Hell's Kitchen (U.S. TV series)|Hell's Kitchen]]'' || Himself || Episode: "11 Chefs Compete"
|-
| 2017 || ''[[Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures]]'' || Major [[Bren Derlin]] || Voice; episode: "The Storms of Taul"
|-
| rowspan = "3" | 2019 || ''[[Mom (TV series)|Mom]]'' || Stan || Episode: "Audrey Hepburn and a Jalapeño Pepper"<ref>{{cite web|title=Mom - Episode 7.01 - Audrey Hepburn and a Jalepeño Pepper - Promos + Press Release|url=https://www.spoilertv.com/2019/08/mom-episode-701-audrey-hepburn-and.html|website=SpoilerTV|access-date=October 3, 2019}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[The Goldbergs (2013 TV series)|The Goldbergs]]'' || Digby Yates || Episode: "Food in a Geoffy"<ref>{{cite web|last=Dawn|first=Randee|title=A mini-'Cheers' reunion is coming to TV! See the pics|url=https://www.today.com/today/amp/tdna162763|website=Today|access-date=September 18, 2019|date=September 17, 2019}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Forky Asks a Question]]'' || Hamm || Voice; Short films: "What is Money?", "What is a Friend?"
|-
| rowspan=2|2020 || ''[[Just Roll with It]]'' || Grandpa || 4 episodes
|-
|''[[Bob Hearts Abishola]]'' || Hank || Episode: "Randy's a Wrangler"
|-
| 2021–24 || ''[[Monsters at Work]]'' || Adorable (Yeti) / Bernard || Voices; 8 episodes
|-
| 2023 || ''[[Poker Face (TV series)|Poker Face]]'' || Abe || Episode: "The Night Shift"
|-
| 2024 || ''[[WondLa (TV series)|WondLa]]'' || Caruncle || Voice; Episodes: "Chapter 3: Bargain", "Chapter 4: Ghosts"
|}

=== Video games ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#b0c4; text-align:center;"
! Year !! Title !! Voice role
|-
| 1995 || ''[[Toy Story (video game)|Toy Story]]'' || rowspan = "5" | Hamm
|-
| rowspan = "2" | 1996 || ''[[Disney's Activity Center|Toy Story: Activity Center]]''
|-
| ''[[Disney's Animated Storybook: Toy Story]]''
|-
| 1999 || ''[[Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue]]''
|-
| 2001 || ''[[Toy Story Racer]]''
|-
| 2002 || ''[[Monsters, Inc. (video game)|Monsters, Inc.]]'' || Yeti
|-
| 2004 || ''[[Trivial Pursuit: Unhinged]]'' || Himself
|-
| 2005 || ''[[The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer]]'' || The Underminer
|-
| 2006 || ''[[Cars (video game)|Cars]]'' || rowspan = "2" | Mack
|-
| 2009 || ''[[Cars Race-O-Rama]]''
|-
| 2010 || ''[[Toy Story 3: The Video Game]]'' || rowspan = "6" | Hamm
|-
| 2012 || ''[[Kinect Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure]]''
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Disney Infinity (video game)|Disney Infinity]]''
|-
| 2014 || ''[[Disney Infinity 2.0]]''
|-
| 2015 || ''[[Disney Infinity 3.0]]''
|-
| 2016 || ''Disney Magic Kingdoms''
|-
| 2018 || ''[[Lego The Incredibles]]'' || The Underminer
|-
| 2019 || ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]'' || Hamm
|}

===Musical===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#b0c4; text-align:center;"
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
|-
| 2008–16 || ''[[Toy Story: The Musical]]'' || Hamm || Voice
|}

