Net Worth Ranker
What Is John Ratzenberger’s Net Worth?
John Ratzenberger, the American actor celebrated for his role as Cliff Clavin on the NBC sitcom “Cheers” and his extensive voice work for Pixar Animation Studios, has accumulated a considerable net worth. As of 2024, his estimated net worth stands at $25 million. This financial success is primarily attributed to his long-standing television career, his involvement with Pixar films, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Sources of John Ratzenberger’s Net Worth
Ratzenberger’s income stems from several key areas:
Cheers Salary: During the peak of his tenure on “Cheers,” Ratzenberger earned approximately $200,000 per episode. Given that a standard television season comprised around 22 episodes, his annual income from the show reached $4.4 million during those peak years. Over the show’s eleven seasons (274 episodes), this contributed significantly to his wealth. Factoring in inflation, $200,000 per episode in the late 1980s and early 1990s is roughly equivalent to earning $450,000 per episode today.
Pixar Voice Work: Ratzenberger’s association with Pixar began in 1995 with “Toy Story,” where he voiced Hamm the piggy bank. He has since lent his voice to every Pixar feature film until 2020’s “Soul” (though he had a cameo in Soul), including “A Bug’s Life,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles,” “Cars,” “Ratatouille,” “WALL-E,” “Up,” “Toy Story 3,” “Cars 2,” “Brave,” “Monsters University,” “Inside Out,” “Finding Dory,” “Cars 3,” “Coco,” “Incredibles 2,” “Toy Story 4,” and “Onward.” While the exact compensation for his Pixar roles isn’t publicly disclosed, voice actors in major animated films typically earn between $50,000 to $200,000 per film initially. However, a substantial portion of their earnings comes from backend deals, which involve a percentage of the film’s profits. Given the massive box office success of Pixar films (many grossing over $1 billion worldwide), Ratzenberger’s cumulative earnings from these roles are substantial. For example, “Toy Story 4” grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Assuming Ratzenberger had a modest 0.1% backend deal, this would translate to $1 million from that film alone.
Early Career and Film Roles: Before “Cheers,” Ratzenberger held minor roles in notable films such as “Superman,” “Superman II,” “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Gandhi.” While these roles were small, they contributed to his early income and visibility in the entertainment industry. For instance, his role as Major Derlin in “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” brought him recognition and likely a modest salary for a supporting role in a major blockbuster.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: In 1989, Ratzenberger co-founded Eco-Pak Industries, a company specializing in biodegradable packaging products. Their flagship product, SizzlePak, was a paper-based alternative to plastic bubble wrap and foam packing peanuts. In 1992, Ratzenberger and his co-founder sold a majority stake in Eco-Pak to Ranpak Corp. At the time of the sale, Eco-Pak was generating $30 million in annual revenue. While the exact terms of the sale were not disclosed, Ratzenberger retained an equity stake, which likely provided a significant financial return. Assuming Ratzenberger retained a 10% equity stake that was valued proportionally to Eco-Pak’s revenue, this stake could have been worth around $3 million at the time of the sale. Since Ranpak Corp continued to grow, with 2024 revenues of $344 million, the value of Ratzenberger’s equity would have likely grown as well.
Other Television Appearances: Ratzenberger has appeared on various reality shows, including “Last Comic Standing,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “American Chopper,” and “Hell’s Kitchen.” While the exact payment for these appearances varies, celebrities typically earn between $50,000 to $300,000 per episode for reality television. These appearances supplemented his income and kept him in the public eye.
Thegiftbox.com: In 2016, Ratzenberger launched thegiftbox.com, an e-commerce site offering subscription boxes. The success of this venture would have further contributed to his net worth.
Real Estate Assets and Personal Life
Ratzenberger has engaged in several real estate transactions, further impacting his overall net worth:
Vashon Island Mansion: In 1994, Ratzenberger completed construction on a custom-built 6,500-square-foot mansion on Vashon Island, Washington. This property, which was sold in June 2001 for $1.62 million, would likely be worth around $4-5 million today, reflecting the appreciation of real estate in that area.
Milford, Connecticut Waterfront Home: In 2011, Ratzenberger purchased a waterfront home in Milford, Connecticut, for $1.13 million. He listed this property for sale in October 2023 for $2.45 million but ultimately accepted $1.67 million in April 2024. This sale contributed to his liquid assets.
Westlake Village, California Home: Also in 2011, Ratzenberger paid $1 million for a home in Westlake Village, California. The current value of this property is likely significantly higher due to the increase in real estate values in Southern California.
Personal Life Details: Ratzenberger’s first marriage to Georgia Stiny ended in divorce in 2004 after 19 years. They have two children: James John (born in 1987) and Nina Katherine (born in 1989). His political involvement, including supporting Republican candidates like John McCain, does not directly affect his net worth but highlights his public persona and values.
Key Milestones and Peak Earnings
Several milestones have significantly impacted John Ratzenberger’s net worth:
1982-1993: Cheers Era: His role as Cliff Clavin on “Cheers” provided him with steady income and widespread recognition, solidifying his financial foundation.
1995-Present: Pixar Films: His consistent voice work in Pixar films has provided him with ongoing income through initial payments and backend profits, as well as a cumulative box office of over $6 billion.
1992: Sale of Eco-Pak: The sale of Eco-Pak Industries provided him with a significant influx of capital, contributing to his overall net worth and diversification of assets.
Peak Earnings: At the peak of his career on “Cheers,” Ratzenberger was earning approximately $5 million per season (equivalent to around $10 million today when adjusted for inflation). His income from Pixar films and other ventures has likely provided him with a similar level of earnings in subsequent years.
While precise details of Ratzenberger’s investments and philanthropic activities remain private, it is evident that his diverse income streams, savvy business decisions, and long-standing career have contributed to his considerable net worth.
