John Ratzenberger: Summary

Recent Role:: Self/Talent Scout on Last Comic Standing

Gender:: Female

Birthday:: 4-6-1947

Birthplace:: Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA

Born in Connecticut, John Ratzenberger spent most of his early adulthood in England and Europe. After a brief stint as assistant to a London tree surgeon, Ratzenberger helped organize the English improvisational troupe "Sal's Meat Market" in 1971. He made his first screen appearances in such British-based productions as The Ritz (1976), A Bridge Too Far (1977), Superman (1978), The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Gandhi (1982). In 1982, Ratzenberger read for the part of post-office employee Norm on the upcoming American TV sitcom Cheers. Sensing that he hadn't won the role (which was true), Ratzenberger asked if the cast of Cheers included the character of "a bar know-it-all." Suddenly he launched into an impromptu ten-minute monologue, posing as an endlessly chattering repository of useless information. Then and there, the character of Cliff Clavin was born--a character Ratzenberger played for the next ten years. A man of many talents, Ratzenberger directed several Cheers episodes, and also co-wrote two British television plays Friends in Space (1978) and Scalped (1979). Tirelessly active in the pro-ecology movement, John Ratzenberger was owner and operator of Eco-Pak, a conservation-conscious packaging firm. Since the demise of Cheers, the actor has resurrected Cliff Clavin in the form of an advertising pitchman and has appeared in many commercials. He has also found success doing voice overs for advertising and voicework in films such as Toy Story (1995) and Dog's Best Friend (1997). Ratzenberger also continues to make occasional guest appearances on television series such as Caroline in the City (NBC, 1995-?). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Born in Connecticut, John Ratzenberger spent most of his early adulthood in England and Europe. After a brief stint as assistant to a London tree surgeon, Ratzenberger helped organize the English improvisational troupe "Sal's Meat Market" in 1971. He made his first screen appearances in such British-based productions as The Ritz (1976), A Bridge Too Far (1977), Superman (1978), The...

Ratzy by MuteTroubadouR 10/14/2006 4:34am
Welcome to the TV.com Blog for John Ratzenberger by SYS 10/14/2006 4:30am

Sorry there is no news for John Ratzenberger at this time.

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Bountyhunterc28
member since: Oct 4, 2005
Has appeared in every Pixar movie to date. ...Continue »
John Ratzenberger, is an amazing actor, he has had a role in every Pixar movie released so far, he played the voice of Hamm in Toy Story and Toy Story 2, P.T Flea, in a Bug's Life, the Abominable Snowman in Monsters Inc, The school of Moonfish in Finding Nemo, The Underminer in The Incredibles, and Mack in Cars, he is also suppose to play in Ratatouille next year.

John has acted in shows such as Cheers, and other shows, though I mostly know him from the Pixar movies, and every time I see a Pixar movie I look for his voice wondering what character he's playing next.

John's characters also see to have to wittiest lines, no matter what character he plays and its always funny.

I hope John returns as Hamm in Toy Story 3 because the movie would not be the same without him.
11/30/06 09:06am | report abuse