==Production credits==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Title !! [[Television director|Director]] !! [[Executive producer|Executive<br>Producer]] !! [[Screenwriter|Writer]] !! Notes
|-
| 1978 || ''[[Crown Court (TV series)|Crown Court]]'' || {{no}} || {{no}} || {{yes}} || rowspan = "3" | 1 episode
|-
| 1980 || ''[[ITV Playhouse]]'' || {{no}} || {{no}} || {{yes}}
|-
| 1990 || ''[[Sydney (TV series)|Sydney]]'' || {{yes}} || {{no}} || {{no}}
|-
| 1988–91 || ''[[Cheers (TV series)|Cheers]]'' || {{yes}} || {{no}} || {{no}} || rowspan = "2" | 4 episodes
|-
| 1990, 1991 || ''Down Home'' || {{yes}} || {{no}} || {{no}}
|-
| rowspan = "4" | 1994 || ''[[Madman of the People]]'' || {{yes}} || {{no}} || {{no}} || 3 episodes
|-
| ''Locals'' || {{no}} || {{yes}} || {{no}} || TV Movie
|-
| ''[[Evening Shade]]'' || {{yes}} || {{no}} || {{no}} || rowspan = "3" | 1 episode
|-
| ''[[Sister, Sister (TV series)|Sister, Sister]]'' || {{yes}} || {{no}} || {{no}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1996 || ''[[Pearl (TV series)|Pearl]]'' || {{yes}} || {{no}} || {{no}}
|-
| ''The World's Most Incredible Animal Rescues'' || {{no}} || {{yes}} || {{no}} || rowspan = "3" | TV Special
|-
| 1997 || ''The World's Most Incredible Animal Rescues: Part 2'' || {{no}} || {{yes}} || {{no}}
|-
| 1998 || ''The World's Most Incredible Animal Rescues: Part 3'' || {{no}} || {{yes}} || {{no}}
|-
| 2010 || ''Industrial Tsunami'' || {{no}} || {{yes}} || {{no}} || Documentary
|}

== Awards and nominations ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Association !! Category !! Project !! Result !! Ref.
|-
|[[37th Primetime Emmy Awards|1985]] || rowspan=2|[[Primetime Emmy Award]] || rowspan=2|[[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series|Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series]] || rowspan=2|''[[Cheers]]'' || {{nom}} || <ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1985/outstanding-supporting-actor-in-a-comedy-series|title= Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series 1985|website= [[Primetime Emmy Awards|Emmys.com]]|access-date= April 19, 2024}}</ref>
|-
|[[38th Primetime Emmy Awards|1986]] || {{nom}} || <ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1986/outstanding-supporting-actor-in-a-comedy-series|title= Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series 1986|website= [[Primetime Emmy Awards|Emmys.com]]|access-date= April 19, 2024}}</ref>
|-
|-
|}
|}


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|John Ratzenberger}}
{{commons category|John Ratzenberger}}
*[https://ratzenberger.com/ Official website]
* {{imdb name|1652}}
* {{IMDb name|1652}}
* {{tcmdb name|id=158252|name=John Ratzenberger}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Dancing with the Stars Season 4}}


<!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] -->
{{Persondata
|NAME= Ratzenberger, John
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES= Ratzenberger, John Deszo
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=Actor
|DATE OF BIRTH= April 6, 1947
|PLACE OF BIRTH= [[Bridgeport, Connecticut]]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ratzenberger, John}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ratzenberger, John}}
[[Category:American actors]]
[[Category:1947 births]]
[[Category:American film actors]]
[[Category:20th-century American male actors]]
[[Category:American television actors]]
[[Category:21st-century American male actors]]
[[Category:American voice actors]]
[[Category:American expatriates in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:American male comedians]]
[[Category:American male film actors]]
[[Category:American male television actors]]
[[Category:American male video game actors]]
[[Category:American male voice actors]]
[[Category:American people of Austrian descent]]
[[Category:American people of German descent]]
[[Category:American people of Hungarian descent]]
[[Category:American people of Polish descent]]
[[Category:American sketch comedians]]
[[Category:American stand-up comedians]]
[[Category:Comedians from Connecticut]]
[[Category:Connecticut Republicans]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Male actors from Bridgeport, Connecticut]]
[[Category:Participants in American reality television series]]
[[Category:Participants in American reality television series]]
[[Category:Actors from Connecticut]]
[[Category:Pixar people]]
[[Category:People from Bridgeport, Connecticut]]
[[Category:Connecticut Republicans]]
[[Category:Sacred Heart University alumni]]
[[Category:Sacred Heart University alumni]]
[[Category:American expatriates in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1947 births]]

