John Ratzenberger returns to TV in ‘Legit’ FX comedy
Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net
John Ratzenberger. Photo by Matthias Clamer/FX.
There are those who remember two-time Emmy award nominee John Ratzenberger from his days as Cliff Clavin on the 1980’s sitcom Cheers, while others recall him for his inspirational performance as “Mike the Angel” in the 2010 film What If… (directed by Dallas Jenkins).
But a whole new generation of movie goers may not even realize they have grown up, listening to the sound of his iconic voice. As the only voice actor to appear in all the PIXAR animation films, Ratzenberger has brought so many beloved characters to life on the big screen.
Now, the soon to be 66-year-old actor returns to television as Walter in the politically incorrect comedy Legit on the FX television network.
In a recent interview with StayFamous.Net, Ratzenberger talked about his acting career and what keeps him coming back for more.
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “As an actor, what keeps you coming back to take on new projects like Legit? What’s your biggest motivation for doing what you do?”
John Ratzenberger: “The bottom line is if you can do it in life, I mean how lucky we are in the acting industry, first of all to be in it, and then, secondly to make money at it. Really, the trifecta is if you can enjoy it and have a good time. So, it’s laugh, make money or, make money and laugh.”
“If my job description is someone who gets paid to go to work and laugh, I don’t know if there are many people on Earth, living or dead, that is more blessed. That’s what keeps you coming back. It’s such a joy to be in and amongst people who are creative and someone’s writing me a check at the end of the week, saying, ‘Okay, go buy some Melton shoes.’ It just doesn’t get better.”
Jim Jefferies (left) as Jim and John Ratzenberger as Walter. Photo by Patrick McElhenney/FX.
Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Do you think you’re more choosy when it comes to roles at this point in your career? Or, are you still willing to take some chances?”
John Ratzenberger: “Taking chances? I don’t know about taking chances. My bottom line was when I read the Legit script, I laughed. I thought, ‘Boy, this is really politically incorrect. But, man, is it funny.’ So, if I laugh, and I don’t think I’m any different than anyone else as far as sensibilities, if this is done right, if everybody else does their job, and the editors and the music people and the director, this is going to be good. It turns out that it is.”
Legit airs Thursdays at 10:30 p.m. on FX.
John Ratzenberger returns to TV in ‘Legit’ FX comedy
Copyright 2013 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photographs courtesy of FX Networks
To request permission to use excerpts from StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact:
StayFamous Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
