From humble beginnings in Bridgeport, Connecticut, John Ratzenberger gained international fame in Cheers. During more than three decades of movie making and theatre, John has enjoyed success as a screenwriter, director, producer and multi Emmy nominated actor. He is also an accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Master improvisational actor John Deszo Ratzenberger was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on April 6, 1947. He was raised in a hard working, blue-collar family neighborhood as one of three children. John attended St. Ann's grade school where he got his first taste of the stage singing "With a Shelalee Under My Arm and a Twinkle in my Eye."

John attended Sacred Heart University, majoring in English literature. During these college years, John joined the drama club and starred in his first lead.

As an understudy placed in the lead at the last moment, he forgot his lines and entirely improvised the second and third act of Tennessee William's "Summer and Smoke," bringing the audience to a standing ovation. He continued with lead roles in subsequent plays.