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Latest revision as of 02:25, 18 December 2024

John Ratzenberger
Ratzenberger in 2016
Born
John Dezso Ratzenberger[1][2]

(1947-04-06) April 6, 1947 (age 77)
Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
Alma materSacred Heart University
OccupationActor
Years active1973–present
Agents
  • Saskia Delp-Kullock
  • Global Artists
Political partyRepublican
Spouses
  • Georgia Stiny
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1984; div. 2004)​
  • Julie Blichfeldt
    ​
    (m. 2012)​
Children2
HonoursPhD, Humane Letters, Sacred Heart University
Websiteratzenberger.com

John Dezso Ratzenberger (born April 6, 1947)[1] is an American actor. He is best known for playing the character Cliff Clavin on the comedy series Cheers, for which he earned two Primetime Emmy nominations. Ratzenberger reprised the role in the short-lived spin-off The Tortellis, an episode of Wings, as well as in an episode of Frasier. He has voiced various characters in several Pixar animated feature films including Hamm in the Toy Story franchise, The Abominable Snowman in the Monsters, Inc. franchise, Mack in the Cars franchise, The Underminer in The Incredibles franchise, Fritz in the Inside Out franchise, and many others.

Ratzenberger began his entertainment career while living in London in the 1970s. He acted in and wrote film and television through the 1970s and early 1980s before returning to America. At an audition for a role in a new sitcom, Ratzenberger created the character of Cliff Clavin. Cheers (1982–1993) was a success and went on to run for 11 years. After Cheers, he began voicing characters for Pixar; Ratzenberger's first role was Hamm in Pixar's debut feature film Toy Story (1995), and he would continue to voice characters in many subsequent Pixar films. Including voice acting and cameos, he is the third highest-grossing actor of all time.

Early life

[edit]

John Dezso Ratzenberger was born on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1947,[3] in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the son of Bertha Veronica (née Grochowski), and Dezso Alexander Ratzenberger, a WWII veteran who had been a combat engineer in the Philippines.[4][5] John's father, Dezso, was of Austrian and Hungarian descent, and John's mother was of Polish ancestry.[6] Ratzenberger attended St. Ann's School and Bassick High School in Bridgeport and then Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.[1] In 1969, Ratzenberger worked at the Woodstock Festival as a heavy equipment operator and as part of the crew building the stage.[7] John moved to London in 1971, where he began his acting, writing, and directing career.[1]

Career

[edit]
Ratzenberger filming Made in America
Ratzenberger on the set of the series "Made in America"

Ratzenberger began his career in the performing arts while living in London, England.[1] Through the 1970s, he performed with Ray Hassett as the comedic theatrical duo Sal's Meat Market, which toured throughout Europe for eight years.[8] Sal's Meat Market heavily influenced Peter Richardson and Nigel Planer as a duo in The Outer Limits and in The Comic Strip.[9] His first role in a major feature film was as a patron in The Ritz (1976). Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Ratzenberger appeared in various roles in feature films throughout Europe including: A Bridge Too Far, filmed in Holland, as Lieutenant James Megellas; Superman, as a missile controller; Superman II, as the NASA control man; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back as Major Derlin; Outland as a doomed mine worker named Tarlow; and Gandhi, filmed in India, playing an American lieutenant.

Cheers

[edit]

Ratzenberger played mail carrier Cliff Clavin on the sitcom Cheers. As an improv artist, he asked the producers if they had written a bar know-it-all character; the producers decided it was a great idea, and the character of Cliff Clavin was born.[10] Ratzenberger also came up with the idea for Cliff's trademark white socks, which he wore as a tribute to French comedian Jacques Tati.[11] Cliff became known for his outlandish stories, trivia, and his trademarked (and oft repeated), "It's a little known fact..." Cliff and Norm, the primary customer characters of the iconic bar, Cheers, played buddies who met at Cheers to talk about the day or nothing in particular. Ratzenberger was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1985 and again in 1986.[12][13] Ratzenberger provided the voice for an animated version of Cliff on The Simpsons sixth-season episode "Fear of Flying". He also played the role in the short-lived spin-off The Tortellis and in an episode of Wings, which was made by the same creators.

