Jeff Bergman Steps into the Role of Mr. Potato Head Following the Death of Don Rickles
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Jeff Bergman, an accomplished voice actor, has officially taken on the role of Mr. Potato Head after the passing of the beloved comedian Don Rickles in 2017. In a recent interview on the radio show Nostalgia Tonight with Joe Sibilia, the 65-year-old Bergman shared his long-standing admiration for Rickles and the significance of continuing the legacy of such an iconic character.
Bergman’s connection to Don Rickles’ humour started when he was just a child. He recalled a particular family memory, revealing, “I did an impersonation of Don Rickles because when I first was introduced to Don Rickles,” noting that this was before Rickles reached the height of his fame on The Tonight Show. “We’re talking 58 years ago, when my parents would listen to that album called Hello Dummy! I don’t know what I’m laughing at, but they’re laughing, so I think it’s funny. That was my first introduction to Rickles,” he said, reflecting on those early influences.
Over the years, Bergman has incorporated his impersonation of the legendary comedian into his repertoire. He recalled a memorable moment performing on Larry King’s radio show, where King was thoroughly entertained. “He was hysterically laughing because he loved Rickles. I mean, they were pals, but he just loved being cut up by Rickles,” Bergman added, capturing the essence of Rickles’ comedic connection with his audience.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Toy Story 5, Bergman expressed excitement about what fans can expect. He stated, “What I have seen is fantastic. It’s great. It’s clever. People are going to really love it. There are some surprises in there that are just amazing.” This enthusiasm indicates Bergman’s commitment to honouring the spirit of both the character and Rickles himself, as the franchise continues to resonate with both old and new audiences.
Stepping into an iconic role like that of Mr. Potato Head is not lost on Bergman. He described it as “the epic honour of a lifetime,” highlighting that Rickles’ portrayal has had a lasting impact. “Then to come in to do an iconic role like Don Rickles… The fans know, it’s 31 years,” he remarked, noting the nostalgic experience for many who grew up with the films. Bergman recalled taking his own sons to see the original movie, which now adds a generational aspect to the character’s significance.
To ensure that Rickles’ essence is captured in the upcoming film, the team behind the character worked diligently to embody “the spirit of Don Rickles.” This commitment to authenticity reflects the care taken in maintaining the legacy of the character while introducing him to a new generation of viewers.
In November, Mindy Rickles, daughter of the late comedian, appeared on the same Nostalgia Tonight show, offering further insight into her father’s initial hesitance towards joining the Toy Story franchise. She revealed, “I think [director] John Lasseter had to come to the house and kind of convince him to do it because it was sort of a new area for him,” indicating that the transition into animation was not something Rickles initially embraced. However, she acknowledged the immense popularity of the character, commenting, “It became such a big thing, and his character was such a big deal.”
Mindy also shared a heartwarming anecdote about an animatronic version of Mr. Potato Head at Disneyland, which entertains guests with its signature light-hearted heckling. “There were little lines of insults that he would say. And it still goes on,” she laughed, expressing her joy that her father’s legacy continues to be part of the Disneyland experience. “It’s an incredible thing to just always know that that’s there… for as long as Disneyland is there. So that’s a great thing for our kids — and maybe their kids.”
As Bergman steps into this celebrated role, he carries not only his own talents but also the weight of Rickles’ legacy, influencing a new generation and ensuring that the beloved character continues to entertain audiences in Toy Story 5 and beyond. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming film is a testament to the lasting impact of both Don Rickles’ original portrayal and Bergman’s dedication to honouring it.