John Ratzenberger is a renowned American actor with an estimated net worth of $25 million. Best known for portraying Cliff Clavin on the long-running sitcom Cheers, Ratzenberger appeared in 274 out of 275 episodes of the show between 1982 and 1993. His role as the talkative, know-it-all postal worker became one of the most memorable characters in television history.
Beyond Cheers, Ratzenberger has built a lucrative career as a voice actor in Pixar films, earning a reputation as the studio’s “good luck charm.” He made his Pixar debut in 1995’s Toy Story as Hamm the Piggy Bank and went on to voice characters in every Pixar movie until 2020’s Soul. While he did not provide a voice role in Soul, an animated cameo of his likeness was included.
Thanks to his work with Pixar and his small but significant cameo in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, Ratzenberger has a cumulative box office revenue exceeding $6 billion, making him one of the highest-grossing actors in Hollywood history.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 6, 1947, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, John Ratzenberger comes from a working-class background. His mother, Bertha, worked at Remington Arms, while his father, Dezso, was a Texaco truck driver. He is of Austrian, Hungarian, and Polish descent.
Ratzenberger attended St. Ann’s School in Bridgeport before enrolling at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. In 1969, he briefly worked as a tractor operator at the Woodstock music festival before moving to London in 1970, where he spent the next decade developing his acting career.
Early Career and Hollywood Beginnings
While living in London, Ratzenberger worked as a house framer while pursuing acting. In the 1970s, he formed a comedic theatrical duo called Sal’s Meat Market with Ray Hassett. This comedic background helped him transition into television and film.
Ratzenberger landed his first film role in 1976’s The Ritz, where he played a minor character. Over the next few years, he appeared in small roles in major films, including:
- Firefox
- A Bridge Too Far (as Lieutenant James Megellas)
- Superman (as Missile Controller)
- Superman II (as NASA Control Man)
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (as Major Derlin)
- Motel Hell (as a drummer)
- Outland (as Tarlow, a mine worker)
- Gandhi (as an American lieutenant, later dubbed by Martin Sheen)
These small but memorable roles built his reputation as a reliable supporting actor.
Cheers: The Role That Defined a Career
Ratzenberger’s career skyrocketed when he landed the role of Cliff Clavin on NBC’s Cheers. Initially, he auditioned for Norm Peterson, but sensing he wouldn’t get the role, he suggested a “bar know-it-all” character. The producers loved the idea, and Cliff Clavin was born.
Cliff became one of the most beloved characters on the show, known for his quirky, often incorrect trivia and white socks. Ratzenberger even voiced an animated Cliff Clavin in The Simpsons.
Cheers Salary
At his peak on Cheers, Ratzenberger earned $200,000 per episode, totaling about $5 million per season. Adjusted for inflation, this equates to around $10 million per year today.
Pixar Success and Voice Acting Career
Ratzenberger’s partnership with Pixar began in 1995 with his role as Hamm in Toy Story. He quickly became a staple in every Pixar movie, voicing characters such as:
- Mack the Truck in Cars
- The Abominable Snowman in Monsters, Inc.
- John in Wall-E
- Bill the Crab in Finding Dory
- Fritz in Inside Out
- Fenwick the Construction Worker in Onward (2020, his last Pixar role)
With a total worldwide box office revenue of over $6 billion, Ratzenberger remains one of the highest-grossing actors of all time.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Business Success
Outside of acting, Ratzenberger is a successful entrepreneur. In 1989, he co-founded Eco-Pak Industries, a company that developed biodegradable packaging materials as an alternative to plastic bubble wrap. By 1992, Eco-Pak was generating $30 million in annual revenue, leading to a majority stake sale to Ranpak Corp.
In addition, Ratzenberger founded The Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Foundation, dedicated to promoting skilled trade careers. In 2010, he joined the Center for America, a non-profit advocating for entrepreneurship and job creation.
In 2016, he launched thegiftbox.com, an e-commerce subscription box service. In 2020, he co-founded American Made Advertising, a company that supported small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Personal Life and Political Views
John Ratzenberger has been married twice. He was married to Georgia Stiny for 19 years, divorcing in 2004. The couple has two children, James John (born 1987) and Nina Katherine (born 1989).
Politically, Ratzenberger is a strong Republican supporter and considered running for the U.S. Senate in the 2012 Connecticut primaries.
Real Estate Investments
Ratzenberger has invested significantly in real estate over the years. Some of his notable properties include:
- Vashon Island, Washington: Built a 6,500-square-foot mansion in 1994, sold in 2001 for $1.62 million (valued today at $4-5 million).
- Milford, Connecticut: Purchased in 2011 for $1.13 million, listed in 2023 for $2.45 million, sold for $1.67 million in 2024.
- Westlake Village, California: Bought a home for $1 million in 2011.
Conclusion
John Ratzenberger’s career spans over four decades, covering sitcoms, blockbuster films, voice acting, and entrepreneurship. With a net worth of $25 million, a legacy of iconic roles, and a successful business career, Ratzenberger remains an enduring figure in Hollywood and beyond.