Voice work

[edit]

Ratzenberger has contributed voice work for several animated projects, most notably Pixar productions.

Ratzenberger has voiced characters in 23 Pixar films.[14] His roles include:

According to Ratzenberger, Pixar's tradition of including him as a good luck charm in every film beginning with the studio's first film, Toy Story, was due to him being good friends with former Pixar filmmaker John Lasseter,[15] who directed or executive-produced each of the first 20 Pixar films. Ratzenberger's tenure at Pixar was parodied during the end credits of Cars, where his character, Mack, watches car-themed versions of Pixar films (Toy Car Story, Monster Trucks, Inc., and A Bug's Life, the latter of which references the Volkswagen Beetle). Mack notes that all the characters that John Ratzenberger has played had excellent voice actors until he realizes that they are performed by the same actor, at which point he remarks, "They're just using the same actor over and over," and asks, "What kind of a cut-rate production is this?!" Ratzenberger stated his favorite Pixar role was Hamm from the Toy Story series,[16] and he has given honorable mention to P.T. Flea from A Bug's Life.[17]

Following Lasseter's exit from Pixar, Ratzenberger revealed he was not a fan of the regime that replaced Lasseter or the studio's subsequent films, claiming "[...] they suck", and disliked the political messaging that he felt was being placed in the films.[15] Pixar's 23rd feature film, Soul (2020), was the first Pixar film that did not involve Ratzenberger himself, though it did instead feature a character animated in his likeness as a cameo according to the film’s co-director Kemp Powers;[18] the cameo was also confirmed by director Pete Docter on the film's audio commentary track. After having voiced a character in every Pixar film from Toy Story (1995) through Onward (2020), Ratzenberger would not have another role in any Pixar film until their 28th feature film, Inside Out 2 (2024).[15][19]

Ratzenberger has continued to work with Lasseter, who produces all feature films and executive-produces all series at Skydance Animation.[20] His roles include:

  • Rootie the bad luck root in Luck (2022),[21] the studio's first feature film
  • Caruncle the alien in the first season of WondLa (2024),[22] the studio's first series
  • Milo the monster handler in Spellbound (2024),[23] the studio's second feature film

Aside from the Pixar and Skydance productions, Ratzenberger voiced Harland the jet tug in Disneytoon Studios' Planes (2013)[24] and Brodi the plane in its sequel, Planes: Fire & Rescue (2014),[25][26] which are spin-offs of Pixar's Cars series and executive-produced by Lasseter.[27] Additionally, Ratzenberger provided the voice for Aniyaku the assistant manager in the English dub version of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away (2002),[28] which Lasseter also executive-produced.

Ratzenberger also reprised his role as Yeti (now named Adorable) and voiced a new character named Bernard in the Disney Television Animation series Monsters at Work (2021-24), which is set after the main events of Pixar's Monsters, Inc.[29]

Ratzenberger at the 2008 Rhode Island International Film Festival

Personal life

[edit]

Ratzenberger lived in London for 10 years.[30] Since 1994, he has lived in Vashon, Washington.[31] Ratzenberger married Georgia Stiny in 1984; during their 20-year marriage they had two children together before divorcing in 2004.[4] He then married Julie Blichfeldt in November 2012.[32]

Ratzenberger developed a packaging-alternatives product made from biodegradable and non-toxic recycled paper as a safe alternative to foam peanuts and plastic bubble wrap. This product, SizzlePak, was manufactured by his company Eco-Pak Industries, which Ratzenberger co-founded in 1989.[33] In 1992, he sold Eco-Pack to Ranpak Corp.[33]

Political views

[edit]

Ratzenberger is a Republican. During the 2008 presidential race, Ratzenberger campaigned for John McCain, appearing with former Cheers co-star Kelsey Grammer at several Republican party events.[34][35] Ratzenberger was outspoken in opposition of the 2010 health care reform bill, referring to it as socialism.[36] On January 17, 2010, he appeared and endorsed Scott Brown for the United States Senate at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts. Ratzenberger campaigned for Republican Josh Mandel of Ohio for state treasurer in 2010 and served as master of ceremonies for Mandel's inauguration into the position in 2011.[37] He considered running for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut in 2012.[38]

