In The News

Ratzenberger a natural for Expo appearance

John Ratzenberger might be best known for his role as mailman Cliff Clavin on the iconic sitcom “Cheers.” Or maybe he’s better known for his voice work starring in every movie made by Pixar Animation Studios.

But Ratzenberger also has a strong connection to the trucking industry, so it’s only natural that Ratzenberger is scheduled to appear at Expedite Expo 2011, scheduled for July 22 and 23 at the Roberts Convention Centre in Wilmington, Ohio. He is a guest of TA TravelCenters of America.

Ratzenberger, whose father was a professional truck driver, will be at the show starting at 1 p.m. Saturday in Booth 172. He will address the Expo at 1 p.m., and then be available for a meet and greet / autograph session until 3:30.

Ratzenberger is a Connecticut native who was living in London when he began his acting career with a variety of minor roles in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He appeared in “Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back” as well as “Superman” and “Superman II.”

In fact, Ratzenberger’s work for Pixar as well as his roles in the “Superman” and “Star Wars” films, makes him the fourth-most successful actor of all time as measured by a total box-office take of over $3 billion. He’s also the actor with the most Oscar nominations for his movies.

Ratzenberger got his big break in 1982 with “Cheers.” Ironically, Ratzenberger originally read for the role of Norm Peterson, but sensing that he wouldn’t get that part, Ratzenberger asked producers if they had written a part for a bar know-it-all. The producers loved the idea, and the rest is television history as the character Cliff Clavin became known for his misstatements and unbelievable stories.

Ratzenberger has had a role in every movie produced by Pixar, including Mack the Truck in “Cars” and the newly released “Cars 2.”

www.expediteexpo.com