John Ratzenberger Biography

Fast Facts

• Was the owner and operator of Eco-Pak, a packaging company that sought to help the environment by providing conservation-conscious packaging
• Joined the boards of Pepperdine and Sacred Heart Universities
• Worked in London as a house framer for some time before beginning his career in the performing arts, and didn't appear in his first role until 1976
• Quote: "[on P․T․ Flea] "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․""
• Quote: "Get up in the morning, put your hand to something useful and be responsible for yourself and family․"
• Created his "Cheers" character, Cliff Clavin, on the spot at his audition for the part of Norm after he sensed that he hadn't won the original part
• Every film made by Pixar studios includes a role for him
• Co-authored "We've Got it Made in America: A Common Man's Salute to an Uncommon Country․"
• Only member of the cast of "Cheers" to have actually lived in Boston, the city where the series is set
• Was one of the founding members of a bagpipe band called Gold Coast Pipe Band, but plays snare drum, not bagpipes