Ratzenberger endorsed Mitt Romney in 2012.[39] He appeared on Your World with Neil Cavuto to support Donald Trump's candidacy during the 2016 presidential race, shortly after Trump was declared the presumptive Republican nominee.[40] He praised his performance as president in 2017, saying he had done "a wonderful job as far as manufacturing is concerned".[41]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ratzenberger expressed his support for the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 2020 via Cameo and suggested people who wished to help them donate and buy presents for Christmas early.[42][43]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1976 The Ritz Patron
1977 Twilight's Last Gleaming Sgt. Kopecki
A Bridge Too Far Lt. James Megellas
Valentino Newshound
1978 Warlords of Atlantis Fenn
Superman Missile controller
1979 Hanover Street Sergeant John Lucas
Arabian Adventure Achmed
Yanks Corporal Cook
The Bitch Hal Leonard
1980 The Empire Strikes Back Major Bren Derlin
Motel Hell Drummer
Superman II Controller No. 1
1981 Outland Tarlow
Ragtime Policeman
Reds Communist Leader
The Good Soldier Jimmy
1982 Battletruck Rusty AKA Warlords of the 21st Century
Firefox Chief Peck
Gandhi American Lieutenant
1984 Protocol Security Guard on TV Uncredited
1985 The Falcon and the Snowman Detective
1987 House II: The Second Story Bill
Timestalkers General Joe Brodsky
1988 She's Having a Baby Himself
1995 Toy Story Hamm Voice
1997 That Darn Cat Dusty
Bad Day on the Block Al Calavito
One Night Stand Phil
1998 A Bug's Life P.T. Flea Voice
1999 Toy Story 2 Hamm
2001 Monsters, Inc. Yeti
2002 Spirited Away Aniyaku
2003 Finding Nemo Fish School
2004 The Incredibles The Underminer
2006 Something New Brian's Father
Cars Mack; Hamm Truck, Abominable Snowplow, P.T. Flea Car Voice; Additional Voices
2007 Ratatouille Mustafa Voice
Your Friend the Rat P.T. Flea Voice; Short film; direct-to-video; archive footage from A Bug's Life
2008 The Village Barbershop Art Leroldi
WALL-E John Voice
2009 Up Construction Foreman Tom
2010 Toy Story 3 Hamm
What If... Mike
2011 Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation Hamm Voice; Short film
Cars 2 Mack Voice
Toy Story Toons: Small Fry Hamm Voice; Short film
2012 The Woodcarver Ernest
Brave Gordon Voice
Toy Story Toons: Partysaurus Rex Hamm Voice; Short film
2013 Monsters University Yeti Voice
Planes Harland
Super Buddies Marvin "Gramps" Livingstone Direct-to-video
In the Name of God Reverend Thomas
2014 Planes: Fire & Rescue Brodie Voice
2015 Russell Madness Mick Vaughn
Inside Out Fritz Voice
The Good Dinosaur Earl
2016 Finding Dory Husband Crab (Bill)
Pup Star[44] Mutt Voice; direct-to-video
2017 Pup Star: Better 2Gether[44] Salty
Cars 3 Mack Voice
Coco Juan Ortodoncia
2018 Shifting Gears Conrad Baines
Incredibles 2 The Underminer Voice
2019 Toy Story 4 Hamm
2020 Onward Construction Worker Fennwick
2022 Luck Rootie
2024 Inside Out 2 Fritz
Spellbound Milo the Monster Handler

