Ralph Foody

Biography

Ralph Foody, an American character actor, left a lasting impression on audiences with his memorable performances on screen. While he had several screen credits from the 1980s, Foody is perhaps most widely recognized for his role in the 1990 film "Home Alone" and its sequel in 1992. In these films, he portrayed a stereotypical 1930s mobster named "Johnny" in the black-and-white gangster films-within-the-films, "Angels with Filthy Souls" and its sequel "Angels with Even Filthier Souls."

One of Foody's most iconic contributions to cinema is his delivery of the famous catchphrases, "Keep the change ya filthy animal" and "Merry Christmas ya filthy animal and a Happy New Year." These lines have become ingrained in popular culture and are fondly remembered by fans of the films.

In addition to his role in "Home Alone," Foody showcased his versatility as an actor in other projects. He portrayed "Det. Cragie," an alcoholic and negligent Chicago cop in "Code of Silence," and also appeared as the police dispatcher in "The Blues Brothers." His ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters earned him a reputation for his incredible wit on set, leading to him being affectionately referred to as "The Witster."

Despite his talent and contributions to the entertainment industry, Foody's life was tragically cut short when he passed away from cancer in 1999 at the age of 71. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances and the impact he made on audiences during his career. Ralph Foody's dedication to his craft and his ability to captivate viewers with his portrayals ensure that he will always be remembered as a talented and beloved character actor.