John Ratzenberger's Real Name: John Deszo Ratzenberger

Quick answer: The actor is known professionally as John Ratzenberger. Encyclopedia.com and TV Guide independently give the name John Deszo Ratzenberger. Encyclopedia.com dates the birth to April 6, 1947, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, while noting that some sources say Black Rock; TV Guide independently gives the birthplace as Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Real name and early life

Independent publishers identify him under the professional name John Ratzenberger and give the name John Deszo Ratzenberger. Encyclopedia.com dates the birth to April 6, 1947, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, notes that some sources say Black Rock, and records a B.A. in English from Sacred Heart University. TV Guide independently gives the birth name John Deszo Ratzenberger and the birthplace Bridgeport, Connecticut, and says he worked in London as a house framer before beginning his performing career. His official biography independently says he formed the improvisational theater duo Sal's Meat Market in the early 1970s and also worked as an archery instructor and a deck hand on a fishing boat.

Career highlights

Encyclopedia.com records a 1976 film debut in The Ritz and later film roles including Superman (1978), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Gandhi (1982). His official biography independently cites Superman, Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back, and Gandhi among later motion pictures. Encyclopedia.com and TV Guide independently record Emmy Award nominations in 1985 and 1986 for Cheers. His official biography says that in 1982, on the day he was scheduled to return to London after a writing assignment for CBS, he auditioned for Cheers, suggested a "bar know-it-all," and later portrayed Cliff Clavin for the series' entire 11-year run. TV Guide independently says he created Cliff Clavin on the spot at an audition for the part of Norm. His official biography lists later Pixar voice roles including Hamm in the Toy Story films, P.T. Flea in A Bug's Life, the Yeti in Monsters, Inc., and later appearances in Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille, WALL-E, Up, and Coco. TV Guide independently says every film made by Pixar studios includes a role for him. Encyclopedia.com and TV Guide independently record the later book We've Got It Made in America: A Common Man's Salute to an Uncommon Country; his official biography ties the book to the Travel Channel series Made in America.

Name notes for searchers

People looking up John Ratzenberger or John Deszo Ratzenberger are looking for the same actor, including the television and Pixar work most often associated with his name. Search traffic often uses the professional name John Ratzenberger.