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1979 Secret Army Staff Sergeant Drexler Episode: "The Execution"
1980 ITV Playhouse Tom Phillips Episode: "Friends in Space"
1981 The Good Soldier Jimmy Television film
Goliath Awaits Bill Sweeney
Private Schulz American Newsreel Commentator Uncredited voice; episode #1.5
Code Red Inspector Ray Allen Episode: "All That Glitters"
1982 Hill Street Blues Phony Cop Episode: "Some Like it Hot-Wired"
1982–93 Cheers Cliff Clavin 274 episodes; directed 4 episodes
1983 Wizards and Warriors Archie Episode: "The Dungeon of Death"
1984 Magnum, P.I. Walt Brewster Episode: "The Legacy of Garwood Huddle"
1985 St. Elsewhere Cliff Clavin Episode: "Cheers"
The Love Boat Marty Elder Episode: "A Day in Port"
1986 Combat Academy Mr. Barnett Television film
1987 Timestalkers General Joe Brodsky
The Tortellis Cliff Clavin Episode: "Frankie Comes to Dinner"
1988 Small World Morris Zapp 6 episodes
Mickey's 60th Birthday Cliff Clavin Television film
1990 Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color Episode: "Disneyland's 35th Anniversary Celebration"
Wings Episode: "The Story of Joe"
The Earth Day Special Television film
Camp Cucamonga Marvin Schector
1990–92 Captain Planet and the Planeteers Rigger Voice; 24 episodes
1992 Nurses Mr. Hafner Episode: "Illicit Transfers"
1993 Moon Over Miami Norman Rust Episode: "Farewell, My Lovelies"
1994, 2014 The Simpsons Cliff Clavin, CGI Homer Simpson Voices; 2 episodes: "Fear of Flying", "Treehouse of Horror XXV"
1995 Murphy Brown Felix Episode: "A Rat's Tale"
Sister, Sister Gus Kiamilikimaka 2 episodes
1996 Caroline in the City Mr. Berman Episode: "Caroline and Richard's Mom"
Toy Story Treats Hamm Voice; Interstitials
1997 Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child Hinky Voice; episode: "The Pied Piper"
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch Bob/Santa Claus Episode: "Sabrina Claus"
The Detectives Edsel Episode: "Go West Old Man"
1998 Remember WENN Mr. Abernathy Episode: "And If I Die Before I Sleep"
2000 Touched by an Angel Merl Episode: "Monica's Bad Day"
Pigs Next Door Ike Stump Recurring voice
2001 That '70s Show Glen Episode: "Holy Craps"
The Drew Carey Show Himself/Various Episode: "Drew Live III"
2002 Frasier Cliff Clavin Episode: "Cheerful Goodbyes"
The Pennsylvania Miners' Story Thomas "Tucker" Foy Television film
2003 8 Simple Rules Fred Doyle 4 episodes
2004–08 Made in America Himself Host; 97 episodes
2006 Rodney Episode: "Celebrity"
Mystery Woman: Redemption Jim Carter Hallmark movie
2008 Our First Christmas Joe Noll
2011 Melissa & Joey Arnie Episode: "A House Divided"
2012 Matchmaker Santa George Hallmark movie
2012–14 Drop Dead Diva Larry Kaswell 3 episodes
2013 Bones Bill Schumacher Episode: "The Cheat in the Retreat"
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Stu Kirchoff Episode: "Torch Song"
2013, 2014 Legit Walter Nugent 10 episodes
Franklin & Bash Judge Elliot Reid 3 episodes
2014 How Murray Saved Christmas Officer Bender Voice; television special
2015 The McCarthys Charlie Ellis Episode: "Hall of Fame"
Hell's Kitchen Himself Episode: "11 Chefs Compete"
2017 Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures Major Bren Derlin Voice; episode: "The Storms of Taul"
2019 Mom Stan Episode: "Audrey Hepburn and a Jalapeño Pepper"[45]
The Goldbergs Digby Yates Episode: "Food in a Geoffy"[46]
Forky Asks a Question Hamm Voice; Short films: "What is Money?", "What is a Friend?"
2020 Just Roll with It Grandpa 4 episodes
Bob Hearts Abishola Hank Episode: "Randy's a Wrangler"
2021–24 Monsters at Work Adorable (Yeti) / Bernard Voices; 8 episodes
2023 Poker Face Abe Episode: "The Night Shift"
2024 WondLa Caruncle Voice; Episodes: "Chapter 3: Bargain", "Chapter 4: Ghosts"

