Cheers legend’s message to England followers in Boston as he tells you the place and what to drink
John Ratzenberger is famous for playing postman Cliff Clavin in the 80s smash hit and has said Boston bars will be ready with open arms for England fans and that Harry Kan and co will win the World Cup
John Ratzenberger, famous for playing postman Cliff Clavin in the 80s smash sitcom Cheers, has told The Daily Star exclusively: “Cheers England! You can go all the way.”(Image: Paramount Tv/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)
Iconic star from beloved sitcom Cheers has welcomed Three Lions fans to Boston – and predicted that England can defeat Ghana and then win The World cup.
John Ratzenberger, famous for playing postman Cliff Clavin in the 80s smash sitcom Cheers, has told The Daily Star exclusively: “Cheers England! You can go all the way.”
The beloved actor, also famous as the piggy bank Hamm in the Toy Story franchise, has a huge affinity for our country having spent a decade living here.
In a heartwarming interview John, 79, adores England fans too – for our “sense of community” and “politeness that somehow co-exists with world-class sarcasm.”
The Anglophile will be cheering for Harry Kane’s men against Ghana during Tuesday’s match at Boston Stadium believing the talented team “are practically halfway to the trophy.”
And the New England born and raised artist hopes that England will meet his homeland USA in the last 16 on July 4 – when Americans celebrate their 250th Independence Day.
In a kind gesture two time Emmy nominee John has also given England fans his tips on the best places to party and enjoy Boston – which historically was the spark for America’s resistance to British rule in the 1770s.
John is optimistic England fans will remain on US soil for the whole five weeks of the tournament: “Cheers England! You can go all the way. England and the UK has always had a special place in my heart.”
He’s hopeful the 60 year drought for a trophy could be over: “Bostonians know about long droughts. Red Sox baseball fans waited 86 years for another World Series title, so England’s 60-year wait doesn’t seem quite so impossible.
“The sweetest victories are the ones worth waiting for, and if there’s a squad capable of ending that wait, this might be the one.
“England has the players, the passion, and an entire nation ready to carry that trophy home.”
He insisted: “England is always a contender. I would love to see them play the U.S., especially on July 4 which I understand could actually happen. The U.S. will give them a proper fight, especially on home soil. If this lines up, count me in. I will be there!”
Showing his true creative and comedic nature, he then served up what character Cliff – who appeared in all 11 seasons of 1982’s Cheers – would tell “limeys”!
John laughed: “Cliff would be in his element. He would lean on the bar and say something like: ‘Well, it’s a little-known fact that sixty years of tournament heartbreak has actually built up a genetic resilience in the English bloodstream.
“‘Factor in that Boston’s maritime air perfectly mimics the barometric pressure of Wembley Stadium, and science dictates those Three Lions are practically halfway to the trophy already. It’s pure physics’.”
John has fond memories of many UK’s theatre towns, kind people and boozers working a traveling actor at the start of his career in the 1970s.
“England was my home for more than a decade and will always have a place in my heart. I lived in London for nearly ten years starting in the early 70s, working as a journeyman carpenter to pay my bills.
“My college buddy Ray Hasset joined me and we spent 365 days straight traveling and performing across England as the improv duo “Sal’s Meat Market”.
“We played theatres, clubs, any place that would have us. One of my favourite memories is that hitchhiking trip from London to Devon that you mentioned. I got dropped at Stonehenge and slept right there under the stars.
“That was unforgettable. The kindness of strangers, the way audiences embraced Ray and me, the breathtaking beauty and history that’s still alive around every corner. Those are the things that stayed with me.”
John describes England’s greatest traits as “Your dry humour that can cut through anything. A deep sense of community. You see it in the pubs, in the way people rally round each other. And that famous politeness that somehow coexists with world-class sarcasm. I love it all.”
And that love is still reciprocated: “I still get letters, messages and Cameo requests from fans throughout England.
“People write to say they grew up watching it with their families, or that Norm and Cliff feel like regulars in their local pub. That kind of connection across the Atlantic is pretty special.”
John remains a proud advocate for the city of Boston and the bar which became famous for genius comedy starring Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson and the theme “Where Everybody Knows Your Name.”
Cliff’s guide to Boston
Boston still has Cheers bar in the city centre, but John wants England fans to savuor some of his secret great places – and great beers.
“Let’s set your expectations on the original Cheers Bar. It’s a tourist destination and worth the trip but it’s not known as a local’s place. Grab a drink, take some photos and if you’re hungry, order Ma Clavin’s Boston Clam Chowder or a Giant Norm Burger. They’re both awesome.
“And make sure you head upstairs where there’s an exact replica of the Cheers Bar you see on TV. Then head downtown to the Greatest Bar, The Tam, Biddy Early’s, the Black Rose or Sullivan’s Tap. Or, take the T (Boston’s subway) over to South Boston where the most Bostonian of all Bostonians live.
“Locals will buy you a round, swap stories, tell you what you absolutely must do while in town, and try to convince you that American football is far better than your ‘soccer’.
“Boston has that same straight-talking, big-hearted pub culture you find back home. You won’t feel like a stranger for long.
“I’m a born and raised New Englander and love everything about Boston. I know you will too. The city has deep English roots you’ll see in the architecture, food, culture and even in the accent.
“Boston will treat you like family. And if you need a recommendation for the best fish & chips or a proper pint, just ask anyone. Bostonians are some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet.”
He continued: “Oliver Wendell Holmes coined Boston the Hub as in “The Hub of the Universe” in 1858 and Bostonians couldn’t agree more. First of all, it’s incredibly easy to get around. You can walk across the entire urban core in about an hour starting at the harbour, heading up through Beacon Hill, then the Back Bay and end at Fenway Park.
“But if you’re going to walk the city, take your time. Like parts of London, you can wander for hours and keep discovering something new. Every neighbourhood has its own soul. And the sports culture is ferocious. It’s also a college town, ranking #1 for students per capita than any other major city in the U.S. The students are off for summer break so you won’t see many of them, but their imprint is part of what makes the city so special. As to living here, there’s a reason why generations of Bostonians never leave.”
And these are the beers to drink
And of course John who often had a pint in his hand on Cheers has a tip on beer.
“I heard the Tartan Army caused a beer shortage in Boston but I’m sure the pubs will be fully stocked by the time the English arrive.
“You can’t go to Boston and not tip back a Sam Adams Lager. It’s brewed in the city and part of their DNA at this point. But honestly, the best beer is the one you’re sharing with your new Boston friends.”
John took time out from his busy promotional schedule for Pixar’s Toy Story, out in cinemas on June 19, to speak to The Daily Star.
“Pixar is meticulous in their storytelling and animation. From an actor’s perspective, I’m honored to be a part of this incredible legacy that is Toy Story.
“That little piggy bank has travelled the world with me. Kids and grown-ups love him because he’s loyal, has a big heart and is always there for his friends.
“Voicing him across all these years then bringing him back for Toy Story 5 felt like catching up with an old mate. It keeps the magic alive for new generations while reminding the rest of us why we fell in love with these characters in the first place.”
John has high hopes for the US team too, who have two wins under their belt.
“As an American, I’m of course rooting for the home team. We’re 2-0 going into the game with Turkey and the odds are in our favour that we’ll beat them. What I’ve loved more than anything is the way the world is seeing America. The videos and social media posts from visitors amazed at how beautiful the country is and how kind the people are. That’s especially true of Boston. The energy, atmosphere and people are something special.”
- To get a personalised video shout-out from John, a Cliff Clavin-style fact for a birthday, Cheers toast, Toy Story reference, World Cup rallying cry, or a special message, you can book one here: Client Challenge