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Voice role
1995 Toy Story Hamm
1996 Toy Story: Activity Center
Disney's Animated Storybook: Toy Story
1999 Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue
2001 Toy Story Racer
2002 Monsters, Inc. Yeti
2004 Trivial Pursuit: Unhinged Himself
2005 The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer The Underminer
2006 Cars Mack
2009 Cars Race-O-Rama
2010 Toy Story 3: The Video Game Hamm
2012 Kinect Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure
2013 Disney Infinity
2014 Disney Infinity 2.0
2015 Disney Infinity 3.0
2016 Disney Magic Kingdoms
2018 Lego The Incredibles The Underminer
2019 Kingdom Hearts III Hamm

Musical

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2008–16 Toy Story: The Musical Hamm Voice

Production credits

[edit]
Year Title Director Executive
Producer		 Writer Notes
1978 Crown Court No No Yes 1 episode
1980 ITV Playhouse No No Yes
1990 Sydney Yes No No
1988–91 Cheers Yes No No 4 episodes
1990, 1991 Down Home Yes No No
1994 Madman of the People Yes No No 3 episodes
Locals No Yes No TV Movie
Evening Shade Yes No No 1 episode
Sister, Sister Yes No No
1996 Pearl Yes No No
The World's Most Incredible Animal Rescues No Yes No TV Special
1997 The World's Most Incredible Animal Rescues: Part 2 No Yes No
1998 The World's Most Incredible Animal Rescues: Part 3 No Yes No
2010 Industrial Tsunami No Yes No Documentary

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Association Category Project Result Ref.
1985 Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Cheers Nominated [47]
1986 Nominated [48]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e About John Archived April 9, 2010, at the Wayback Machine from Ratzenberger's official website
  2. ^ "John Ratzenberger".
  3. ^ "Easter Sunday Dates 1700 - 2299". tlarsen2.tripod.com.
  4. ^ a b John Ratzenberger Biography (1947–) from filmreference.com
  5. ^ "Last Night's Dancing with the Stars: What You Didn't See". People. Archived from the original on March 28, 2007.
  6. ^ "The Ratzenberger Attic". Archived from the original on October 12, 2008.
  7. ^ The Mark Levin Show (wma) (Radio). May 8, 2008. Retrieved December 6, 2008.[permanent dead link‍]
  8. ^ "Sal's Meat Market". Unfinishedhistories.com. Retrieved December 20, 2016.
  9. ^ Wilmut, Roger (1989). Didn't You Kill My Mother in Law?- the story of alternative comedy in Britain from the Comedy Store to Saturday Night Live. UK: Methuen. p. 58. ISBN 0-413-17390-9.
  10. ^ Toasting Cheers, Dennis A. Bjorklund, p.7
  11. ^ The Joe Cook Program (Radio). July 26, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2012.
  12. ^ "Nominees/Winners". Television Academy. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  13. ^ "Nominees/Winners". Television Academy. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  14. ^ "Pixar's secret weapon: John Ratzenberger, Slate.com
  15. ^ a b c Milo, Mr (May 18, 2024). "EXCLUSIVE: JOHN RATZENBERGER REVEALS WHY HE STOPPED DOING PIXAR CAMEOS". Pirates & Princesses. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  16. ^ "John Ratzenberger sharing his favorite character he has voiced and doing an impression". YouTube Shorts. August 1, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  17. ^ "What's John Ratzenberger's Favorite Pixar Voice?". Good Morning America. December 22, 2014. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  18. ^ Julie & T.J. (January 1, 2020). "The John Ratzenberger Easter Egg in Pixar's 'Soul' has Been Found!". Pixar Post. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  19. ^ Palmer, Roger (March 7, 2024). "First Look At Pixar's "Inside Out 2" New Emotions". What's On Disney Plus?. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  20. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 17, 2021). "Apple & Skydance Animation Set Multi-Year Feature Film & TV Deal". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  21. ^ Giardina, Carolyn (January 26, 2022). "Skydance, Apple Push Back 'Luck' to August, Set Additional Voice Cast". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  22. ^ "Teri Hatcher, Jeanine Mason: WondLa Cast & Creatives Talk Stunning Animation, Sci-Fi World, & More". YouTube. June 14, 2024. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  23. ^ Reif, Alex (November 21, 2024). "From "Shrek" to "Spellbound:" Vicky Jensen Discusses Her Return to Animated Fairytales". LaughingPlace.com. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  24. ^ Hill, Jim (August 6, 2013). "World premiere of Disney "Planes" turns Hollywood Boulevard into a celebrity-filled landing strip". Jim Hill Media. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  25. ^ "Planes Fire & Rescue (2014)". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on May 14, 2015. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  26. ^ "Look! Up in the sky! It's an exclusive peek at 'Planes'!". USA Today.
  27. ^ "Disney's "Planes" Hi-res Stills, Fun Facts and Activity Sheets". Stitch Kingdom. May 9, 2013. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
  28. ^ Hill, Jim (April 16, 2003). "The Making of Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" — Part 3". Jim Hill Media. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  29. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (April 9, 2019). "'Monsters, Inc.' Voice Cast to Return for Disney+ Series (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
  30. ^ "Revealed: Cheers star John Ratzenberger's secret love.. The bagpipes". February 22, 2010.
  31. ^ Payne, Patti (August 26, 2016). "Patti Payne's Cool Pads: $4M Vashon Island waterfront compound 'Cheers' actor John Ratzenberger built hits market". Puget Sound Business Journal.
  32. ^ "John Ratzenberger weds Julie Blichfeldt". UPI. November 30, 2012. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  33. ^ a b Bukro, Casey (November 10, 1992). "Packaging Gets Leaner, 'Greener'At Technology Expo". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 4, 2020. "I jumped on the environmental bandwagon in 1967", says Ratzenberger, who in 1989 co-founded Eco-Pak Industries in Kent, Wash.
  34. ^ Ratzenberger and Grammer greeted McCain supporters, called voters on behalf of the Republican ticket, participated in voter-registration activities at the local campaign headquarters, and held a McCain victory rally in Henderson, Nevada. "Political emissaries descend on valley: Richardson, Grammer rally voters at events". Las Vegas Review-Journal. October 11, 2008. Retrieved October 16, 2008.
  35. ^ "Stars stump in Las Vegas Valley". NBC-affiliated KVBC website. October 11, 2008. Archived from the original on December 20, 2008. Retrieved October 16, 2008.
  36. ^ "Tea Party activists hit the Hill, arrested outside Pelosi's office". CNN Political Ticker. November 5, 2009. Archived from the original on November 7, 2009. Retrieved November 5, 2009.
  37. ^ "'Cheer's' John Ratzenberger helps treasurer take oath". The Alliance Review. January 10, 2011.
  38. ^ Rachel E. Stassen-Berger (November 5, 2009). "Pawlenty draws wallets fat ... and famous". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Archived from the original on July 25, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2009.
  39. ^ Obama, Romney turn to star power for help in NV – San Jose Mercury News
  40. ^ "'The Only Candidate for Me': Pixar Icon Throws Support Behind Donald Trump". Fox News Insider. May 11, 2016. Retrieved November 18, 2016.
  41. ^ "Trump critics will apologize in four years: 'Cheers' actor John Ratzenberger". Fox Business. August 15, 2017.
  42. ^ Yasharoff, Hannah. "'The Postman' star Kevin Costner calls for US Postal Service support amid mail-in voting concerns". USA Today.
  43. ^ "Rolling Stone on Yahoo! - "John Ratzenberger, Who Played Mailman Cliff on 'Cheers,' Has a Plan to Help USPS"". Archived from the original on August 19, 2020.
  44. ^ a b "John Ratzenberger (Visual voices guide)".
  45. ^ "Mom - Episode 7.01 - Audrey Hepburn and a Jalepeño Pepper - Promos + Press Release". SpoilerTV. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  46. ^ Dawn, Randee (September 17, 2019). "A mini-'Cheers' reunion is coming to TV! See the pics". Today. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  47. ^ "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series 1985". Emmys.com. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  48. ^ "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series 1986". Emmys.com. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
[edit]
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